From Collider · Luc Haasbroek · · 1m 20s
The 6 Most Disappointing Book Sequels Ranked
Why some book sequels fail to recapture the magic of their predecessors.
In brief
Why some book sequels fail to recapture the magic of their predecessors. The Lost Symbol, Sandworms of Dune, Allegiant, Go Set a Watchman, Ready Player Two, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are the most disappointing sequels due to formulaic plots, character betrayals, and unfulfilled potential. Originally…
The Lost Symbol (2009)
The Lost Symbol follows Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code but lacks the excitement of its predecessor, selling over 80 million copies.
“The secret is how to die.”
Sandworms of Dune (2007)
Sandworms of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, feels like shallow fan service rather than a true sequel to Frank Herbert's Dune.
“The universe is full of surprises.”
Allegiant (2013)
Allegiant, the final Divergent book, muddies the series' mythology and steps on earlier installments, with Tris' death dismissed as pointless shock value.
“Life damages us, every one. We can't escape that damage.”
Go Set a Watchman (2015)
Go Set a Watchman depicts Atticus Finch as a supporter of segregation, shattering his idealized image from To Kill a Mockingbird.
“Every man's island, Jean Louise, every man's watchman, is his conscience.”
Ready Player Two (2020)
Ready Player Two is a tedious cash-grab sequel to Ready Player One, with Wade Watts becoming an unlikable tycoon.
“Sometimes the only way to find your way home is to get completely lost.”
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child trashes key moments from the original series, with adult Harry acting inconsistently with his character.
“Those we love never truly leave us, Harry.”
Here's the gist
The Lost Symbol, Sandworms of Dune, Allegiant, Go Set a Watchman, Ready Player Two, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are the most disappointing sequels due to formulaic plots, character betrayals, and unfulfilled potential.
