Bad Tropes, Great Books [CC]

Links to books I talked about in this video
(These are affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I get a small percentage of the sale):
Just Ella: amzn.to/308r7ht
The Lies of Locke Lamora: amzn.to/2B2t4Ug
Mansfield Park: amzn.to/396aE1z
The Wheel of Time (First three books): amzn.to/3enyqXz
Pride and Prejudice: amzn.to/3erE5vO
The Aeronaut's Windlass: amzn.to/309MpuZ
Stormlight Archive: amzn.to/2OpNYzu
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[@MCMIVC]

Now make a tier list of your favorite tropes, and then a video of examples of your favorites done poorly.

[@zthxna]

Yes!

[@taylor_green_9]

That sounds fun

[@WordoftheElderGods]

That's a good idea

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

The obvious next step/chapter/edition... ;o)

[@sonamc7723]

omg yes!

[@Tof221]

Favorite chosen one: Aang. From what I understand, a big reason why "chosen one" narratives fail is because the plot feels to be pulling the protagonist forward and inflating their importance. But as one of the singular themes of the show was choosing your own destiny, we get to see how other characters interpret and engage with that theme. Consider Aang's past lives and the mistakes they made. They were all "chosen ones" but because they were all human beings they oftentimes treated their roles differently. But as Yangchen told Aang in the finale, it was up to him to accept his responsibility to protect the world even at the cost of his own principles. Being the "Chosen One" was not an excuse to make characters follow the plot, but rather a vessel to explore how we all shape our fates and handle our responsibilities.

[@firstnamelastname6016]

I also enjoyed how it was a duty and less of a set destiny or prophecy. There was no guarantee that they would win (it was a kid series but still), or that everyone would make it out. The focus was less of Aang being the avatar and more of how he felt about it, how the world thought about him, and how his own beliefs and failings affected his ability to carry out his responsibilities. I like Chosen One tropes (when done right) because they can capture what it is like to have your life planned out, or what it’s like to sacrifice your own wants for the people around you. I agree with what you said about the whole plot thing. Avatar the Last Airbender used the avatar as just a part of the story instead of the entire story. For example, in the fortune teller episode, the fortune teller predicts Aang’s battle with the fire lord with lots of broken bone and fire, but Aang just wants to know if he marries Katara.

[@mancubwwa]

One more thing is how the existence of Avatar is a part of the world. Avatar is a public persona, and his actions are perceived through his function. In the end it is not "he is the only one that can beat firelord" (it is made quite clear that Iroh is perfectly capable of taking on Ozai during the comet, and while not guaranteed, still quite likely to win) but more "only if the Avatar beats the firelord political balance and peace can be restored" because avatar is as much an institution as (s)he is a chosen superpower lottery winner.

[@tariqthomas9090]

Lindsay Ellis said this in one of her videos but the best chosen one stories are the ones that either subvert the trope or ones that are very character driven and deal with both the highs, lows, and mundanities of being the “chosen one”. It’s one of the reasons why the two Avatar shows, Buffy, Star Wars, LOTR and Harry Potter succeed because they do both.

[@ThrottleKitty]

I think, Ironically, Roku would be the much better example of a "Chosen One" trope done well. He essentially, totally fails. He is what gives weight to Aang, since he's a bold declaration "This won't just work out on it's own! You have the power, but you still have to make the right choice"

[@Tof221]

@@ThrottleKitty My favorite episode is The Avatar and the Fire Lord. I don't know why exactly. His friendship with Sozin was just so Shakespearean and complex and the fact that their story was so neatly encapsulated in one episode told as flashbacks and journals is impressive. Also, all Avatar fans need to watch on KZbin "Escape from the Spirit World". Incredible insight to the Avatar as a concept.

[@ryanalex4671]

“The Chosen one, I think the best way I’ve seen is...” Me:Avatar the Last Airbender

[@edifiedreader]

“I think the best way to -” “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” “Uh, I was going to say to bake cookies.” “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

[@Splattedable]

@@edifiedreader Lmao

[@dylantd9189]

It's not a book though :/

[@failedatmakingasandwich423]

@@dylantd9189 It has a book though

[@ari7333]

Dylan T D the show is based on graphic novels

[@SlidellRobotics]

A well done "resurrection": Gandalf. He actually came back as practically a different person, after a sufficiently long interval.

