What annoys you in fantasy books? (the cliche things that drive you mad)

[Shaun]

Alright, so let's open a discussion about this. No pointing out specific works here. This isn't to be a rant about why you hate Eragon or some other fantasy work. This is about the things that are in fantasy, whether common today, or common from a time a while ago that someone is mistakenly trying to bring back, all of which annoy you.

Mine would be:
--Stilted dialogue (that ancient speak stuff where people sort of talk like Yoda and Shakespeare had a lovechild that spoke a little like each of them. You know what I'm talking about...ye olde spake). It's annoying and unbelievable. Really? Your fantasy world evolved out of a Shakespeare play? Bleh.
--Magic that seemingly has no limits, or the limits are not obvious. I don't mind extreme power, as long as it has consequences. In my fantasy world for WISB magic drains energy right out of you and untrained magic users can actually kill themselves if they don't learn to control the flow of energy. My main character, for example, actually destroys his hands numerous times because he can't stop the flow of energy as it courses out of his hands...so, he suffers cuts, bruises, broken bones, and fainting spells because of it...bringing close to death many times...and now in the second book his magic has basically backfired on him and he can't use it due to the damage to his body...
So, I hate when magic has no limits. It's cool to have unlimited power, but I like to know there is a balance to it.
--Creating languages that sound exactly like Tolkien's elvish. I can tell...cause I've read LOTR...and so have a lot of other people...at least try to be more original with it or something.
--Talking dragons. Stop...we've had enough.
--Also, dragons that can't really talk, but have telepathic links with people. This works if you're not trying to be serious with it, but when you want me to treat your work like LOTR...it's stupid. Do something new with dragons...
--Half-human half-*insert inhuman something here*. I know, it can work in fantasy, but I like my fantasy to be a little realistic, so humans mating with demon donkeys is really stupid to me...it doesn't work in the real world, it wouldn't work there either...and I just don't want to think about such a union.
--Using fantasy races that have been in human folklore for thousand of years, but being too limited in how you use to them as to make them hardly different from what Tolkien or the people that followed him did with such races. Elves used to be really short, people, and related to the faery world. Go back to that tradition and make it interesting.
--Cliche character types: the warrior who happens to be a long lost king, the character who can do no wrong, etc. You've seen them over and over. Either do something new with it, or go with ambiguity.

That's what I've got right now. What about you?

[Shukara]

I'd have to say the constant overly used different languages that have no little translation guide at the bottom of the page. I mean, if you can guess what is being said then it's fine, but when you have full blown sentences and paragraphs who really has a clue?

I disagree with the half-human issues. If you have ever read the Dragonlance series they have half-human/half-elven. I believe that would be an ok union since elves are one of the closest fantasy races to humans.

I dislike those fantasy books where you have a group that is set out to save the world and there is about 9 to 15 main characters. Who can keep them all straight? It always seems like those characters get left out of the big plotline or they are the first to die.

Near deaths- where someone is stabbed or mutilated passed all hope and just some how they manage to be healed amazingly or find a magically healing object, or someone who can heal them. Just die.

That's really all I can think that bothers me. :)

[Shaun]

Yes, but because there are inherent differences in elves all offspring would be sterile. It would be like horses and donkeys getting together. You end up with a mule...and the mule is sterile.

Good additions :P

[Litharukia]

Do Extremely Sadistic Racist elves count as 'different'?

You know what I hate? People that try to write using Tolkien's writing STYLE and FAIL. FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL. Yes, I'm looking at you Paolini.

And demons who are just evil Because They Can Be. Demons that aren't evil are cool, guys. Seriously COOL.

And vampires who are basically Lestat with a name change.

