Hey there, fellow bookworms! Today, I want to talk about something that I’m sure we all know and love: tropes! And specifically, the tropes that new adult urban fantasy readers can’t get enough of.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “Tropes? Aren’t they just clichés that writers rely on because they can’t come up with anything original?” And to that, I say: pish posh! Tropes are the building blocks of storytelling, the tried-and-true elements that make a story satisfying and familiar while still allowing for unique twists and turns.
And when it comes to new adult urban fantasy, there are some tropes that are just too delicious to resist. Let’s take a look at a few, shall we?
First up: the chosen one. There’s something undeniably thrilling about a protagonist who discovers they’re not just an ordinary human, but someone special, destined to save the world (or at least their corner of it) from evil. Whether it’s Harry Potter, Buffy Summers, or Remi St. James, we love to root for the underdog who rises to the occasion and proves their worth.
Next on the list: the supernatural love interest. Whether it’s a vampire, a werewolf, a faerie, or some other fantastical creature, there’s nothing like a little forbidden romance to spice up a story. And let’s be real, who among us hasn’t secretly wished they could date someone with superhuman strength and/or magical powers?
Speaking of magic, let’s talk about magical schools. From Hogwarts to Brakebills, there’s something irresistible about a setting where young people learn to harness their magical abilities and navigate the complexities of a hidden world. Plus, there’s always the added excitement of wondering which house/faction/coven the protagonist will end up in.
And finally, we can’t forget the good old-fashioned epic battle between good and evil. Whether it’s a showdown between angels and demons, witches and warlocks, or any other combination of supernatural forces, there’s nothing like a high-stakes battle to get the heart racing and the pages turning.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “But wait, aren’t these tropes overdone? Don’t we need more original stories?” And to that, I say: of course! There’s always room for new and innovative takes on these classic elements. But at the same time, there’s something to be said for the comfort and familiarity of a well-executed trope.
Plus, let’s not forget that these tropes become tropes for a reason. They resonate with readers, drawing us in and satisfying our primal storytelling instincts. And for new adult urban fantasy readers in particular, these tropes offer a gateway into a world of magic and adventure that they might not have discovered otherwise.
So let’s celebrate the tropes, my friends! Let’s revel in the chosen ones and the supernatural love interests and the magical schools and the epic battles. Let’s embrace the tropes that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger and more magical than ourselves.
And who knows? Maybe someday, one of these new adult urban fantasy readers will become the next J.K. Rowling, creating a whole new set of tropes for future generations to love and cherish. Until then, let’s keep turning those pages and enjoying the ride.
