Maybe this is my "old man yells at clouds" moment, but is it me or are book descriptions getting more and more itemized? I just came across one that partially reads:
"It’s got ancient and mysterious magic, a passage from one world to the otherworld, a (reluctant) Chosen One, and a Hero/Heroine’s Quest. It’s a portal fantasy with complex characters who become embroiled in mystery, murder, and a little slow-burning romance."
The breakdown of all the tropes to be found in the book really makes me lose a lot of interest in it, to be honest. Maybe it's because it feels like it means a very by-the-numbers narrative that's going to hit all the plot elements that are currently popular? I don't know, it just seems like one of those things that editors love because it enables very precise marketing, but that ultimately dispels a lot of the mystery in picking up a new book or series. Am I too harsh here or does this rub other people the wrong way, too?
by frisbeescientist
2 Comments
These are written by marketing people, not people who actually care about books. Skip ’em. That’s what I do.
I hate this too, especially when they give spoilers and plot points in the description….like wtf.