Reading as a Stand Alone Book

Wokeread · Post by **Wokeread** » 16 Oct 2019, 02:14

I read this book after reading the second one in the trilogy, and I still haven't read the first book. Whilst I think it is easier to follow the story after reading the earlier books as one is familiar with the characters and their quirks, this does not stop one from enjoying any of the books as a standalone. The only background information that one really needs is on the two main characters' relationships, and there is ample reference to this in all the books to give sufficient background.

Here is a link to my review - viewtopic.php?f=63&t=108592#p1183503

nooregano · Post by **nooregano** » 16 Oct 2019, 13:05

It's always admirable when a book is comprehensible on its own as well.

Nym182 · Post by **Nym182** » 16 Oct 2019, 13:15

Interesting, I was wondering if this book could be read as a stand alone... but I usually can’t not read a series in order.

kperm · Post by **kperm** » 17 Oct 2019, 07:35

I have a lot of trouble reading series out of order. If I didn't read the first two books before the third one, I would be very confused. I think that the series should be read in order, so the reader can truly enjoy the story.

Bukola02 · Post by **Bukola02** » 17 Oct 2019, 11:19

I am currently reading the book as stand-alone but since its part of a series, I would like to start from the first book to have a better and clear understanding of the entire story.

naomisorge · Post by **naomisorge** » 17 Oct 2019, 13:51

I'm also reading it as a stand-alone. Since I have no idea who is a recurring character with a back story and who is new, it doesn't bother me one bit!

Estuelke · Post by **Estuelke** » 17 Oct 2019, 14:07

I just finished the book. Haven't read the others.

I think this novel stands alone. I think the camaradarie is nice and also lends itself nicely to the "gumshoe" quality of the tale. It works as a buddy story.

SRose1925 · Post by **SRose1925** » 17 Oct 2019, 14:31

I find that starting a book series in the middle of the collective work can cause irritation and confusion. Especially if the series is reliant on the the past plot points from the previous books that escalate or have significant effect on the events that take place and the actions of the characters. However if the “aforementioned” book has no past events that effect the continuity of the book and provide information on relevant history and flashbacks; I feel that a middle book in a series can be read as a stand alone. But in personal opinion I prefer as many do, to read a series in order.

As the beginning is the best place to start.

Falconcrest · Post by **Falconcrest** » 17 Oct 2019, 18:42

I am also in agreement I just read it and definitely this book was an amazing read. Though I have not read the other two books yet. I had no challenges and the information provided by the author in this book was on point. So yes this can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

briellejee · Post by **briellejee** » 18 Oct 2019, 03:03

CommMayo wrote: ↑02 Oct 2019, 13:37 Despite being third in a series, some reviewers have said that Skills of the Warramunga could be read as a stand alone book, while other reviewers expressed some confusion because they didn't read the first two books.

Personally, I have a hard time not reading a series in order. What important details does a reader need to know if they are picking this book up without reading the two prior books in the series? Or would you say that this is truly a stand alone novel?

It is important to read the first book for me since there are scenes in the book that actually pertains to the first two books. I think the confusion comes when there are references about Jacko's and Sarah's adventures before. Even Cook's background. Also, another aspect is that, if you read the first two books, there is a certain familiarization with the characters. You will also be able to enjoy reading more about them.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 19 Oct 2019, 09:05

briellejee wrote: ↑18 Oct 2019, 03:03
CommMayo wrote: ↑02 Oct 2019, 13:37 Despite being third in a series, some reviewers have said that Skills of the Warramunga could be read as a stand alone book, while other reviewers expressed some confusion because they didn't read the first two books.

Personally, I have a hard time not reading a series in order. What important details does a reader need to know if they are picking this book up without reading the two prior books in the series? Or would you say that this is truly a stand alone novel?
It is important to read the first book for me since there are scenes in the book that actually pertains to the first two books. I think the confusion comes when there are references about Jacko's and Sarah's adventures before. Even Cook's background. Also, another aspect is that, if you read the first two books, there is a certain familiarization with the characters. You will also be able to enjoy reading more about them.

Yes, I totally agree. I was really looking forward to some flashbacks about the main characters which never came. So having read this as a standalone book I was missing the familiarity with which the author wrote about this characters. A certain part felt missing.

RoadWell · Post by **RoadWell** » 19 Oct 2019, 14:59

Yes, indeed, as the reviewer said, the third book can be read as a standalone. However, I would definitely recommend readers to give the other books a go as they will have a better understanding of the relationships between characters. For example the beginning of Jamie and Jacko's friendship and how it initially developed or the relationship between the two main characters and Colonel John Cook which began in book number one.

briellejee · Post by **briellejee** » 20 Oct 2019, 03:10

RoadWell wrote: ↑19 Oct 2019, 14:59 Yes, indeed, as the reviewer said, the third book can be read as a standalone. However, I would definitely recommend readers to give the other books a go as they will have a better understanding of the relationships between characters. For example the beginning of Jamie and Jacko's friendship and how it initially developed or the relationship between the two main characters and Colonel John Cook which began in book number one.

Agreed. Though it could be read as a standalone, readers would have a total understanding why they have to rescue the colonel if they have read the first two books. They would have a deeper level of understanding on the friendship and why they have to go through all of that for Cook.

Nikolas Farmakis · Post by **Nikolas Farmakis** » 20 Oct 2019, 05:37

I think the book is pretty much a stand-alone book, however, there are some historical details that are not known by the reader if he/she has not read the previous books in the sequel.

Erandi Ekanayake · Post by **Erandi Ekanayake** » 20 Oct 2019, 10:20

Usually I don't try to read a series by order. But I found it bit difficult to consider this book as a 'standalone' because there are some parts based on the details from the previous books, threrefore I would like to read the other books as well, in order to get a better understanding.