Discussion | Series Procrastination

I hate endings. 

Just like the Doctor, I refuse to acknowledge that everything must end, especially my favorite books (even though I would never rip out the last page of a book).

For example, I have finally come  the last episode of season 7 of Doctor Who, which is the last episode that is currently available on Netflix. I am afraid to watch this episode, because it signals the end of my adventures with the Doctor until Netflix decides to put on the next season (which ended in November of last year, so I do not know what they are waiting for). I will probably not be able to make myself watch the episode for a while, at least a couple of weeks, maybe even until the next season is available.

This happens to me all the time with books. I will finish the second to last book in a series, but then I will just never read the last one.

I start excited to read it, but then that feeling fades when I realize that it is the last in a series. Then I convince myself that I should read other books on my to-be-read list. Eventually, days, weeks, then months pass (I think I may be too good at procrastinating...). Then I make the excuse that I would have to read the rest of the books before the last one so I actually know what is going on, but I never have the time (or patience) to read all of the books again. So, I end up caught in my web of procrastination.

There is a significant list of books that I have not read yet due to this special type of procrastination. 

The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Champion by Marie Lu

In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken

Undivided by Neal Shusterman

Archenemy by Frank Beddor

There are definitely more books, but I have procrastinated so long that I forget which ones they are...

I think that my biggest fear is being disappointed. All of the series that I have not finished are some of my favorites.

I have loved the Percy Jackson series since I was in middle school. Percy and his sass were helped me through the horrors of junior high and the beginnings of high school. I JUST DO NOT WANT IT TO END! I am terrified of what is going to happen in the book (I mean, someone is going to die) but I am more afraid of what is going to happen when the book is over. The world will be saved (hopefully) and the characters will all get their happily ever after (but you never now with Riordan books). There will be no more adventures with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. I will be left in my completely ordinary world that lacks the magic of Greek mythology. 

I do not want that magic to end.

These characters sneaked in to my heart and taken control. They haunt my dreams. I cannot seem to get rid of them, but I am afraid of leaving when the book is over. 

I am also afraid to read sequels that are part of my favorite series.

Such as...

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Outpost by Ann Aguire

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

The Four novellas by Veronica Roth

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

It is so intimidating to continue one of my favorite series. I mean, what if I do not like it as much as the rest of the series? I loved the rest of the books in the series so much that I doubt the book can actually live up to expectations. We all know that it only takes one bad book to ruin a series.

Now that I have shared my irrational fear of fictional characters leaving me and being disappointed by my favorite series and authors, I want to know what scares you about series.

Have you ever procrastinated on reading the last book in a series? If so, which ones? Are you afraid to read new books by your favorite authors? Or do you think that I am just crazy?

Also, if you have any advice on how to cope with the ending of a series, I could really use it!