Do series of books get worse as they go on?

Question

Do authors run out out ideas as they go on. I thought Harry Potter got worse as it went on, especially the 6th and 7th book. A Series of Unofortunate Events grew more abstract and many questions weren't answered.

Answer 1

I think this applies to some series but definitely not all. Like Trudi Canavan's 'Age of the Five' (3 books), only got better or Stephenie Meyer's Twillight series (4 books). I thought Harry Potter got darker as it went along but I wouldn't say it got worse. There are definitely some books that do get worse, for example Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series went on too long (10 books). You do have a point, from my experience, when the series is at book 8 and upwards, it just isn't the same anymore. Take Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series as well, its still good, but so different. Maybe it's  a case of the authors themselves changing.  

Answer 2

A Series of Unfortunate Events evolved into a more mature, postmodern plot as it went on, and ultimately chose not to answer the questions. Instead it settled on the simply beautiful harmony of love and family in a chaotic world. Amazing series.

Answer 3

No I don't think so or aleast the ones I have read don't!

Children/Young Adult

Inkheart and Inkspell by Cornelia Funkt

Ingo series by Helen Dunmore

All the Harry Potter books

Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer - didn't like this one!

Swimming with the Fishes and Swimming without a net by MaryJanice Davidson

Pillars of the Earth and the sequel World Without End by Ken Follett

Series

Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz

The Arthur Trilogy by Bernard Cornwall starts with Winter King

The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind starts with Wizards First Rule

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King starts with The Gunslinger

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon starts with Cross Stitch

Answer 4

I don't think that's always true. I loved Harry Potter 5 & 6 as much as the rest, 7 it really had to grow on me, but I love it now. Twilight didn't get worse per say because the story itself was amazing, it was just poorly told, I think. However you may find that authors start slacking off, I read Jennifer Wiener's first book and it was amazing!! But the rest of her books were really hard to get through. So I guess it just depends on the book, and the person.

Answer 5

mot at all, ive been reading Diana Gabaldon Highlander Series, fantastic books, going from strengh to strength, I recommend these!!