Staff Recommendations: Favorite Example of a Literary Trope Done Right
Literary tropes have a home in every genre—and can make or break a story. From fantasy to horror to mystery novels, here are our staff’s favorite examples of a literary trope done right.
Literary Trope Done Right
Close Quarters and The Reluctant Hero Trope: Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
This is a fantasy spin on Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None. The main character, Ganymedes (Dee), joins his fellow Blessed on a celebratory journey marking the new generation’s reign, but he’s hiding one big secret: he’s not really Blessed, and wants nothing more than to escape his fabricated destiny. I LOVE the Close Quarters trope, and I think this book nailed it! It was so much fun.
Losing the Ability to Run Horror Trope: Nestlings by Nat Cassidy
With the help of his personal experience and the women in his life, Nat Cassidy crafts beautiful and suspenseful books that give a voice to often underrepresented women’s issues like middle age and postpartum depression/psychosis. The “losing the ability to run” trope is done masterfully because the main character lives in a tall building and is in a wheelchair. It is utterly terrifying!
Reverse Order Trope: All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
This is a mystery told in reverse from day 15 to day 1. It’s so suspenseful and satisfying. It definitely keeps you on your toes from the first chapter.
The Questionable Utopia Trope: Scythe by Neal Shusterman
It’s a book that does a good job exploring the line between utopia and dystopia with unique worldbuilding. Without revealing too much of the story, it’s exciting, action packed, and also a thought provoking look at the value and meaning of life.
The Found Family Trope: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
The Infernal Devices follows the story of Tessa Gray and her adventures in the Shadowhunter world with Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, as well as several other enchanting individuals. The entire series is so captivating; I felt as though I was right there on the page alongside the characters. As soon as I finished the trilogy, I wanted to dive right back in at the beginning and relive the adventures all over again!
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