The Boom of Dystopian Novels

If we were back in 2005, and you were an author trying to submit dystopian novels to publishers, you probably would not get much response. The thought of gambling on young adult novels written about depressed societies just didn’t sound like a good one. Fast forward to present day—dystopian literature is flourishing. The success of books like The Hunger Games and Revealing Eden (Save the Pearls Part One) are perfect examples of this trend.

The recent boom in dystopian literature is perfectly demonstrated in Collins’s trilogy, as well as a multitude of other series that are being churned out, based on complex, intricately developed worlds and societies that require a commitment of the reader. Those who read books for young adults rarely will read just one—research indicates that they will line up to be the first to own each installment and flock to the box office when the books are made to films.
Dystopian novels have actually been around for decades. Typically geared to the Tween and Young Adult audiences, this genre was made memorable for many students by 1984 and Brave New World, both of which are considered twentieth century dystopian classics. While these were often assigned reading, no one predicted that this genre would gain such popularity.

Many blame it on the recession and state of affairs in many countries, while others simply attribute the boom of dystopian literature to its provision of an escape, where the reader goes to a place where the protagonist is much worse off than they could ever dream of being. Post apocalyptic societies reduced to subsistence farming or surrounded by toxic wastelands, fighting zombies hungry for human brains have somehow become the perfect reading escape to the Young Adult market.

Some publishers attribute the success of dystopia to the same elements that make young adult novels popular in general—a relatable protagonist, regardless of the setting or plot. Knowing that a character who lives in utter chaos, struggling to survive on a daily basis, shares some of the same issues as the reader, gives the reader comfort and a new perspective on their own circumstances.

A reason why this genre is flourishing in the YA audience is that these worlds are fresh to young readers. They’re thrilled by harrowing circumstances; and these scenarios don’t have to be unprecedented. Look at the revival of the zombie movie in recent years… these moviegoers may or may not have ever seen classics like Evil Dead or Night of the Living Dead—regardless, they were thrilled by Zombieland, 28 Days Later and the Dawn of the Dead remake.

Paranormal romance books as a genre

Paranormal romance novels are currently one of the most popular genres among young adult fiction books. This is not a big surprise since romance novels are the most popular sellers. This stylish sub-genre adheres to the classic elements of romance books, yet is distinguished through the use of a twist of speculative fiction. This usually takes the form of supernatural or scientifically unexplainable characters, settings and plots.

Paranormal romance books typically inject themes of sci-fi, horror, mystery or fantasy, with some reference to the genre’s gothic roots. By bringing together characters ranging from ghosts, werewolves, vampires, demons, zombies and witches with humans, paranormal romance novels blend the real world with a fantastical one. As with young adult fiction novels like Twilight, the author can infuse a romance between a character from an otherworldly place with a human character, creating a multitude of opportunities for conflict and growth, while providing the book with mainstream appeal.

For a while, it seemed like the romances in young adult fantasy novels were always between vampires and humans, though now, authors have taken this theme a step further by injecting love affairs between humans and ghosts, aliens, shape shifters, devils, angels and the like. These supernatural entities still have relatable characteristics which make them appeal to both the human characters and readers.

Beyond the romantic aspect, paranormal romance books are defined by their extraordinary elements. Readers want the surprise element that this form of fiction can provide, whether it comes from wizardry and magic, the occult or outer space. The world the characters live in may be sci-fi, futuristic or fantasy, they may use time travel or space ships, or exist via reincarnation—the point is, there are components that make the story completely different from their world, and hopefully, other books. These types of characteristics are extremely popular among young adult fantasy novels, which is the reason why many authors seek to fuse the two genres—recent successes indicate that this is a formula for success.

When readers open paranormal romance novels, they expect to be transported to another world, where they may be able to relate to the protagonist’s emotional plight and circumstances, but maybe not the world they live in. If an author can provide the reader entry into this other place, then they’re moving down the right path.

What makes the best fantasy novels? Part two

This week, we’re finishing up our analysis of the components that make the best fantasy novels. In our last blog, we talked about originality and engaging readers. One of the other most important elements in creating a strong fantasy story, whether for books for young adults or beyond, is characterization. Strong characters can make a novel—likewise, weak characters who do not experience an arc and are one-dimensional can kill even the most well-written book. While strong prose is fundamental to the best fantasy novels, we have to relate to and be compelled by the characters themselves, as well as their plight and their actions.

While some areas have a bit more leeway, such as science fiction books with their elaborate and complex settings, concepts and technology, paranormal romance books are a great example of where strong characterization is absolutely mandatory. Strong characters with a clear plight or goal, and those immersed in conflict or suffering, help us to care more deeply about them and their story.

