One of the most frustrating things I've encountered as a librarian is keeping up with the incredible amount of series that seem to be hitting the YA Literature scene. Just when I think I have an handle on it, I realize that I have numbers 1,2,3 and 5 of a series and someone have missed the 4th book. New books come my way all the time, and I'd say about 50% of them are book one of a series.
In some ways, this makes sense because book publishers want to keep readers...(and sell books) and one of the best ways to do that is to end a book in such a way that sequel (or many) is required. Case in point - the HUGE HIT The Hunger Games made on both young adult and adult readers. I couldn't keep the books on my shelves and I had three copies of each book. Right in line with that dystopian trilogy is the Divergent series that now has readers diving in as the movie is set to premier in a few months. I could list oodles of series but there is only so much space on the page.
How do I feel about reading series? Well, like most readers, my favorite part is I don't have to wonder about what to read next. That's both good and bad. I've found myself dragging through a series just because I hope it gets better or I just need to know how it ends. For me, a perfect example of that is the Beautiful Creatures series. I love the first one, but after that they lost their appeal - though many of my readers loved them all. The worst part about series? Waiting for the next one to come out when you've finished the book you have. For me, the Harry Potter series was pure torture as I would rapidly go through the books that was just released and then have to know it could well over 18 months until the next one appeared! I for one am grateful when I discover a series that is already complete because then I can gather them all up and take them home and read until my heart's content :)
If you really must torture yourself, check out this list of series for young adults - I gasped a little when I realized how many I've read :)
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4794.Best_Young_Adult_Book_Series
