Periodically, rather than focus on a Featured Blend, I thought it might be fun to look at a popular microgenre. Not sure what I mean by that? Many people have favorite genres — the big categories that books that share characteristics can fall into. And even in a genre there are subgenres that they are more likely to read and enjoy — readily identifiable groupings under the big genre categories. A example for genre might be “Fantasy” while a subgenre of fantasy could be “Epic Fantasy.” But any readers’ advisor worth her salt knows that there are sometimes even smaller subdivisions of genre that readers are drawn to. Particular story lines that are catnip to the reader or tropes that they look for in their reading again and again.
One popular storyline for epic fantasy fans is one that I call “The Hidden Heir.” This story follows a general opening pattern that a young man or a woman who was for some reason or another passed over as the ruler of a realm is suddenly brought forward to claim the throne. The story can evolve in many ways from this premise, including a regal coming-of-age story, a rags to riches odyssey, an exploration of political intrigue, or a full-out battle for the crown. But there are people who love the idea of a character who did not think they were going to rule suddenly stepping up as the rightful heir.
This week a much buzzed debut novel, The Queen of the Tearling (already headed to movie theaters with Emma Watson to star), takes this premise and runs with it, but there are some other popular examples of the microgenre. Some of my favorites are below, but what are yours?
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The death of her mother prompts Kelsea to come out of hiding and claim the throne that is rightfully hers. She will have to prove herself quickly as her uncle has made an alliance with the the Red Queen of neighboring Mortmense and breaking the treaty with that sorceress ruler will bring her country to war. (more…)
by Daniel O’Malley