LEAST FAVOURITE TROPES IN YA

We’ve all been there. Reading books and coming across the same tropes and situations time and time again. Sometimes. I’m all for it, I love some of them! While there are others I could totally live without. Today I’ve got something that is a little different to what I usually post but I had fun putting it together!

1. The protagonist who comes from nowhere and is suddenly better than everyone at everything

Grrrr this one really grinds my gears. You know, when one of the characters is just a normal guy or girl who finds out that something really bad is happening and somehow they are sucked into it. Suddenly, with no training, they are fighting like experienced assassins, are confident politicians in meetings, are knowledgeable in the ways of the world and outrank most of the other characters. Ummmm?

2. Young protagonists who have the life experience of a thirty year old

This kind of links to point number one. When the 16 year old MC has fought in wars, has had several serious relationships, possesses knowledge and behaviours way beyond their years, I find it super hard to get on board. Maybe 16 year olds have changed since I was that age, who knows?

3. Insta-love

“Our eyes locked, and I  could have sworn that sparks flew between the two of us. In that moment, I knew. I knew that we were meant to be, and that I would die to keep him safe”.  YOU JUST MET, HE COULD BE A MONSTER!

4. Protagonists who has no self worth until the love interest tells them they’re beautiful

The plain character who absolutely despises the way they look and thinks they are worthless until their love interest tells them otherwise. I’m all for confidence boosts, and understand that sometimes you just need that to help yourself feel better, but it’s important to know that you are not defined by other people’s opinions of you!

5. Perfect love interests

Everyone has flaws, at least one, and when a character is utterly perfect in every way, I have zero interest. Give me someone with a crooked nose, a bad sense of humour or a slight case of clumsiness and I’m sold.

   

6. The MC who thinks they are so strong and smart that they need to ask no questions  

“Oh, I need to join this revolution and sneak into the heavily guarded castle and kill the King and save all the hostages… Ok, when do we leave?” I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I’d be much happier sitting down and forming a plan before jumping in head first (if I was at all capable of storming any castle and saving anyone, but that’s besides the point).

So that’s just a few of the many tropes we see in YA. After reading this back, it seems to reflect fantasy more than anything! This post was a little tongue in cheek but I hope you enjoyed it. What are your least favourite bookish tropes?