I had no real problem with the Epilogues when I believed they were the end of the line for the HS storyline. Sort of a weird cathartic dive into characters living beyond the credits screen, having experiences we maybe weren’t meant to see. Once I realized it was just a kicking off point for HS2, much of my positivity for it waned.
I started reading back in mid 2011 & I was ready for everything to end. I honestly crave finality, everything seems to continue or reboot or spin-off. HS2’s core concept felt unnecessary to me but beyond that, the lack of AH’s writing hurt my ability to enjoy it. I got the whole meta death of author w/e kick Andrew was on, but it really did just feel like officially sanctioned fanfiction. The characters felt like imperfect facsimiles & I wasn’t able to care about it.
It is what it is, I’ve reached acceptance and mostly put my interest in this series to bed. I’m glad new readers can find HS2 enjoyable in addition to HS proper, though it is too bad that it has been left unfinished.