[@karpcicle]

Yes! I came here to say this. The first time I read lotr as a fresh faced fantasy reader, I was so excited when Gandalf the White was revealed.

[@kairos5689]

also winter soldier from marvel mcu. he became a pivotal plot point for films down the line.

[@Vauataf3346]

Hey sorry havnt read LotR in a while. How was he a different person? From what i remember he seemed the same to me

[@SlidellRobotics]

@@Vauataf3346 First of all, he changed from grey to white. It is clear that in LOTR a wizard's color is a significant part of his identity, as "the [color]" is always part of his name in any but informal human or hobbit conversation. When Saruman switches from leadership of the order of wizards to an ally of Sauron, he changes from "Saruman the White" to "Saruman the Many Colored". Radagast is always "Radagast the Brown". On first meeting them after Moria, Gandalf wasn't entirely sure if he even knew the Hobbits; he had to struggle to even remember his old name.

[@michaeljenner2325]

Aslen was another good one.

[@jordanmarx4346]

The wizard of oz does the “all talk no action “ well , as the “great and terrible wizard of oz” who is hyped up throughout the novel is actually not powerful at all.

[@pRahvi0]

So a subversion is OK

[@natasagajic1061]

I was about to mention Wizard of Oz regarding that trope as well! 😁 Also, Gilderoy Lockhart (and, in general, characters that like to present themselves waaaay better/stronger/powerful than they actually are)

[@jordanmarx4346]

Natasa Gajic OMG yes! Gilderoy is also a perfect example. I like it when their failure to live up to the hype actually serves as a feature to the plot.

[@toshomni9478]

I feel that's different since he's pretending to be something he's not, when this is about someone who is actually what people say but we just never see it. Same with Gilderoy Lockhart from Harry Potter.

[@jordanmarx4346]

Tosh Omni it’s similar to how Merphy said Just Ella used the Insta-love trope .

[@anonymousbibliomaniac4588]

The only issue I have with Chosen One tropes is that it gave me unrealistic hopes growing up that I'd be approached by some magical unicorn who says that I am the one true hero to save the magical world... **impatient foot tap** I'm still waiting...

[@halfwayATfinish]

@Antônia L. Suarez yo, saame

[@dakshayini8207]

Sigh... We can only wait

[@wppb50]

"Where have you ben? ...Where have you been? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?"

[@louis559]

I think the "everyone survives" trope could be done well as a backstory/flashback actually. Say we get to know a band of characters and later on we're shown that they are together because they are the only survivors of a massive battle. And I think "all talk, no action" could be an interesting premise for a smooth-talker type character. Someone who talks himself up but really has basically no other skills.

[@theatlascomplex2052]

Probably not the best example of "all talk/no action” but it is one that I felt was used well enough in the story it was in. Mr. Satan, or Hercule, from Dragon Ball is a pompous and arrogant martial arts champion, but at the time he is introduced into the series there are already countless characters that outclass him in terms of strength and ability. However, he remains one the most charismatic characters in the series, and has made use of his bluster and charm to assist the heroes in ways that they could not do themselves. He talks big game, can’t measure up to his peers in terms physical ability, but he has a kind heart and the wherewithal to use his charm for the good of others.

[@kato6196]

Your description of all talk no action reminded me of moist von lipwig from the discworld series!

[@efoxkitsune9493]

Agreed. I think it could be done very well in a first-person narrative like that.

[@blakecook9266]

The “all talk, no action” description reminded me of reigan, from Mob Psycho 100, although Reigan actually has some skills, just not the ones he claims

[@maem7462]

I think another way the all talk no action could be used well if other characters have certain expectations and/or stereotypes of a character but then you meet the character and they aren't what people thought. Maybe the character knows people have high exceptions of them and they try to meet those expectations but it's difficult for them

[@grant9449]

Okay, SPOILER The Chronicles of Narnia does talking animals and resurrection trope really well.

[@josephmariani732]

Yeah, but I think maybe that is because a lot of it is symbolism.

[@daltondavidson7997]

I mean it does really and I think you're right. I know a lot of people don't agree though. And more importantly, its also at fault for why both tropes are done so poorly lol.

