Chapter #54: Let's Talk About Sequels
Do we love them or hate them?
Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and, well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, some recent reads.
Deja Brew by Celestine Martin
Sirena Caraway is a kitchen witch whose powers are on the fritz. After a chaotic October filled with career setbacks and embarrassment at a Halloween party, she wishes to relive the month. With a second chance under her spell, she recruits Gus, a former reality star and magician, to help her make the most of it. Soon, they’re navigating magical adventures and growing feelings for each other. The story’s basically a horny Halloweentown—no, really, it’s set in a fictional place where witches, warlocks, vampires, and all the rest roam the streets. But instead of the main characters being kids fighting a Kalabar-like figure, they’re adults fighting inner demons that are trying to stop them from getting their freak on.
Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark
A fun, sexy read that hooked me from the start! The story follows the Belvedere siblings—Liz, a Hollywood showrunner, Birdie, a stand-up comic, and Rafi, a sensitive romantic—who, after facing personal and professional disasters, head to their mother's house for a holiday reset. But as the season unfolds, love and holiday magic have other plans. Birdie's hilarious one-liners kept me laughing the whole way through, and the romance sizzled with every page. It's the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat—I highly recommend it if you’re ready to dive into the holiday season (even if it is still October!) In case you missed it, check out my interview with Georgia at the link below.
Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes by Laci Mosley
In Scam Goddess, comedian, and actress Laci Mosley reflects on her life shaped by small scams and cons that helped her navigate a challenging world, highlighting that everyone engages in some form of scamming to survive. Essays are infused with real-life scam stories that inspired Mosley—perfect for fans of true crime, comedy, and those intrigued by the art of deception.
Who can relate to reaching the last page of a really great book—like five stars, no notes!—and getting pissed that there’s no more? But then you’re scrolling on the author’s Instagram page and discover the best news: a sequel is on the way.
Sequels—whether we love ‘em or hate ‘em, we can’t stop reading them.
I especially love standalone sequels— you know, the ones that are set in the same universe as the first book but focus on a different character. They’re the best of both worlds as far as second books go. I get to revisit a world I’ve already met and fallen in love with, but there are new characters, new stakes, and new romances.
However, let’s be honest: not all sequels hit the mark. Ever read one that feels like it’s just filling time before the grand finale (aka the third book)? Where not much happens, and the plot feels like it's dragging treading water to get us to the next book? Hate it. Wish I could unread it.
Recently, I’ve been seeing more than a few announcements about sequels (or prequels or spinoffs) coming next year, and it got me thinking: what makes a good sequel? I went back and forth with my thoughts, and for me, it all boils down to three key things:
It honors the original.
There needs to be enough of what made the first book special to keep me grounded alongside something new to keep me hooked. That doesn’t mean it has to be identical to the original story—it just has to feel like it really belongs to the same universe.
The character’s growth feels balanced.
Nothing’s worse than watching a beloved character make decisions that don’t seem true to who they were in the first book. Sure, they must grow, change, or face new challenges. I just prefer the growth not to be entirely out of left field.
Higher stakes!
Why am I even reading this if there’s not more to lose? Push the character (and me!) to the edge. Throw in another antagonist. Shorten the timeline. I wanna feel something other than “this could’ve all been one book.”
“Sequels” that are just as good as the first books (if not better, IMO)
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
The plot is perfectly constructed, the pacing is amazing, and there are some good twists that don’t just feel like repeats from A Good Girls Guide to Murder.
Take a Hint: Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
I liked this book so much more than the first book in the series! TBH, Chloe Brown was way too whiny for my taste, but her sister Dani possesses the cool confidence I love in Black female characters. She’s smart, at times sarcastic, and I related to how jaded she was about romance.
And a few sequels I’m looking forward to reading this fall/winter…
The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis: The anticipated sequel to The Davenports, following a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago.
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea: Follow up to the twisted, dark fantasy I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me.
The Champions by Kara Thomas: A YA thriller set in the same town as The Cheerleaders.
Okay, how do you feel about sequels—love them or hate them? Let me know in the comments. Also, drop in any sequels you think are definitely worth reading.
Dances by Nicole Cuffy, “a debut novel about a Black ballerina at the pinnacle of her career, searching for her missing brother and reclaiming her own identity.”
How to bounce back from failure, according to experts. Everything we know about season 3 of Tell Me Lies. The new Emily Henry book is inspired by a Taylor Swift song. These abortion storytellers won’t be silenced. Books each Twilight character needs to read. Bethany Joy Lenz wanted community. She ended up in a cult. There’s a reason why you love doomed romance.
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