So many novels filled with paranormal elements, so little time!
No one wants to miss out on a good escape, or a thrilling adventure. Plus, there’s so much you can learn, as an author, by reading well crafted books.
When it comes to paranormal romance novels, as a reader, I’m happiest when the world is well-crafted, the rules of that world make sense, and the good guys win.
That really applies to my needs from all novels – how better to enjoy escape reading – but I’ll keep the focus on paranormal romances for now.
Setting, or world, as an element of paranormal romance, can be just about anything for me as a reader. Futuristic, present day, even historical. But it has to engage me on every level.
I want to reel from the view – mountain, space, or sea, recognize a famous building or district, and add it to my 1001 places to visit before I die list. (That list is longer thanks to Nora Roberts, Kresley cole, Amanda Quick and Sherrilyn Kenyon)
Within that vivid world, I want the characters’ actions and decisions to make sense, based on their skills and powers. Nothing yanks me out of a story faster than a convenient loophole or safety net – for the good guys or the bad guys.
Even fiction, especially fiction (to paraphrase Mark Twain) has to balance. Not much of my daily reality balances – so having a balance of power in the book is part of enjoying the fantasy for me.
Of course I want to ride the roller coaster as characters struggle with new gifts, old baggage, or dark and edgy challenges. Conflict is story and part of the journey in a great read is watching the way characters grow to overcome the situation.
It’s an inspiring contrast to my reality to see characters strive toward a common goal, a better good, a higher purpose. And in a paranormal romance – the love storyline – as subplot or primary plot needs to move me.
I want the happily ever after that is so rare in the real world. You might say the happily-ever-after is the single most fantastic and most essential element of a paranormal romance novel.
Live the adventure!
