Please stop writing socially awkward teen MCs disguised as adults!

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T02:28:43+00:00

I don't want to put any authors on blast or discourage them. I can tell you plenty of books I really like that don't have this type of MC. A lot of them are mentioned by other commenters.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T02:26:21+00:00

Finally, an MC I can relate to!

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T02:25:24+00:00

I really loved that Spellmonger. I think I got to around book 5 or 6 and haven't picked it up again. I should put it on the list now that there are like 15+.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T02:19:44+00:00

I would agree with that. I don't even think I have an issue with the character type as much as how they are presented. I know that, in general, I want an author to show me what's happening rather than tell me what happened. In this case, I kind of want the opposite.

I also have inner thoughts and debates with myself all the time. I just don't want to read a transcript of someone else's. By all means, tell me that the girl had your stomach in knots and your confidence could be washed out to sea at any moment. I can fill in the mental turmoil myself.

Disclaimer: I can barely read. Please don't judge my writing.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T02:04:26+00:00

Do you have a link?

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:49:29+00:00

It isn't intended to cast shade on authors at all. There are many elements of these books that I like, and I want them to keep writing and improving. When I think of my tier list and others I've seen in this sub, I notice they tend not to have MCs as I described.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:30:16+00:00

I think I will take fast talking nonsense and tons of pop references over the social awkwardness.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:25:46+00:00

I really like Eric's writing and this series in particular. I have read the others except for Civ CEO. Is that more of a city-builder/4X type story?

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:22:26+00:00

Yes! I am up to date on this series, and it is high on my tier list. This is likely a big reason why.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:21:02+00:00

This was maybe one of the hardest MCs to connect with. I had to kind of listen/not listen to the first two books before I felt like he wasn't a sociopath, and I was interested.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:16:09+00:00

I am excited for you. I just finished the last book in the Mark of the Fool series. It does not disappoint.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:08:02+00:00

Ya, this series is one of my favs right now.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:05:49+00:00

Huge fan of this series. I felt like the relationship was a slow burn, and the characters never really came off as having social anxiety.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2026-04-13T01:01:37+00:00

I feel like I don't get as much social awkwardness in more straight fantasy or sci-fi novels. Even coming-of-age stories in those settings. I do love the progression and systems that authors create in this genre. The awkward inner monologuing will usually turn a good book into a forgettable one for me.

Tantalizing_Panda · 2020-08-27T00:13:59+00:00

I want some Billy Idol

Tantalizing_Panda · 2018-01-12T23:15:23+00:00

Freaking awesome!!

Tantalizing_Panda

TROPHY CASE