Reflections on the Many-Volume Fantasy Series: Are They Worth the Read?

In the realm of fantasy literature, long and multi-volume series hold a prominent place. While these expansive works can offer rich, immersive storytelling, their merits and drawbacks vary greatly among readers and authors. This article explores the concept of many-volume fantasy series, examining their flaws and benefits, and concludes with insights on why some series succeed while many others falter.

Are Many-Volume Series Flawed?

The notion of a many-volume series being flawed is often debated. Many readers believe that these series can lose steam and become overly complex, detracting from the overall reading experience. Books like the Shadow series might provide endless length with little direction, while others, such as A Song of Ice and Fire, seem to lack a clear conclusion, leading to frustration among readers.

Scifi and the Many-Volume Series

Science fiction, too, has its share of multi-volume series. A notable example is Ender's Game, which skillfully balances its narrative, keeping the reader engaged with a compelling story about a young mind player. However, not all sci-fi series offer the same experience. The Shadow series, despite initial promise, suffered from a lack of direction, leading to a loss of reader interest.

Defining Success and Flaws

Some multi-volume series excel with their intricate world-building and diverse characters, such as the Wheel of Time and Dragonlance Chronicles. These series often boast 14 and 6 books, respectively, each with its own unique story arc. While the inclusion of Dragons of Summer Flame can feel rushed, the subsequent trilogies in the Dragonlance series remain beloved for their compelling narratives.

The Art of Ruthless Cuts

Writing and editing multi-volume series is an arduous task. Skilled authors must learn to cut unnecessary details to focus on what’s essential. This is evident in the works of authors like Tolkien, who managed to relay a vast world in relatively few books compared to others, such as Terry Goodkind, who wrote The Sword of Truth series, with its 16 books. Tolkien’s ability to craft a world that feels complete and interconnected is a hallmark of great writing.

Lessons from Personal Experience

From personal experience, editing journal articles taught the importance of ruthlessly omitting what doesn’t add value. Authors must be as meticulous in their editing process as they are in their writing. Just like a gardener must remove plants that don’t thrive or disrupt the garden, authors must be willing to cut away parts of their work that detract from the overall narrative.

Conclusion: Balancing the Essence of Storytelling

Despite the challenges, many-volume series can still be engaging and rewarding. Good writers can craft a coherent and well-paced narrative, while great writers like Tolkien excel at building a rich, interconnected world. The success of a many-volume series depends on the author’s ability to maintain a strong narrative direction and make necessary cuts to keep the story compelling.

In summary, while many-volume fantasy series are not without their flaws, they can also be a remarkable journey for both readers and authors. By focusing on suspending disbelief and finding a resonating ending, these series can offer readers a wealth of rich storytelling and unforgettable characters.