Ending a Series

Lately it seems like all my favorite series are ending.

While this may seem like a good thing - finally getting closure, hopefully finding a happy ending, and being satisfied that the character's I've come to love are going to get some well deserved peace - it's always bitter sweet for me.  I grow so emotionally attached to the characters we learn about in books.  It's like making new friends and accompanying them on this fantastic adventure.  Knowing that I will never get another chance to be with them is heartbreaking.  After a series has ended, I'm basically like this for at least a couple of days

Of course, I can always reread those books but it's not that same.  There will be no new adventures or words on the page.  I won't know for sure that they are okay and staying out of trouble.  It's hard to come to terms with things like that.  You have to let go of beloved friends knowing that it will be the last time you ever see them.  

I recently finished reading Clockwork Princess, the final book in Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices series.  That has and probably always will be one of my absolutely favorite series.  The characters all have a place in my heart and letting them go - even though I may see them in future books written by Cassie, it is so heart wrenching knowing that I have to say goodbye.  There are many books, like Clockwork Princess, coming out this year that are the last in their series.  A couple off the top of my head - The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Light by Michael Grant, the last book in the Divergent series by Veronica Roth.  These are all books that are part of series that I will miss dearly.  

 What do you think about ending a series?  Do you look forward to it?  Dread it?  What are some series that you will be sad to see go?  Tell me your thoughts!