There seems to be a bit of an uptick in men’s books recently which seem to be very formulaic. Now don’t get me wrong I’m very glad there are more books being written with men in mind. But I am starting to notice a pattern.
The first book tends to be decent. A fairly easy read, and a bit of a romp with the main characters going on an adventure. There is normally 2 or so main characters with a normal grouping of side characters who drop in every now and again. Throw in a bit of comedy and it looks like a winning formula. So far so good.
I assume after this book has become a bit of a hit the author thinks they’ve found their true calling. And a second, third and sometime 10th book tend to go along the same line. The main characters have to grab the special amulet (Mcguffin), and will have to fight a lot of enemies to achieve their goal. Not to worry though a brilliant idea will occur to the character just in the nick of time and despite overwhelming odds they will come through. No one important will die and so tune in next time for another great adventure.
I realise that I am kind of describing a lot of book series. But I think where these books suffer is that, they aren’t all that great books. Penny dreadfuls they aren’t, but maybe one step up? Tuppence dreadfuls maybe? Add in the fact that to me it seems like the author doesn’t want to kill the golden goose, and it just looks like they are repeating the mid part of books ad infinitum (problem and resolution) as a way to keep churning out more books.
I think this was really kicked off during Covid where a lot of aspiring writers had time to jump in with giving writing ago. Things with patreon helping to support the writers and self publishing.
The couple of examples I’ve read is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman and Expeditionary Force by Craig alanson. Again not bad books, but after effectively reading the same book several times I just don’t care for the characters.
by theraininspainfallsm