[@christianmagrum3282]

It had a bit of a guide for the resurrection bit wink wink

[@Splattedable]

You have to put Narnia in the spoiler warning or people don't know whether they care or not.

[@cussundriakneal9904]

Because its just basically the bible but fantasy. XD Of course its done well! But no, seriously, i love Narnia, but let's be real, author was extremely religious.

[@GameLover-gh5bd]

“D&D nerds, I see you!” It’s nice to be appreciated 😊😉

[@GameLover-gh5bd]

Yes! Streams like Critical Role have brought the game back and its popularity is sky-rocketing! Was not a OG fan but fell in love with the game when 5th edition was released!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@M-NJ B Some of us still use 2e... or play GURPS. ;o)

[@Trintron46]

"I'm happy with this body count." -Merphy 2020

[@MusicBlik]

This quote on this date could be massively misconstrued, which is one of the best qualities of an in-joke.

[@daniellespencer5026]

That made me laugh 😂

[@thesleepingbeauty12]

I'm happy with the body count in Avatar.

[@Splattedable]

Was looking for this comment :D

[@areeshafatima8453]

I will actually drink water if merphy doesn't talk abt lies of locke lamora Edit: Not even 3 mins in 🤦🏻‍ ur responsible for my dehydration merph

[@sarcasticeggs8998]

My Atheistic prayers go out to you🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@s.m.ferris3486]

Hahaha omg

[@Turvok]

I recently read lies of locke lamora and I don't understand what the big deal is. I didn't think it was that terrific and it felt aimless for the first half of the book.

[@areeshafatima8453]

@@Turvok how .. dare you.... 😂 i guess its not for everyone personally it wasnt the plot that kept me hooked it was the characters. I really fell in love with them and their chemistry and the book genuinely made me laugh out loud... but i think the plot was pretty good too even tho a bit predictable i still loved it

[@drlc6051]

Please drink water :)

[@mikem1585]

Dragons may be too complex to fairly label as simply “animal,” but I think Smaug from The Hobbit is a great example of an effective and compelling talking creature.

[@lenaertsjelke]

You talking about the being told someone is a badass but they don't do anything "trope" made me think of a Gilderoy Lockhart type character, which honestly I think we need more of. A character that is known in the world to be this big badass who defeated a lot of evil/explored the whole world or something like that but is actually a huge fraud. That's such an interesting character type and I wish there was more of those characters in fiction instead of what you were talking about. The only character I can think of like that is Lockhart from Harry Potter and I think it's a shame there aren't more.

[@nahmean7045]

I'm guessing that character still does many things in the story? But she's talking about a character that thinks about what they could do in a particular situation and then proceeds to do nothing.

[@lenaertsjelke]

Nah Mean oh I know. I’m just saying that reminded me of something else that I would actually like to see more of in books.

[@nahmean7045]

@@lenaertsjelke Yeah, I completely misread the beginning of your comment. ☺️

[@Yohannai]

@@JA-iu3eq Well Mob Psycho 100 was a manga before being adapted into an anime, so I think it counts as a book! But then again, I tend to classify comics as books as well

[@NotABot-px7ky]

wizard of oz?

[@Raahiba]

Talking animals: His Dark Materials. The full-cast audiobooks narrated by the author are how I get through periods of illness and/or how I spend rainy narrowboat holidays. I discovered them when I was chronically ill (that seems to be over now, touch wood) and couldn't physically hold a book, and I still listen to them at least once a year.

[@cooltiger07]

I second this! It was the first one I thought of when she said that trope!

[@hermiona1147]

I love this series so much and the fact they cut this down from the movie greatly upsets me.

[@jacobellis5822]

@@hermiona1147 check out the new HBO series if you haven't already :)

[@aey8737]

Yes!

[@dkim6157]

I liked how the Chosen One trope was done in Mistborn era 1.

[@lucaleone4331]

I kinda forget that it has a Chosen One Trope lol, its like the last thing I think about when I explain Mistborn and gush about it lol

[@daniellamunoz8894]

That’s my personal favorite portrayal of the trope!

[@sirgog]

Best subversion of the prophecy trope I've ever seen too.