[Carraka]

-- Unpronounceable names with needless apostrophes, hyphens, or no vowels (Okay, maybe I'm a hypocrite with this one.)
-- Orphans
-- Quests for Magical Artifacts
-- Good v. Evil
-- Chosen One Prophecies
-- Revelations that the Hero is related to: the main villain, the villain's sidekick, a random stranger on the street (that soon dies), the hero's sidekick, the hero's mentor, etc.
-- Long-winded lectures on the faults of mankind

That's all I can think of for now. And most of these just annoy me, because I've been known to keep reading despite. But I am getting more picky ... eh ...

[Imelda]

Got to agree with the unpronounceable names. Also Chosen Ones ... GIVE THEM A NEW NAME. It's not hard. Yeesh.

Oh, and Shaun, delete Nikara now, ok?

[Carraka]

Wait what delete Nikara?

[Majyk]

You guys've said it all. For me, anyway.


I agree with Shaun about the dialogue. So annoying.

-- Unpronounceable names with needless apostrophes, hyphens, or no vowels (Okay, maybe I'm a hypocrite with this one.)
-- Orphans
-- Quests for Magical Artifacts
-- Good v. Evil
-- Chosen One Prophecies
-- Revelations that the Hero is related to: the main villain, the villain's sidekick, a random stranger on the street (that soon dies), the hero's sidekick, the hero's mentor, etc.
-- Long-winded lectures on the faults of mankind

And I agree with all of the above in this post.

[Andy]

1 - Chosen One Prophecies, except when they're wrong. :P
2 - The stories where kids with no combat experience can go and start winning battles with swords (like the first Narnia movie - remember when Lucy threw the dagger at the target?)
Revelations that the Hero is related to: the main villain, the villain's sidekick, a random stranger on the street (that soon dies), the hero's sidekick, the hero's mentor, etc.Oh, gosh, those drive me crazy. Or when characters suddenly find their long-lost brother near-dead in the middle of a forest after an ambush. :devious:

[Carraka]

1 - Chosen One Prophecies, except when they're wrong. :P
2 - The stories where kids with no combat experience can go and start winning battles with swords (like the first Narnia movie - remember when Lucy threw the dagger at the target?)
Oh, gosh, those drive me crazy. Or when characters suddenly find their long-lost brother near-dead in the middle of a forest after an ambush. :devious:What book did that happen in?

[Andy]

What book did that happen in?
The Naming. Same with the Chosen one thing. :(

[Carraka]

Oh, right.

As mentioned earlier, I forgave those series.

[Shaun]

1 - Chosen One Prophecies, except when they're wrong. :P
2 - The stories where kids with no combat experience can go and start winning battles with swords (like the first Narnia movie - remember when Lucy threw the dagger at the target?)
Oh, gosh, those drive me crazy. Or when characters suddenly find their long-lost brother near-dead in the middle of a forest after an ambush. :devious:

If you read the book you'd understand that those weapons they were given were magical. Hence why she could throw it and hit things.

[Imelda]

I still think it's stupid.

And the second film, Peter gets beaten up and is nearly dying, then the next minute he's rushing off into battle. Riiiiiiiiiiight.

[ScottyMcGee]

Shaun, you know I made a guide on this right? Attack of the Cliches?

[Nyx]

The Naming. Same with the Chosen one thing. :(

Ok wow, way to not put that in a spoiler and ruin the Naming for me as I'm reading it now:rolleyes:

And the number one thing that I can't stand is orhpans that suddenly find their unknown magical power.:glare:

[Carraka]

We forgive Harry Potter, but no more exceptions!


That's right!

[Imelda]

Nyx, it's obvious from like, chapter two or something. :p

[Litharukia]

I forgive Narnia.

But not HP.

Never HP.

Yes, that's right, HP, I HATE YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE.

[Nyx]

We forgive Harry Potter, but no more exceptions!


That's right!

Yea, I forgive HP.

Nyx, it's obvious from like, chapter two or something. :p

I'm still on the second page, I kinda got bored and switched to the God Delluson.:rolleyes:

[Shaun]

How are you liking The God Delusion, Nyx? I imagine considering your religious background you might find it a little jarring. Realize he's being funny most of the time. There's a LOT of sarcasm and mockery in there.

