I’ll be honest, I’ve never really read a book with a major cliffhanger ending so I didn’t think it that big of a deal when I wrote my first Young Adult novel, The Mind Readers, and ended it with a surprise. Heck, television shows do it all the time. Even some movies. I certainly wouldn’t do a cliffhanger ending for all my books, but for this one it just fit.
Some readers loved the book and anxiously awaited the second. Some hated the book and swore not to read the second because of the cliffhanger ending. They felt they’d been cheated in some way and I suppose I understand…a little. I’m always upset when a favorite show ends on a cliffhanger for the season, but I’ve never been angry.
I honestly don’t read a lot anymore. I know, it’s sad, but I’m just so busy I rarely have the time. As I was scanning Amazon I noticed a book called Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I enjoyed the book immensely and when it became suspenseful toward the end, I was flipping the pages as quickly as I could. And then it happened…a cliffhanger ending. A ridiculously emotional cliffhanger. Was I angry or disappointed? No, but of course I immediately went out and bought book two. Book two also ended on a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, book 3 isn’t out yet! Karma had come calling.
So what did I learn? If you’re an author and do the cliffhanger ending, make sure readers don’t have to wait too long for the next book! And I greatly apologize to those who had to wait over a year for my book 2, The Mind Thieves.
What about you, do you mind a cliffhanger ending?
And because this is a giveaway…
First of all, my book 1 in the Mind Readers series, The Mind Readers, is free to anyone with an Ereader! You have been warned… it ends on a cliffhanger.
But for one lucky person who leaves a comment, that won’t matter! I’ll be giving away a coupon for an Ebook of The Mind Thieves, book 2! That’s not all. The same person will get a printed copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver. And you have been warned…her book also ends on a cliffhanger! So if you like to be greatly frustrated by not knowing the outcome of a story because of a cliffhanger ending, and who doesn’t, just leave a comment!
Lori, this is common in YA books, from what I can see. Usually a major conflict in the current book has been tied up, but then it ends with the beginning of another one. Or else, the reader just knows it’s like weeds. The lawn is going to grow more. You’re definitely not alone.
I’m looking forward to reading The Mind Thieves. Great title!
Lori, congrats on your new release! My niece is just turned 14, and I can tell you, she is thrilled when a book ends on a cliffhanger. But you’re right–if she loves the book, she’ll have a hard time waiting on a sequel. I will say that our own Dale Mayer ended her YA Dangerous Designs with a definite cliffhanger. I loved it because it made it obvious there was going to be another installment for the characters I’d enjoyed so much.
Amy Atwell`s last blog was …Which eReader Device Should I Buy?
I personally enjoy cliffhangers. BUT. There still needs to be some kind of closure so that I do not feel like, “what in the world?” In other words, the cliffhanger must leave me satisfied but wondering about the outcome. I’m going to find “The Mind Thieves” right now. The name alone intrigues me. Sounds AMAZING. I can’t wait to read it:)
I had no idea the second book to Mind Readers was out! I don’t think the cliffhanger in your series was that bad… lot of worse ones out there.
Katja`s last blog was …Bittersweet by Marcia Colette
I enjoy cliffhangers. Writing them & reading them. Also, if a book has a cliffhanger…it is also a series so I will pursue the next read.
I am very interested in reading your book. Your covers are great!
And Congratulations!
So you see,…the idea that there is a cliffhanger here HAS caught my attention.
Please enter me in your generous draw.
Jan
Congratulations on the book! I don’t like cliffhangers.
Hi Lori!
I adore cliffhanger endings – then I have 3 YA series where each book ends in a cliffhanger. So far I’ve been blessed and haven’t heard anything negative about the endings – except the perpetual questions as to where the next books in the series are going to be released! To be expected I suppose.
I DO warn the readers very clearly on the blurb that this book ends in a cliffhanger ending. I’d rather they knew up front.
And like you I’ve taken way too long to get the next books out. I have the second books in 2 of these series coming out soon. I’ve actually held back the 3rd YA series until I get my other 2 series a little further along. I don’t want to have too many series that I can’t continuously keep the next books coming.
I’ll be caught up in a month or so and plan on a fall release then!
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Update on my books in progress!
I don’t know how I feel about cliff-hangers. Hmmm…I’d better go read your book. Maybe that will help me settle my cliff-hanger issue!
Lori, I don’t mind a cliffhanger, but there has to be some resolution. Some closure. I think Ilona Andrews does this particularly well, as does Patricia Briggs.
Michelle Diener`s last blog was …Temptation Bookstore Signing
Hi Lori,
I don’t mind a cliffhanger ending if the next book is available fairly quickly. It’s the same with my favorite TV shows. Allows me to look forward to the next season without being too disappointed.
I don’t mind cliffhangers as long as there is not a long wait until the next book.