[@devinvanleeuwen1671]

YAAS it was amazingly executed haha

[@issiep327]

For the second trope with that making stupid mistakes I think Anne of Green Gables did that in such a fun quirky way. Although Anne’s mistakes weren’t always just bad decision making for me I would put Anne in that category ❤️

[@taylor_green_9]

Have you watched Anne with an E? If so, how does it compare to the books?

[@ajg4158]

@Francisco Vargas it’s very different in some ways but it keeps many of the classic scenes and issues(slate smacking, hair dye, wine incident, etc.). It’s a great retelling of the book, though, because it goes into really deep topic so it’s less of a fun care-free romance about a young girl growing up but it’s more a story of a girl growing up and is relevant to today’s topics that most shows don’t touch upon. Its starts out with focusing on Anne’s PTSD from living in Mrs. Hammonds abusive household and the orphanage. And in the show her eccentricity is a bit more extreme so that easily makes her a victim for bullies. It’s one of my favorite shows and you should really check it out!

[@analyzationm]

@@taylor_green_9 I haven't read the books but have series so if you haven't watched it i definitely recommend it because it is really good ( and it does match with that second trope in a good way)😊

[@taylor_green_9]

I actually have watched the show. I was just wondering if I should read the books because I know it's a long book series

[@jamesthomas1489]

Francisco Vargas the series is really good, but it’s a lot less progressive than the show. There are no poc or lgbt characters in the books, and no feminist themes, unlike in the show.

[@selantrian]

I don’t really like animal books either, but I LOVE The Little Prince. It’s such a sweet, sad story that I hope you try at some point!

[@TheWilyx]

OMG yes! It's very short and lovely, I hope she picks it up!

[@selantrian]

William Soto yessss

[@peasalexandrowicz790]

My fav childhood book!

[@naamahnotorious955]

It was an obligatory read for me in French class (I'm Belgian, French is my second language, it's obligated here), I loved it ever since. My teacher read it to us. With voices. French was never my favorite lesson (I'm more of a science geek), but I loved that teacher!

[@TheNinjaDwarfBiker]

animal farm

[@jacobellis5822]

I enjoyed Watership Down as a kid, about societies of talking rabbits (though they only talk to eachother)

[@aidanmitchelson7907]

Watership Down is fantastic! I never knew I could be so invested and interested in rabbit society. And it definitely wouldn’t be part of that trope because it’s all rabbits.

[@mancubwwa]

The best thing about Watership Down is that they are actually rabbits, and not just people in rabbit suits so to speak. So many talking animal books have the chatachters that if you replaced them with humans nothing would really change. It may be intentional allegory (Animal Farm anyone) but more often than not it is because author simply lacks imagination to condider how they would be different.

[@pinkhornet8737]

I am still traumatised from seeing the movie as a child. Bright Eyes, it’s always going to be too soon.

[@MagusMarquillin]

@@pinkhornet8737 "Burning like fire! Bright Eyes! How can you close and fail? How can the light that burned so brightly, suddenly burn so pale? Bright eyes.

[@tegelstenen4178]

That movie is definitely in my top five western animated movies of all time. Seeing it at sixteen, it still scares the shit out of me

[@rogueofennui]

Fine.... FINE! I'll read Lies of Locke Lamora.... Happy now? :P

[@merphynapier42]

Indeed I am :)

[@BKPrice]

I actually bought the Lies of Locke Lamora because Merphy wouldn't shut up about it. Scott Lynch needs to pay her as his publicist.

[@storyphile4518]

B.K. Price same!

[@vishnusanthosh7599]

@@BKPrice lol

[@ninimtvarelashvili3406]

I loved Jason Todd' resurection in DC comics. I really really loved how they handled it because him being alive again didn't actually mean everything was all sunshine and rainbows.

[@peasalexandrowicz790]

Merphy: " love triangles done right" Me: wait... Jane Austin? looks over on the shelf... Me: YES!

[@booksanddragons1928]

Same!! I was like wait whAT and then I remembered and yup there it was 😂😂😂

[@adelinekropf7229]

I feel like Percy Jackson did "the chosen one" well. Instead of making the character above everyone else that character is still very relatable and all the other characters roles aren't belittled. I feel like Mr. Riordan's books are overall very good and they really hit it out of the park with relatable heros.

