Top Ten Series of Books I'd Like to Finish. . . | Actually, more like 17

Meet my cute literary-dog, Atticus!

I am an odd little ball with finishing a series, because predominantly in the past, once I started a book in a series, and liked it enough, I was quite prompt to grab those other copies, and finish that series. This year has been a little bit of an exception for me, as I've read the first book in more than one trilogy/series but have not had the opportunity to get my hand on, or find the time to finish the rest of the books. It's something I'm working on, but I am actually not stressed about it, because when a series ends that I like, I feel quite sad about it, so I don't mind stretching the enjoyable experience of anticipation over a long stretch of time ;) Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun if I joined in The Broke and the Bookish "Top Ten Tuesday" of a few weeks ago, and share with you the book-series I've not finished (yet) but really want to!

The Sword and the Staff Trilogy by Patrick W. Carr: "The Hero's Lot", and "A Draw of Kings". 

I read the first book, A Cast of Stone, earlier this year, after hearing Schuyler mention it on several occasions on her blog, and really quite enjoyed the adventure and quest-like nature of the story. Also Errol was a really engaging and interesting hero; the ending of A Cast of Stone left me on tenterhooks with the revelations and plot-twists and danger, so I'd like to see how the story pans out for young Errol and his friends. 

The Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl: "Poison Crown".

I've read all of the books and novellas in Stengl's "Goldstone Wood" series as they stand published so far, and they are so good! It's an excellent fairy-tale/ish Christian fantasy series for young people; I highly recommend this series, folks! But the wonderful thing is the series is still unfinished, and Anne Elisabeth has plans for more books which I am eagerly looking forward to :). In fact, she's been working on Book 8 in the series, "Poison Crown: Smallman's Heir" for a long while now, but has currently chosen to put it on hold for a break to work on other projects, so we may have wait a few years before the next Goldstone Wood comes out. . . *sniffs sadly* 

Wings of Glory series by Sarah Sundin: "A Memory Between Us" and "Blue Skies Tomorrow". 

I read A Distant Melody a few years ago, and loved it! Basically, as far as I gather, the Wings of Glory series is a set of three books, each book telling the story of one of the three Novak brothers, Ray, Jack and Walt. A Distant Melody tells the story of the youngest, Walt, who is in the Air Force during WW2, and about a young woman who correspondences with him called Allie. It was a great debut novel and just a sweet historical romance about WW2 which I thoroughly enjoyed - despite the romantic plot, the story had other in-depth themes and well-written characters, so that the romance did not leave out those elements. I also loved the exploration of the themes of honesty, sacrifice, and love through-out the story and really loved that ending! I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy and discover the stories of Walt's two older brothers. (P.S. I'm actually currently reading A Memory Between Us!)

"Wings of the Nightingale" series by Sarah Sundin: "On Distant Shores" "In Perfect Time".

Like with A Distant Melody, I loved the first book in this series, With Every Letter immensely. While some elements of the romance bugged me a little, I loved all the historical detail and richness of the plot! It was just so good. The characters were so well-rounded and captivating, and I loved the idea of two people getting to come and love each other through letters. I then started the second book "On Distant Shores". . . but oh dear! While the historical detail was as stellar as the first book, the romance and the plot of relationships between the different characters got on my nerves too much, and I just had to lay aside the book, sadly. The romance wasn't my cup-a-tea, plus it had a streak of feminism which I didn't like. However, I might consider picking up  "In Perfect Time" sometime and giving it a go, just because of how good Sundin writes WW2 history. We shall have to see. . . 

The Peacemaker Series by Anna Schmidt: "Simple Faith" and "Safe Haven". 

This was a series I discovered while browsing online, and because of my love WW2 stories, I picked up the first book in the series "All God's Children". It was quite good, and sad in parts. The story dealt with the White Rose movement with Sophie Scholl which I found really interesting. I can't say it was exceptional in any way, and the writing-style wasn't my favourite part, but I think it was good enough so that I'd like to read the other two books in the series.

The Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke.

I was not super keen for the film series with Michael Landon Jr, but I really did like the first two books, Love Comes Softly, and Love's Enduring Promise, better than the films, and would really love to continue the series. . .

