Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion

Do you like having a prologue or epilogue in a book?

I recently read an article about prologues which claimed that many people don't like them and even would go as far as not reading a book which opened with a prologue!

So what are your own views? What are books you've read with with good examples?
Are some genres more suited to having a prologue or an epilogue than others?

It depends on the prologue to whether I like them or not.

Though I did read one in a High Fantasy that was half the book. And it read like a dry history text, I almost DNF it.

Most of the time I enjoy them. Sometimes they give an insight to a character that the story won't be sharing a POV of because it's first person with one lead and such.

I do prefer the prologue to be short if it's a history or back information. Or a recap.

And the prologue has to be a key, or tied in, to the story.

It depends on how the prologue is written and how relevant it is to the story. Epilogues on the other hand carry more weight for me if they represent a passage of time or wrapping a series.

I read them both per book if they are there and decide how interesting they are. But for me neither really affect the rating and may or may not be mentioned in review.

No prologue. If there is a prologue, I like it short.

Epilogues, yes!

(I'm one of few words.)

MadameZelda wrote: "No prologue. If there is a prologue, I like it short.

Epilogues, yes!

(I'm one of few words.)"
Ditto.
(Not Ditto)

I read a lot of historical romance, so prologues and epilogues are very common. I can't imagine deciding not to read a book where there is a prologue. It is often necessary to get a glimpse of the hero or heroine's past history. As far as epilogues go, I often feel cheated if there isn't one, but it greatly depends on the writer as to how thoroughly they have wrapped things up at the end. I like to see how the hero and heroine will live happily into the future. This is one of the reasons that historical romance is my favorite genre. I am not a big fan of the 'happy for now' type endings.

I like prologues, although, some books don't have them. The prologue has to be a catcher to me, fill with tension. As for epilogues, if I love the hero and his heroine - I want to know what they are doing in the future.

I'm forever thinking about what's going on in Sam and Alyssa life. I could read about them forever, as long as the story is good.

After thinking of all the books I've read this year, none come to mind that start with a prologue. I tend to read contemporary romance and it doesn't seem that a prologue would be necessary as the intention of a prologue is an alternative gateway into the story. Most romance authors save the juicy parts of the story for the middle and end of a book. It's that "oh my gosh what the hell" that hooks me as a reader. So a good prologue, that in my opinion has a lot of tension before I anxiously start chapter one, wouldn't really fit within the romance genre. It's more suitable for sci-fi, suspense or thrillers that can handle the extension without detracting from the story.

As for the epilogue, I can't think of a book without them. They tend to be that sweet final chapter that wraps everything up in a secure bow that others have mentioned enjoying on this thread :)

Natalie wrote: "Do you like having a prologue or epilogue in a book?

I recently read an article about prologues which claimed that many people don't like them and even would go as far as not reading a book which ..."

I like both. I think they can be a good lead-in and conclusion to the story. When they aren't there, I miss them, especially the epilogue. Especially if the story ends abruptly. I don't think they should be there if they don't add anything to the story.

Mary23nm wrote: "I read a lot of historical romance, so prologues and epilogues are very common. I can't imagine deciding not to read a book where there is a prologue. It is often necessary to get a glimpse of the ..."

I agree. I don't care much for HFN either.

I'm loving the great opinions on this! It would seem then that on the whole epilogues especially are a very popular part of the reading experience.

I'll try and get my opinions on this posted up over the next few days.

I like prologues and epilogues and - when they are done well - feel they can be so effective. I like having that extra information and have no problem with them being Included in a novel.

A good prologue I find sets the scene and gives snippets of info.

I really like Kresley Coles prologues, I also find enjoyable her technique of opening her first chapters with a quote from her main characters.

I have read also read some very satisfying epilogues. With a good epilogue I love reading and discovering about the characters lives further in into the future, for example.

I don't find I am put off by an author choosing to write a prologue or epilogue for their book.