[@Unknown-uk9he]

Adeline Kropf Percy is too perfect tho. He just grabs everything and is good at everything.

[@softly.moonlit]

I disagree, he gets too puffy and ends up thinking everything is about him. However, I love Riordans’ stuff too, and that’s just my opinion :)

[@lbentosoares4]

I like PJ and HoO but I think Harry Potter is a better chosen one than Percy...apart from being the only one who can kill Voldemort (cause reasons) Harry is kind of terrible at everything besides flying, if it werent for Hermione, Dumbledore, Sirius, Snape...etc to guide this boy he would have died in the first book XD What makes him a great chosen one is that he didn't want that at all, he had no choice from start and was very oblivious to how much cherished (and under presure) he was in the wizarding world. He was an important pawn in Dumbledore's ultimate move on his "game" to defeat Voldemort.

[@adelinekropf7229]

@@Unknown-uk9he I feel like he is just good at sword play and he is powerful immediately but I also think he is oblivious and Annabeth has to help him with a lot. So I guess I kind of agree but kinda disagree if that makes any sense.

[@HiHi-lt1cb]

Luiz Guilherme B.S. and also the fact that the prophecy wasn’t specifically about him (Harry Potter) adds a whole other layer

[@gaberodriguez4023]

"Everyone Makes It Out Alive" Trope SPOILERS LORD OF THE RINGS has a surprisingly low death-toll for being such an epic war story, with eight of the nine members of the fellowship surviving. I think it works though as the book is more about the psychological effect of war.

[@keeprockin69]

Exactly my thoughts ^^

[@sebastiencimpaye5871]

They also d’ont completely win

[@aperson-zf9fy]

imagine being the 1/9 that just dies before the final battle is near, what an L to take. Though the other 8 don't make it out totally unscathed, Frodo can't take living in his life long home anymore, Gandalf died and lost a ton of his memories as Gandalf the Grey and taking on a new identity, Aragorn held his newfound 'brother' and sent him off to the afterlife which i can imagine is quite traumatic.

[@pessoaaleatorianoyoutube6358]

I was expecting “Animal Farm” to be here 🤡🤡

[@merphynapier42]

ooo that would have been a good one!

[@pessoaaleatorianoyoutube6358]

Merphy Napier I can’t believe you answered me 😮

[@gwaptiva]

Yeah, been wondering if the "talking animals" would include fables... or cartoon mices :)

[@hartsbane7028]

i've always enjoyed how the Chosen One trope is done in my own life... as a Chosen One i don't find out until much later in life, toward my middle years, that I'm the savior of the world... the trope is done very well... unfortunately, part of the trope is no one around me believes that I'm the Chosen One, not even my cats...

[@Andromeda-mz1qk]

lowkey thought this was written by jesus for a sec

[@Splattedable]

I don't wanna rush you but do you really have time for youtube?

[@darkdream1469]

@@Andromeda-mz1qk 😂😂😂

[@carolreimers1796]

"Insta-love" often comes across as just "Insta-lust".

[@MrMerlin1896]

"It's called just - EEAGH!!" Nailed it.

[@sarcasticeggs8998]

My least favourite trope of all time is, "I love you so much, If you dont choose me, I'll die." or, "if you die, I would kill myself." Like NO. Just NO. Nothing is worth committing suicide. If you really love someone, you would continue to live so that you could honor their memory.

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

YESS

[@benparrish6157]

I wouldn’t say that that’s a trope. Some people actually feel that way in real life. So many people would be willing to take a bullet for their spouse, child, or friend of it means that that person can live.

[@mischarowe]

Yeah, that's annoying.

[@steeleholls11]

@@benparrish6157 But being willing to take a bullet for someone is different than 'I would kill for you'/'I would kill myself without you.' These are very unhealthy attachments. Being willing to take a bullet for someone is about protecting them.

[@tariqthomas9090]

I agree that they’re bad tropes, but (and correct me if I’m wrong) but I feel like those are two different things. The first one (“I would die for you”) is a very unhealthy obsession disguised as devotion, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they would commit suicide or abuse their partner. It’s still very toxic, but I wouldn’t say it’s on the same level as the other one, which is just straight up abuse and downright evil.

