What's Your Perfect Ending in a Book Series?

That’s right. I got it done. I rock. Check me out. Party time!

Um... really?

*Snorts* C’mon. Seriously? I’m not that author. Never have been. Never will be.

But I AM both pleased and sad to announce that I’ve typed the very last word in my latest Calum’s Curse trilogy novel, The Tudor Revival (Calum's Curse:Ultima Bellum). Aye, I know, I should be popping the cork off the champagne bottle. But I’m not.

I never do.

This is the second such experience that I’ve had with closing up a series.

As it turns out, by popular demand, I will continue on with The MacLomain Series. Great! But my Calum’s Curse Trilogy has consumed my every thought for over two years. That’s a lot of time and heartfelt investment.

Now these characters are being let out into the world in their entirety. Yep, I feel like a mom sending my child off to his first day at school. I’m saying goodbye. Can you blame me for feeling a little freaked out? It’s a terribly vulnerable sensation. But it’s also such a profoundly proud moment. If you’ve written a book, you know what I'm talking about. 

If you’ve ever written a series, you REALLY know the feeling.

Through all of this I continue to ponder… what is the perfect ending to a book series?

As a two-time survivor, I can safely say it’s about finding the ultimate closure. No questions should be left unanswered. However, the reader’s imagination should be allowed a wee bit of freedom at the end. Wrap it up loosely and tidily. Don’t cinch up the series with a magician's knot.

Nothing should ever be final.

I think that when readers are with characters years on end, they deserve to control the outcome within reason. That means two things. First, the author listens to feedback from fans. Second, nothing, not even a book, should have a STOP sign at the end.

The reader should walk away as happy as the author. (Don’t mind me. I get too attached to my characters *winks* Sentimental fool.)

There should be a sense of closure with a pebbled bright road ahead. A shimmering, powerful story should draw in the reader, from start to finish.

But every ending can seem jarring, especially for a series. It takes tact and finesse to pull it off.

Frankly, I don't know if I've pulled it off. Guess time will tell.

What do you think? Are you a book series reader or writer (of any genre)? If so, what sort of ending makes you content? Angry? Sappy? Full of joy?

What's your perfect ending in a book series?