Today’s Top Five Wednesday is focused on series where the second book was the best. I actually had a really hard time coming up with books for today–when it comes to some of my favorite series, trilogies especially, the second book is typically my “least favorite”. Due to my struggle, I decided to change up the prompt today. The first three books I discuss will follow today’s topic, but the last two books I talk about will be a author’s second published book that I enjoyed more than their debut novel.

Second Book in A Series:

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo– I didn’t think I could love Crooked Kingdom as much as Six of Crows, but nevertheless, Crooked Kingdom stole my heart. I am so satisfied with this duology’s finale, and it’s still a book that I find myself thinking about. The plot was perfectly executed, the OTPs are the best, and CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW GORGEOUS THE PHYSICAL BOOK IS?

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff– Even though the Illuminae Files series isn’t finished yet, I enjoyed Gemina even more than Illuminae. I loved seeing this story and world expand, not to mention the amazing illustrations by Marie Lu. Gemina’s cover was also just as cool Illuminae, once again winning the award for best naked hardback.

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas– Crown of Midnight is my favorite book in the Throne of Glass series. I’m in serious need of a reread, but I loved how Crown of Midnight really started to set the stage for the rest of the series, plus there’s SO MUCH Chaol in this one! Unpopular opinion here, but what can I say, Chaol is my fav. I’m so happy I was able to get my copy of CoM signed by Sarah at Book Con  this year.

Author’s Second Published Novel:

History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera- I was really impressed with Adam Silvera’s More Happy than Not, but History is All You Left Me has earned a spot as my favorite Silvera book (maybe They Both Die at the End will change things??). HIAYLM, not unlike More Happy Than Not, has such an interesting storyline, as Griffin tries to come to terms with his ex-boyfriend’s death alongside his ex-boyfriend’s current boyfriend.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun deserves all the hype and more and is hands-down one of the most beautiful, if not the most, beautiful book that I’ve ever read. I enjoyed The Sky is Everywhere, but I’ll Give You the Sun stole my Jandy Nelson heart.

Top 5 Wednesday is a collaborative group of book bloggers from various platforms who love sharing lists on Wednesdays. The T5W group can be found here on Goodreads.