[@hollyh4061]

Instant love was just always a shorthand in fiction, I never really minded it because it gives more time for drama outside of the romance. Plus, who doesn't want to see a couple against the world? But the relationship trope I CANNOT STAND is when people don't just settle their problems like actual human beings and talking. (miscommunication trope I'm looking at you D-:

[@Philistine47]

Sometimes people do just hate each other for no reason, though. Sometimes the dislike is irrational, or at least not articulable, and there isn't really a problem that can be solved by talking it out - sometimes the best you can do is, "We are never going to be friends, but we don't have to like each other to work together." (I've had some very productive working relationships that ran along this line. It's not necessary to _like_ someone to respect them, even _value_ them.)

[@somebodyontheinternet1847]

14:22 I think the all talk no action can be written well if the story was told by a narrator who romanticized the main character and it was done to show how different the main character is from the narrator’s perspective.

[@ianrae5767]

I would imagine this could be done really well with a multi-POV, unreliable narrator who thinks they’re all that, but never acts on it vs how the rest of the world sees them.

[@Earendil1992]

Edit: Also Gandalf, how could I forget! Resurrection done well: Voldemort and maybe Sauron 😂 I count these as resurrections of sorts, though I know it's not really what you mean when you talk about the resurrection trope!

[@15nicinho]

Rebecca Inman Gandalf and Syl

[@thesleepingbeauty12]

I didn't really like Gandalf's resurrection. I didn't hate it and was happy to have him back, but I also was annoyed about the resurrection thing.

[@natasagajic1061]

Oooh, Voldemort's resurrection is definitely a resurrection trope done well, imo

[@MagusMarquillin]

Voldemorte you know is coming back as soon as you find out about him, so it's not really playing fast and loose with the readers emotions. Kind of the same with Sauron. Is that what was done well?

[@Earendil1992]

@@MagusMarquillin yeah they're not really resurrections in the typical sense, it's more them slowly coming back to power/regaining a physical body. With Gandalf it's done well because he has to be sent back to defeat the dark lord (all that wizard lore), but there is still some emotion as Frodo and Sam don't know that Gandalf is alive until the end.

[@kaaghalaa]

Potential spoiler for Buffy the Vampire Slayer Favorite chosen one: Buffy Especially since the show drove the point that these girls that become the slayer all want to die because of how lonely and isolating the 'chosen one' title is, and that it's her friends and family that keep her going everyday. It also did the resurrection trope in a way I've never seen done before, one of the best subversion of that trope that I've seen.

[@BrandonGuimond]

I'm starting to turn your Locke Lamora mentions into a drinking game LOL :P

[@janeb3483]

Oh the Austen exception, can't agree more! Although I love how the love triangle (or rather quadrangle) is done in Mansfield Park and there I can understand that maybe not everyone expect Fanny to end up with who she ends up with - but with the other Austen novels (and for me also in MP) it was never a question. Yes, the romance is captivating and other potential love interests are layered too, but who the heroine will chose - I never had doubts about.

[@sarahsmith1097]

I loved the talking animals in Chronicles of Narnia! I finally read the seventh book after years of putting it off, and it was the perfect finale. I really loves the series and the talking animals brought so much! From Aslan to Reepicheep, or the badgers or Jewel, I loved all the talking animals!

[@rat_5]

I actually didn't like the last book that much but I think it was mainly because how the author left out Susan

[@siriusblack6057]

Hey! I really think it would be awesome if you will talk someday about the opposite of these tropes. For example for the instant love trope you can talk about a well built relationship over time or for the ressurection trope you can talk about some satisfying deaths. P.S. : I know it can't be done for every trope but neither in this video it wasn't an example for every trope. I really love your videos and never missed one since I subscribed! :))

[@VoicesofHonour]

Gandalf was a nice resurrection to me, but I can't deny that this could be because it was my introduction to resurrections. Lady Stoneheart also comes to mind. In both instances the resurrected have changed soo much that they are not the same person anymore and are not really aware of their change.

[@bluegreen5377]

Yeah, I like Martin's take on resurrection and how it's not the same for everyone. I also think he did death fake-out nicely because it made sense in the story.

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

Gandalf and Aslan's were done well because of the Christian faith angle Tolkien and Lewis imbued them with. You feel as if both were earned because of how they both were reflecting their inspiration in the real world for both authors.

