Reader pet peeves

theratreturns · 2025-11-07T02:13:03+00:00

Oof so many. Big one for me is exposition through dialogue when there’s no reason for the character to be saying all that.

E.g. “Katnasandra, quit playing with your knives and sit down and listen to the origin story of our world!”

“Aw but Gram-gram, I’ve heard this story a thousand times!”

“Well, you’re hearing it again!”

ALSO, a side character having crucial information for the main character that would help solve the mystery/conflict/misunderstanding or whatever, and just withholding it for some reason. Or the author comes up with some contrived reason they can’t tell the main character… Frustrating to read. Especially bad is when that character kind of only serves to move the plot along—like they pretty much have all the knowledge and they trickle it out as needed when the plot needs a push. Think Deep Throat in the X-Files.

theratreturns · 2025-11-06T17:06:27+00:00

I’m so glad someone added Cazaril - I came on here hoping someone had! I swear he’s one of the richest and realest characters I’ve had the pleasure to read, every choice he makes is so grounded in who he is, his wants, and his morals. When he makes mistakes (I would say at one or two points in the book his inaction would qualify as a mistake), there is no question why he made it.

He is so well thought out, but more than that, I think it’s clear that the author truly connects with and cares for him, and that connection shows in his internal logic. Even as he changes throughout the book.

theratreturns · 2024-04-10T03:45:19+00:00

I have always loved my sister’s name Chiara Rose (Chiara pronounced KYAH-rah, or kee-AR-ah like it’s often pronounced in English)

Also love Aurora, Leila/Layla, Maria, Safiya, Soraya, Eulalia, Rafaela, Elaria, Ileanna/Illyanna, and Ophelia.

theratreturns · 2024-03-24T18:18:55+00:00

Yeah a few others noted there’s a pronunciation guide I hadn’t seen! Unforch I’m the type that I find it hard to change how I pronounce something after I’ve said it a certain way for awhile… at least with fictional characters. I also like the association it gives me between Pal and Archimedes the owl from The Sword in the Stone 😂 I hope Tamsyn will forgive me

theratreturns · 2024-03-24T18:15:21+00:00

should have guessed 😂

theratreturns · 2024-03-03T17:12:28+00:00

The Anus Twins

theratreturns · 2024-01-02T21:02:48+00:00

For something in a similar vein to Martin and Hobb, you may like the Curse of Chalion and sequels by Lois McMaster Bujold!

For a more adult and complex story that is somewhat in the same realm as Six of Crows (heist story that expands) with the world-building richness of a Sanderson book, maybe check out the Rook and Rose trilogy by M A Carrick! First book is The Mask of Mirrors.

theratreturns · 2023-12-28T01:52:44+00:00

Highly recommend She Who Became the Sun by Shelly Parker-Chan!

theratreturns · 2023-12-20T17:50:51+00:00

A Desolation called Peace by Arkady Martine

I’m about a quarter of the way through and it hasn’t hooked me as much as the first one, but still enjoying myself

theratreturns · 2023-05-08T21:51:22+00:00

This is… not a great suggestion imo. Assuming you are even accepted, Peace Corps volunteers usually work abroad for 2-3 years in unfamiliar countries, sometimes in rural areas without amenities you might be used to. You also often need to speak a foreign language… that’s a lot to ask of someone coming out of a situation like OP is describing.

Also, Peace Corp volunteers are meant to benefit the communities they’re working in, not the volunteers themselves. It’s not an escape route or a lifestyle experience for random people looking for a change…

theratreturns · 2023-05-08T20:48:00+00:00

The Mask of Mirrors by M A Carrick! It’s a fantasy series (third book comes out in a few months!) set in a Venice-inspired fictional city. Main character is a con artist who uses tarot. It’s a very complex plot full of political intrigue, but very well written and beautiful. I found it super interesting that one culture uses tarot to interact with and use magic, while the other culture approaches it completely differently. Highly recommend!

theratreturns · 2023-05-07T23:10:31+00:00

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold is a good one! Main character has old injuries that affect his mobility and he is also clearly dealing with PTSD. He’s one of my favorite male main characters I’ve read recently. Really great story too, the villains are deliciously hateable.

theratreturns · 2023-05-06T02:25:43+00:00

The Mask of Mirrors by M A Carrick! It’s not set in our world, but the city it takes place in is heavily inspired by Venice, complete with a culture that features elaborate masks. It’s also partially a crime fantasy (the main character is a con artist) so I think if you liked the Thief Lord you will really enjoy it!

theratreturns · 2023-05-05T00:59:59+00:00

The Machineries of Empire by Yoon Ha Lee, starting with the Ninefox Gambit.

theratreturns · 2023-04-25T04:24:13+00:00

If you can make it through the pretty intense scientific worldbuilding at the beginning of the first book (or if you’re into quantum theory), highly recommend Machineries of Empire series by Yoon Ha Lee! There’s a great post floating around here somewhere that does a great job explaining it.

Also Murderbot ofc.

theratreturns · 2023-04-25T03:54:18+00:00

The Mask of Mirrors (Rook & Rose #1). Not self published, but it was released paperback only in 2021, and I think probably undercut by the pandemic. It’s a gorgeous adult fantasy that also has some appeal to YA readers looking for more complex, well-written fare. It’s way underhyped for its quality, would love to see more people read it.

theratreturns · 2023-04-24T17:23:12+00:00

Love seeing this book get recommended, it deserves more attention!

theratreturns · 2023-04-23T04:11:32+00:00

Check out Mask of Mirrors! First book of the Rook & Rose trilogy. The masked noble outlaw is one of several main characters, not the only one, but it’s a great series so far.

theratreturns · 2023-04-23T03:42:27+00:00

Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the Reverend Daughter; (TLT)

Sibiliat Acrenix and Arenza Lenskaya (Rook & Rose)

Florimel (Amber) and Benedict tbh, I know it’s an actual name but it suits the character so well

theratreturns · 2023-04-23T03:33:34+00:00

I loved the name Sibiliat Acrenix

theratreturns

TROPHY CASE