As an avid reader, there are certain standalone books that have left me craving for more. These books captured my imagination, introduced me to unforgettable characters, and immersed me in their unique worlds. Unfortunately, they were never followed up with a sequel, leaving me yearning for more of the story. Here are ten standalone books that I wish had a sequel:

1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – This enchanting novel tells the story of a magical competition between two young illusionists, set within a mysterious traveling circus. The intricate world-building and poetic writing style left me wanting to delve deeper into the lives of the characters and the secrets of the circus.

2. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman – This heartwarming and thought-provoking novel follows the quirky and isolated Eleanor Oliphant as she navigates life and relationships. I would love to see where Eleanor’s journey takes her next and how she continues to grow and evolve.

3. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – This haunting and beautifully written novel is set in Nazi Germany and follows a young girl named Liesel as she steals books and finds solace in words during a dark time in history. I would be fascinated to see how Liesel’s story unfolds beyond the pages of this book.

4. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt – This gripping and atmospheric novel follows a group of eccentric college students who become involved in a murder. The complex relationships and dark secrets kept me captivated, and I would love to see what happens to these characters in the aftermath of the events of the book.

5. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel – This post-apocalyptic novel weaves together multiple storylines and timelines, exploring the interconnected lives of characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic. I would be eager to see how these characters continue to survive and rebuild society in the aftermath of the pandemic.

6. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah – This moving and powerful novel follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France as they resist the occupation and fight for survival. I would love to see what happens to these sisters in the years following the end of World War II and how they continue to cope with the traumas of their past.

7. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – This timeless and philosophical novel follows a young shepherd on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. I would be intrigued to see where the shepherd’s journey takes him next and how he continues to pursue his dreams and destiny.

8. “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold – This haunting and emotional novel follows a young girl who watches over her family from the afterlife after she is murdered. I would be curious to see how the family continues to heal and cope with their loss, and how the protagonist navigates her existence in the afterlife.

9. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger – This unique and romantic novel follows a man who involuntarily travels through time and his wife who waits for him throughout his unpredictable journeys. I would love to see how their unconventional love story continues to unfold and how they navigate the challenges of their relationship.

10. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro – This poignant and thought-provoking novel follows a group of students who discover the dark truth behind their sheltered existence. I would be interested to see how these characters cope with their grim reality and how they strive for freedom and autonomy in a world that sees them as disposable.

While these standalone books have left a lasting impact on me, I can’t help but wish for a sequel that would further explore the lives of these characters and the worlds they inhabit. Perhaps one day, these authors will revisit these stories and give readers the closure and continuation they crave. Until then, I will continue to cherish these books and imagine the possibilities of what could come next.