Let's Talk Tropes

Tropes are a funny thing. In college, we often discussed the original tale—the first story. There are many schools of thought on this, and on tradition, but one consistent thing I find interesting is the impact the trope has—the existence of a common motif and theme. Sometimes, I think to myself, ‘I need something new.’ But what is new? And do we actually want new in the fullest sense?

My book club discussed motifs and one thing became universally clear: people generally like them. We count on them. We’re drawn to them. Perhaps it’s the psychological element of good overcoming evil, the predictability of enemies to lovers, the hope of the pauper becoming a prince. Whatever the internal reason may be, we like it. Depend on it. I’m not one to psychoanalyze the ‘why’ behind it—let’s leave that to Freud and others—but I am here to discuss the ‘how’ of it.

For me, the ‘how’ is what makes the motif new. For example, we can have a ‘when there’s only one bed’ motif, but the way in which it’s written, and the way my characters engage in said motif, make it new for the reader. This is what I so enjoy about reading. For example, I personally love the trope of the young female rising to power and finding herself. But this is done sooo differently in my favorite books and how it’s done can make or break it. In TOG (Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas), we see Celaena rise to power over the course of the series. It takes THREE books to actually realize the sheer VASTNESS of her power—it evolves with time. The way SJM crafts this makes this trope new. Similarly, in Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, we see Violet overcome physical restraints and bond with the baddest dragon of all—Tairn—by harnessing her wits and compassion, strengths that help her rise to power. Again, here the trope is expressed in a new way that makes the book interesting.

I’ve thought a lot about this, the idea of tropes and their purpose. To me, they add a certain level of comfort and predictability—they offer something I know I already like and yet I haven’t read it. Its old, but new. Known, but not. Just like chocolate (which I absolutely LOVE), tropes can come in various forms—the same, but…not. Milk chocolate may be the ‘trope’ but the Hershey’s bar, the truffle, and the turtle are all different, and thus make it new. I know I’m going to like it because, well, it’s milk chocolate, and I love being surprised with a new expression of it at a restaurant on the dessert menu.

So, what tropes does Fangs of Fate have? So many of the DELICIOUS ones. For starters, there’s enemies to lovers—but in the best way. There’s also its invert, lovers to enemies. Adding both of these felt natural to me as I am always drawn to them. We have a SLOW BURN romance—you’re welcome, wink—and a decent level of spice. We also see the strong female protagonist who uses her wits and courage to overcome evil while discovering her internal pool of power. Add in a few of the favorite suspects—vampires, Fae, humans, and dragon shifters—and you have one wild and exciting story.

I truly cannot wait for Fangs of Fate to be released and to share these new expressions of old tropes with you.

Xoxo,

Rebecca