Luner Chronicles by Merissa Meyer. 

Now this is technically cheating to include this series in this list, because I've only just started Cinder, but so far I'm intrigued to read the full series, as I've heard quite a few interesting things about it. . . and I know that is a very shallow motivation, but they have such gorgeous book-covers! 

Jeeves and Wooster series P.G. Wodehouse.

So far, I've only read Right Ho, Jeeves, and saw the first two or three episodes of Jeeves and Wooster tv show with Stephan Fry, but I'm hooked! I want to read all the P.G. Wodehouse books now, and most definitely all the Jeeves & Wooster series in particular. Such a good dose of humour, comedy and nonsensical wit to lift the soul :). 

Hercule Poirot series Agatha Christie.

I've seen several of the episodes in the tv show with David Schuett, but so far I've only read one of Agatha Christie's novels, Murder on the Orient Express, but I really liked that one, so I need to read her other stories. . . !

The sequel to The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.

The Princess and the Curdie. Technically I don't think this is a series, but I really loved The Princess and the Goblin, so I'd love to continue the story with The Princess and the Curdie.

War of the Realms series by Chuck Black.

I've already read Cloak of the Light, which I really loved, and book 2 Rise of the Fallen, which I am still all in a muddle about (that book challenged me quite a bit, and made me think a lot, but I'm not sure I agree with all the spiritual allegory/symbolism the author used. Need to ponder that one more). But as far as I know, it will end up being a trilogy of three books, so I would like to read the last book when it comes out by and by, despite some of my reservations with the series. I've just really loved a lot of Chuck Black's writing over the years (you should all check out The Knights of Arrethtrae series - so good!), so it would be neat to see how his writing continues to develop in the years ahead.

With Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. 

A good friend introduced me to the author Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I really loved My Heart Remembers - it was a good, decent historical fiction story that I found engaging, so I'd love to read the companion novel, In Every Heartbeat and continue the story with new characters. . . 

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.

Well, I read To Kill a Mockingbird earlier this year, and loved it so much. I wasn't surprised it made it to one of my favourite ever book-list :). Atticus Finch was my favourite part of the book, but I just loved Scout as well. And the writing was beautiful and raw and poignant. I definitely loved this modern classic. Despite the controversy around this book, I do want to read Go Set a Watchman - not so much because it's a sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird and will wow me the same way. . . I know it won't; but I do love this type of literary fiction, and I'd love to read more of Harper Lee's writing (a wee bit apprehensive though about whether my view of Atticus will be spoilt in any way?).

The Dolphin Ring Cycle by Rosemary Sutcliff.

I've read so far "The Eagle and the Ninth", "The Silver Branch", "The Lantern Bearers" and "The Shield Ring" which all fall under the Dolphin Ring Cycle, but I'd definitely like to read Sutcliff's other novels that are a part of that series (I'd read love to read all the books I can for Sutcliff!)

The Hawk and the Dove series by Penelope Wilcock.

I read the first book in this series back in May after having noticed the series several times online and being especially intrigued by its premise of medieval monastery life and its focus on how to live a godly life and show love to your neighbours. I really loved The Hawk and the Dove, and would love to continue the series and read The Wounds of God soon. . . 

The Plenilune Series by Jennifer Freitag.

Now, I had such mixed feelings about Plenilune when I read it early this year, however I do believe that if Jenny did publish her subsequent books in the series I would pick them up. On two grounds - firstly, I loved the first half of Plenilune exceedingly - I loved the richness of her world and characters and her beautiful prose. That book definitely made me think. And then, though I did not like the ending, and was upset about certain aspects/themes in the story regarding justice, mercy and violence, I would love to re-read Plenilune to see if I might be able to appreciate her perspective better without the shock factor of a first read; I'd also like to read more of her writing because she is a good writer, and I loved what she did in The Shadow Things and I have learnt so much from her over the years. . . 

Vivi and Farnham Mystery Series by Rachel Heffington.

Ooh, what a cozy English mystery Anon, Sir, Anon, was! I'd definitely pick up more Vivi & Farnham Mysteries if Rachel should ever release another one (which I think she has plans to by and by?). . .