So I started Holy Sister yesterday and, besides the fact that I’m counting on loving it, the book starts off with what might be my favorite thing ever that should be included in all book series…
Don’t actually read the text in the picture unless you want Gray Sister spoilers!
A section called The Story So Far which is basically a previously on. It’s actually a pretty in-depth summary concerning important plot, character and world details. I read Gray Sister (book 2) pretty recently but it’s still nice to have the primer and to get an idea of what the author thinks are the most important parts of the previous book.
And since I don’t usually hold off reading most series I would love this in other books as well. I think it’s something the author and publisher should try to always include (and in the front) whether there’s a year between series or longer.
I’m not a great re-reader and frankly there are a lot of books I like but don’t feel like they deserve a re-read so this would help there as well. I’d probably follow through on even more series if ‘previous in’s,’ we’re included.
And that is my little suggestion to the publishing companies and thank you to Mark Lawrence, his editor and publisher for taking the time to include it in the Book of the Ancestor trilogy. Which if you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend giving Red Sister a read!
Book Beach Bunny 
That really is a good idea – I wish more series did that!
I remember reading the Game of Thrones books and they had a little guide at the back reminding you of all the different Houses, it was so handy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! This is so necessary! I get into second and third books all the time where I’m like, “Wait, who is this character?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? Once I was sure a character had died. Nice surprise I suppose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha yeah, that would be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to tell you that this is so incredibly informative and helpful! Thank you so much for this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it when previous books are summarized or recapped- totally helps! I often don’t want to go back and re- read a whole book (or series!) just to be caught up enough to read a new one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed! I could done with a refresher when I started reading Crooked Kingdom, not just the story so far, but on the magic system too – so all over the place. Refreshers are a definite must for fantasy series’s!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woohoo, glad you’re loving it! Hoping to get to it soon. And I’m surprised more books/publishers don’t do this. Especially with those series where the sequel picks up immediately after the previous book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, this is such a good idea! Every series needs this! 😀 Usually by the time i read the next installment i’m like “… mmm, who dis??”
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG mind blown!!!! Why don’t we see this in other books???? What a game-changer. I hope this post gets more attention!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is awesome! I wish more books did that too haha. When I was reading the GOT series I googled in depth summaries of each book before I read the next one. So you can kind of find “Previously On” type summaries online if they don’t actually include them with the book
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true! I’ve seen some for Thrones that are so incredibly detailed it’s impressive. Of course there’s so much writing on thrones some people could be scholars at this point 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really love when authors include “the story so far” 🙂 And yeah I don’t always have time for rereads, so this is very helpful!
LikeLiked by 1 person