Wrong.
Young adult Christian fiction is becoming just as notorious, and not just with sequels. Welcome to the age of the sequel series. These prolific authors aren’t content to just write a series of books. They won’t rest until they’ve completed another whole series full of sequels. And in Bryan Davis’ case, two series full of sequels.
Here’s a complete list of past, present and future sequel series in the young adult Christian fiction niche:
Past
Blaggard’s Moon by George Bryan Polivka. After releasing The Trophy Chase Trilogy to rave reviews and strong sales, Polivka tried to capitalize in 2009 with a sequel to the series, without much success. He hasn’t written anything since.
Knights of Arrethtrae by Chuck Black. Originally, Black released his four book Kingdom Series through his own company, Perfect Praise Publishing. Due to exceptional word-of-mouth, sales took off and Multnomah acquired the books in 2006, turning the series into six books. The Knights of Arrethtrae were huge hits as well, triggering pre-production to commence on a film adaption of the first series. I wouldn’t be surprised if a third series was in the works.
The Lost Books by Ted Dekker. After establishing himself as a major force in adult fiction, Dekker wrote The Lost Books in an attempt to break into a whole new demographic his bestselling Books of History Chronicles were just beginning to tap. Over a half million sales and four graphic novel adaptions later, I think everyone would agree that he’s succeeded in his mission.
Oracles of Fire by Bryan Davis. Bryan Davis is one of the main reasons modern Christian fantasy is around today. Living Ink, a division of AMG Publishers, took a chance with Dragons in our Midst, and the market has never been the same. When the first of the sequel series topped the bestseller lists in 2007, everyone realized Davis was here to stay. Zondervan signed him for a trilogy soon after.
The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers. Publishers Weekly hailed The Wilderking Trilogy as taking “biblical fiction to a whole new level.” In my opinion, The Charltan’s Boy does it again. Another sequel, Turtlebane, is planned for a 2012 release.
Children of the Bard by Bryan Davis. Following Davis’ success with Zondervan and his bestselling Dragons of Starlight series, I can imagine Living Ink, as well as a host of fans, practically begged him for a another sequel series to Dragons in our Midst. Mr. Davis was happy to oblige.
Dragons of Chiril by Donita K. Paul. Inspired by Robert Jordon’s Wheel of Time, Mrs. Paul took a break from her romance writing to dabble in some epic fantasy. The result was the quarter million selling Dragon Keepers Chronicles. Apparently, Mrs. Paul liked her first go at fantasy and decided to have another round.
Future
Codebearers: The Continuum by The Miller Brothers. Just announced today, but hinted at long before, The Miller Brothers have confirmed a sequel series to The Codebearers that they say is “a fresh start for new readers and a twist for loyal fans.”
D. M. Cornish has hinted that he may write more stories based in the world of Half-Continent first seen in his Monster Blood Tattoo series. Look for it in 2013 at the earliest. Cornish likes to take is time crafting his signature biopunk doorstoppers, usually clocking in at around 750 pages.
Robert Liparulo said that before he writes another Dreamhouse Kings series, he would write a dystopian trilogy for older teens called Hunter. However, the trilogy has yet to be officially announced, so it looks like 2015 is the earliest we can expect more from the King family.
Speculation
So what’s next? One can hardly begin to guess. The Found Books by Ted Dekker? Blood of Queens by Jill Williamson? 100 Cabinets by N. D. Wilson? Or--heaven forbid it--The Door Without by Wayne Thomas Batson?
What do you think about all these sequel’s sequels? Do you like returning to the same characters and world over and over again through the years, or do you wish your favorite authors would stop beating their dead horses?
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