Sometimes you think you have this

When you really have this

So this is the big question that actually started my idea for these types of posts.  Since Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower is a sequel, I’m really curious to see what people say.

Personally, I like consistency and growth.  The characters from the earlier books have to act like they did before, but change as the story progresses.  A sudden change of personality between books is jarring to me and makes the early book feel unconnected.  It’s essential to make sure your books feel connected if they hold the same characters and places.

I also look for continuity and it’s something I worry about a lot in my own books.  For example, I switched Luke Callindor’s eye color in the second book and it took me 3 editing runs to realize it.  He has green eyes and I made him blue.  Though, I’m looking into a way to change that since I realized two other champions have green.  Can’t do it until the sixth when something happens to him.  That’s a story for next year if things keep going smoothly.

The third thing I like in a sequel are new characters and locations.  Staying in the same place gets boring and you need fresh voices.  Without these things, you’re probably going to rehash the first story.  For locations, it can make sense to stay in the same place if the plot is about defending a central location.  Still, show different areas of that place or have a small excursion to the surrounding region.  Otherwise, it feels like the author has no depth to the world.

So, what do you look for in a sequel?  What’s the best and worst sequel you’ve ever seen or read?

Don’t forget!  Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower will debut tomorrow.