The Longest Book Series Still in Active Writing: Unraveling the Top Contenders
When it comes to the longest book series that are either still being written or have living authors, the question becomes a fascinating exploration of creativity and storytelling longevity. This article delves into some of the top contenders, shedding light on the breadth and depth of their content and the authors behind them.
Understanding the Criteria
It's important to establish the criteria for what constitutes a long book series and what conditions apply to the authors. Typically, a series is considered long if it comprises a significant number of books, and the author must still be alive or actively contributing to the series. For the purposes of this discussion, we'll consider both the number of books and the status of the authors.
The Animorphs Series: A Personal Favorite
The longest book series I have personally read is the Animorphs series by K.A. Applegate. This series comprises a total of 65 books, including the main series, the alternate morphs, and the Choose Your Own Adventure books. I began reading the series around age 9 and continued collecting and reading books until I reached the last main book, after several years of dedicated reading. The series paints a vivid picture of a group of teens who gain the ability to transform into any animal through morphing technology.
Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Series
As of August 2023, one of the longest book series still being actively written is The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. This series consists of 14 main books plus a prequel. However, since Jordan passed away in 2007, the series is technically no longer being written by the original author. The series was later completed by Brandon Sanderson, who continued the narrative with his own interpretations, bringing closure to the series.
Terry Pratchett's Discworld Series
Terry Pratchett's Discworld series also stands as a monumental work, with a total of 41 books. While Pratchett passed away in 2015, his works continue to be published and enjoyed by fans around the world. The Discworld series is renowned for its unique blend of fantasy and social satire, exploring various themes through a multiverse set on a flat disc-shaped world.
Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle
Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle is another example of a long series with a living author. This work consists of four main books and additional works, all exploring the world of Alaga?sia. The series continues to be developed, with new content and additional stories being added. Paolini's dedication to the world he has created is evident in the ongoing development of the Inheritance universe.
Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher Series
The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski is yet another contender for the longest living book series. This series includes several novels and short stories, all of which are woven into a rich and detailed world. Sapkowski continues to add to the lore, keeping the series vibrant and engaging for his fans. The world of The Witcher is characterized by its complex storytelling and rich character development.
James S.A. Corey's The Expanse Series
Adding to the list, the The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (the pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) comprises nine main novels. Both authors are still actively involved in the narrative, ensuring that the series remains relevant and engaging for its audience. This series is known for its intricate plot and its exploration of the future of space exploration.
David Busch Photography Guides: A Different Kind of Longevity
It's worth noting that there are non-fiction series that also achieve a notable level of longevity. The David Busch Photography Guides series, which has been in print since 1981, encompasses 356 books. This series is led by a living author and continues to provide valuable resources for photography enthusiasts, making it a long and enduring series in its own right.
The Star Wars Dossier: A Grand Longevity
However, when it comes to the ultimate measuring stick of longevity, the Star Wars series reigns supreme. This is not a single series but a vast and interconnected universe of books, spanning hundreds of books and numerous authors. The continuity of the series is maintained through a shared timeline, ensuring that readers can trace the narrative from its earliest days to the present and beyond. This series also offers a sprawling and complex story that covers a vast range of themes and plotlines.
Conclusion
While there are numerous long book series that meet the criteria of having living authors or being actively written, the Star Wars series stands out as a definitive example of longevity and complexity. This series, with its vast library of books and ongoing narrative, sets the standard for what can be achieved in terms of scale and continuity in the world of literature. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or photography, there is a long and enduring series that is out there, waiting to be discovered and savored.