Anywho. Scotty, yes, I realize that you have a cliche thing, but these aren't necessarily cliches I'm asking for. I just want the things that annoy you about fantasy. They don't have to be cliches or tropes. They can be anything, even something as silly as "I hate it when fantasy worlds have characters named Bill".

Anywho. I have another:
--Any time an author thinks they are being clever, when really it's super obvious what is going on. Like, trying to be sneaky about inserting a prophecy cliche, which is insulting to me, because I can see right through it...

[Andy]

Anywho. I have another:
--Any time an author thinks they are being clever, when really it's super obvious what is going on. Like, trying to be sneaky about inserting a prophecy cliche, which is insulting to me, because I can see right through it...
I've got another, though it's not fantasy-specific.

Whenever the good guys are stuck in a situation where it's fairly obvious they'll die, and a totally new character randomly enters and saves their lives. :rolleyes:

[Shaun]

Good one :D.

[Nyx]

How are you liking The God Delusion, Nyx? I imagine considering your religious background you might find it a little jarring.
I'm finding it mostly more boring than jarring:rolleyes:


Realize he's being funny most of the time. There's a LOT of sarcasm and mockery in there.

...

Yea, I realize, I'm not that stupid:P

[Hannah_Scotland]

I personally don't like much fantasy in general...
The only fantasy I love is Harry Potter

[Ichigo]

HAHA! I agree with what Carr said with the incomprehensible names.

I actually agree with most of the points brought up here. I like my fantasy a little...more realistic. If that makes sense.

[Rafael Domination]

I absolutely HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE corny spell chants.

Especially when the character is so into it, but has this totally irritating voice. Some of them can pull it off, but the others send this spurt of fury up my spine.

What I hate even more is when you can actually understand what the character is saying - and it sounds like a uber-cheesy poem some five-year-old made up. No offense to those of you who are.

[Zombified]

I don't like how there is always (or for the most part) some stupid romance thing going on with either the Main Character or someone else.

Its like a sub plot that doesn't even matter!

[Andy]

I don't like how there is always (or for the most part) some stupid romance thing going on with either the Main Character or someone else.

Its like a sub plot that doesn't even matter!
Two words: Jodi Picoult. She does it all the time. Not a fantasy writer, though.

@Rafael: Spells that rhyme drive me crazy. :doh:

[Shaun]

Yeah, the romance thing and spoken spells annoy me too. The latter only because it has become hokey these days...even when done well.

[Imelda]

I like the romance subplots, but that's because I'm girly. :p

Seriously, Shaun, delete Nikara now.

[Carraka]

Romance subplots don't bother me if they develop character. Or sometimes they just don't bother me. That's not a thing that bothers me. Yeah.

[Shaun]

I'm not deleting Nikara. I like that story thank you very much.

[Carraka]

... you've read it?

[Imelda]

He's read like, four chapters tops. He definitely hasn't seen the subplot and the talking dragons.

[Nyx]

I like the romance...
But yea who doesn't hate the cheesy rhyming spells?!

[Mercy]

I'm sick of prophecies, the "bad guys" wanting to take over the world, demons being evil, angels being good, romantic, harmless vampires, werewolf versus vampire conflict, and I know there is more but I can't remember. x3 I think another one might be that fantasies with elves and such always take place during the medivial ages. Their world can change and their technology can evolve over time, right? So why not have them in different time periods or the future? I would like to see a 21st centuary world with elves and centaurs. I think the only author I can think of that has done this is J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter took place in the 80s, right?

I also hate cocky, arrogant villians...but that goes for all stories, I guess. They capture the character and then drone on about their evil plan and then what happens? They get owned. x3

[Joker]

I would say the most annoying things would be.