Readers need to relate to the characters, especially in books for young adults. The relationships between all of the characters should be realistic and authentic, and they should experience real problems and conflicts that readers can emphasize with—and may have experienced themselves. They should possess uniqueness and flavor, as well as flaws. No one wants to read about someone who is perfect, since perfection is not a possibility in the real world. Even if you’re reading about characters in paranormal romance novels, the readers should be able to relate. Even if the character discovers that they are a vampire, readers want to understand the humanistic issues they experience, such as love, loss and triumph—more specifically, the ones that mirror the real issues in their own lives.

When magic is prevalent in young adult fantasy novels, it’s important that the system is cohesive and well-thought out. It’s best when magic or supernatural attributes are unique to the book, which can be a very difficult element to execute. There has to be a set of rules that make sense and the magic should not be a crutch that gets the characters out of any predicament in a flash.

While the best fantasy books may be set in an imaginary world that we will never experience, they feature characters that seem just like real people in the real world, who we might be friends with if they lived next door. If magic is involved, then it should be unique and have an authentic feel that serves as a tool rather than a scapegoat.

What makes the best fantasy novels? Part one

As a genre, fantasy books and movies are ubiquitous. Yet so many of these books seem derivative and trite—what makes the best fantasy novels stand apart from the others? While it may seem like good writing is all it takes, there are actually several elements that are fundamental to creating a strong fantasy element, especially among books for young adults, where fantasy is extremely popular at the moment.

Probably the most important feature of the best fantasy novels is that they are extremely original and unique. Even if an author chooses to feature some of the standard fantasy components such as wizards, fairies and vampires, there can still be a level of originality through twists and turns as well as settings that differentiate themselves from the other books in the genre. If the same story has been done over and over again, no matter how good the writing is, it’s going to be a hard sell among both publishers and readers.

Whether it’s from the uber popular sub-genre of paranormal romance stories or straight science-fiction/fantasy, the innovativeness of the book must be conveyed quickly and easily—in just enough words to fill out the synopsis on the book cover.

Another important element of the best fantasy books is that they must provide an escape from reality and lead you into an imaginary world where you leave your disbelief at the door. These worlds are typically comprised of races and cultures in conflict, with mysterious twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Think along the lines of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and books for young adults like our favorite, Save the Pearls Part One Revealing Eden.

There are some exceptions in regards to the actual world itself—examples are often found in the subgenre of paranormal romance books. Ever popular, due to the success of certain vampire series, these books do not necessarily have an imaginary setting as much as they have characters with supernatural powers or paranormal obstacles. These obstacles may block their path to love or, in some instances, save the world or something less lofty like their family and loved ones. The protagonists themselves don’t necessarily have to possess supernatural powers or paranormal attributes; it could be they’re targeted by an antagonist who has them or perhaps they’ve fallen in love with someone who boasts them. Either way, if the plot and characters are strong enough, the scenario itself will lead the reader into a fantastical escape.

Blending Genres in Books for Young Adults

One of the most valuable skills a writer of books for young adults can possess is the ability to successfully blend genres. While most writers specialize in and are known for a particular genre, the ability to combine several in a cohesive manner can strengthen a writer’s work while boosting the number of readers. Most YA readers have a few favorite genres or enjoy all the subgenres of their main selection—so covering aspects of several improves your chances of attracting them to read and like the young adult fiction novels you write.

For example, many paranormal romance books incorporate aspects of fantasy, adventure and even science fiction throughout their story and plot. Twilight is a great example of this, as is Sand Dollar Press’ recent release, Save the Pearls Part One REVEALING EDEN. They both weave supernatural or fantastical elements in each of their stories, to satisfy and entertain a wider variety of readers than would a plain old romance story.

By adding elements of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure, those who would normally not read young adult fiction novels may be compelled to read a novel that crosses genres. Or those who only read adventure may have their interest piqued by a strong adventure romance book.

Likewise, those who like stories about love and romance, but would not necessarily be drawn to a typical fantasy book, often become the biggest fans of paranormal romance novels.

Some of the best fantasy novels in recent history attracted their momentous audiences by acknowledging the audience’s expectations when they read that genre, meeting those expectations and then surpassing them by mixing in other elements. Blending genres like this not only results in a stronger final product, it broadens and deepens your storytelling abilities, while maintaining unpredictability among your readers. Nothing is more appealing to reader who is drawn with the promise of a good book from their favorite genre, and then challenged with new twists infused from another genre.

A perfect example of powerful genre blending is an adventure romance story called Romancing the Stone, which also became a blockbuster film. This story blended romance, action-adventure and suspense while featuring both a strong hero and heroine who ultimately fell in love despite an original disdain for each other.