My gosh, this is one of the only book series I follow faithfully. I own books 1-12 (1-3 and 10-12 were in box sets, while the rest were purchased individually). I also own the hardcover edition of
The Unauthorized Biography. When I go to Borders to buy book 13, I'm going to be getting
The Beatrice Letters too (coupon love, plus my transportation problems). I’m also thinking about renting the movies during winter break, for I’ve heard some mixed reviews from people on them. So far, my collection is somewhat flimsy, but I do love the books!
I think all of the characters are unique (though I could easily say Mr. Poe slightly irritates me), but I love the Baudelaire orphans, especially Violet. The three of them are intelligent in different ways and have really been subtly maturing throughout the whole series. You know, speaking about characters...
Spoiler Below Is it me, or has Count Olaf’s character been toned down ever since The Slippery Slope? Sure, he was going to poison Hotel Denouement and had other sinister plans in the books before that, but he didn’t behave like the Count Olaf that stuck fear into the Baudelaire orphans’ hearts. Perhaps the introduction of the new villains may’ve been the reason, but Olaf seems more childish than evil to me these days.
As for books, I LOVED
The Penultimate Peril. A lot of characters from the previous books return, and to not spoil anything, the plot devices and twists were awesome. =)
The Slippery Slope is a close second. I thought it developed the Baudelaire orphans nicely and never had a boring part present. Also, it took place on a snowy mountain (read: I love winter-y atmospheres.)
Anyhow, I'm excited about the release of
The End. I heard the ending to the story would be bittersweet, and I'm not surprised either (does the main series' title ring a bell?). I also heard a few loose ends would be present, but I hope at least the main topics will be cleared up.