1. Humans. I hate that every single fantasy has humans in it. Use something different.
2.Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, etc. Like with humans. Too many.
3. Lovecraft ripoffs. There are other naming methods for ancient evils that use vowels.
4. Big destructive magic all the time. Wouldn't subtelty just rock?
5. Classic villain archetypes. Can't live with em, Can't live without em.

[Nyx]

werewolf versus vampire conflict,

Is there any book with that other than twilight?O_o

[Carraka]

I feel like I've seen the werewolf v. vampire thing a million times before, but if I think about it carefully, I don't know of any instances other than in twilight ...

Maybe I've just seen it a lot informally on the Internet? Roleplays, and so forth?

[mrfusspot]

I think the thing that annoys me most is the "orphan child who nobody likes but when he gets chosen by (insert organization here) he realizes he's important to the world" thing.
And when the author puts in too many races. If you need to have a glossary in the back to explain everything, there just might be too much stuff.

[Simmi]

Most of you guys mentioned everything that I hate about fantasy. But I'll just mention some again :D

1. Names that I can't pronounce, and have to make sure there isn't a glossary or prononciation page in the back of the book.
2. Using foreign languages. I'm fine with it when it's not used alot, but in Jumper: Griffin's Story they were speaking like Spanish and French. I had to keep asking my mom 'What does this mean?'
3. Dragons. I'm just tired of dragons, even though I was obsessed with them for some time it's just annoying now.
4. Weird spells. Like the ones that are very bad with the rhyming or uncomprehendible words... Like 'Asfganif' okay that might not actually be one but someone might be stupid enough to write it. No offence to those magic fantasy writers it's just one of my pet peeves >.<

Annnd that's pretty much it...\

EDIT: I just remembered another thing I hated. Romeo and Juliet type things, even though it's not fantasy some people put it in fantasy and it's really dumb...

[J.L.A.Montoya]

What I Hate (not just fantasy, but basic fiction too):

-The Evil Empire clad in black armor, with torn-up black banners, possible black/red dragons, a language with a lot of consonants to give it a hiss and evil nature.

-The Evil King (wielding a huge evil-looking sword and black, spikey armor) who wants to kill everyone for power, hates everyone for no explained reason, and is utterly evil.

Note: Tolkien is excused because he's a genius. This thread can't apply to High Fantasy at all, really.

-The Hero and/or Sidekicks that can pick up a weapon and they're instantly masters of it.

-Enemy soldiers that are easily defeated by the dozens by the Hero; they're professional soldiers, and odds are, the hero is no professional.

-Magic that is limitless; I don't like Superhero's, so I don't like unlimited Magic.

-Elves and Dwarves.

-Stupid villains (the ones who reveal their plan, then die). I like arrogant villains, hell, my villain is arrogant. But he's not stupid. He's sophisticated, and intelligent. And yes, he can be wounded. So can the hero.

-Immortality/Invulnerability/Immunity/Incredibility. What happened to the good old fashioned human?

[Rafael Domination]

Ha. I happen to like things that happen on a cosmic scale, thank you very much. When my bad guy says that he is the most powerful being in existence, I make sure he's the most powerful being in existence. Hey, DC and Marvel uses a lot of Cosmic and Omnipotence stuff too, and they're selling pretty good. I believe that as long as both sides are cunning, appropriately stylish, unique, eccentric and interesting, and the plot is good, these things will only add flavor and spice to it. ^^

[J.L.A.Montoya]

I'm not speaking against comic books, but, I dunno. I just don't like them. They're too unreal for me, I guess.

[Rafael Domination]

Naw, I was just using comics as an example. Well, that's alright. You're a ninja, so I don't mind you not liking the extreme. :P

But yeah, I like the contrast of extreme and ordinary. I use both, and I prefer not to overdo either. Too much ordinariness and realistic-ness make it too stagnant and boring to me. For much extreme and high-end things make it too confusing and sour. But, in a combo, I am wowed, awed, inspired and haunted. Yeah...that's me. :D