[@cussundriakneal9904]

My introduction to resurrections was Jesus Christ from the Bible. 😂

[@lykander9906]

Yes, but you can only have one! I was never more excited then when Frodo was killed by the spider and Sam was going to have to pick up the ring and finish the thing by himself - I was finally getting why everyone was so into these LOTR books.

[@MaorumAkatami]

Regarding the “all talk no action” trope, I actually think it was well done in Harry Potter, when everyone is constantly praising James but we then see he was actually a bully (at least until he grew up). I think it shows how his friends saw him as a good guy and disregarded his bully side. I’d say this actually serves the purpose of showing us how unreliable/biased characters like Sirius were. Not that they were bad or anything, but their loyalty to James blinded them to his actions, either because they also partook in them (Sirius) or were charmed by him (Lily), and it isn’t until we see other people’s point of view (Snape’s) that we realise James wasn’t always the nice guy we were being told throughout the books. Maybe this doesn’t count as “all talk no action” but I interpreted it as such since we’re constantly being told how good of a person James was but we rarely see it, and in fact, we often see his darker side.

[@jonathankoan]

You dropping that book was hilarious. I’m glad you kept it in there.

[@christopherg.matton9610]

Your scream when you dropped the first book actually slayed me.

[@chelseaely2316]

Three minutes in I realised Merphy is the first and only KZbinr I’ve ever put post notifications on for and then actually jumped and gotten really excited to see she’s posted☺️ How many years have I religiously watched KZbin for this to happen-

[@taylor_green_9]

I love Merphy too, but there's one more channel that makes me feel that way: Overly Sarcastic Productions. Have you seen them?

[@KierTheScrivener]

@@taylor_green_9 yes! Both

[@anonymousbibliomaniac4588]

My mom got me Just Ella for my birthday years ago and I fell in LOVE. I actually just talked about it in my "Top 5 Fairytale Retellings" list!!! Such a good book 😁❤️😍

[@Ianreke]

Merphy: *acknowledges D&D nerds* Me: *screams in joy* In all honesty it's nice to see more random people acknowledging D&D, it feels niiiiice.

[@rivendellstarlight]

new drinking game: make a playlist of Merphy's non-reading vlog videos and chug your entire drink every time: 1 - she heavily recommends Locke Lamorra or talks about the main friendship, 2 - goes on a rant about lack of penalty of war, 3 - has an emotional moment about Fredrik Backman. You're welcome :)

[@merphynapier42]

please dont. I care about your safety

[@rivendellstarlight]

@@merphynapier42 Don't worry, there are worse drinking games out there. Also I would just use coffee :P

[@Phelie315]

I actually don't mind both resurrection and everyone surviving. I can totally understand why you don't but for me it's win-win: I get the feeling of danger or even the loss without having to actually lose my favourite characters 😅 but I can see how sometimes it's also crucial for the narrative or character development to follow through on the deaths. An example of resurrection done well is imho actually in a movie... (this is not a spoiler because it's in the trailers and all) Captain America:Winter Soldier has Bucky coming back and it makes total sense and is very important to the narrative. In fact the entire plot wouldn't work the way it does had he not "died" first.

[@devinvanleeuwen1671]

I think Harry Potter actually did the Chosen One trope very well. Bc the Chosen One was only Chosen bc the villain chose them by acting on a prophesy. It wasnt his destiny or anything, just the stupid actions of the villain. It was different and I actually really enjoyed it

[@maedre9330]

The origin of chosen one was good, but its execution was bad. Literally very generic. Throughout the story, its handled in thr most generic way. Harry was given alot of plot armour and thr plot was driving harry to kill Voldemort

[@peasalexandrowicz790]

Merphy, what about Eragon for talking animals? I didn't love Eragon as much as you did but I did like it and Saphira I thought was really good!

[@merphynapier42]

I agree, it was very well done in Eragon

[@mindofthelion712]

ATLA is also a great exploration of a chosen one!

[@areeshafatima8453]

Ok am i the only one who didnt think the flashbacks in lies of locke lamora were jarring? I thought they was pretty easy to follow and made the story so much more interesting

[@balrajsingh1492]

I was gripped much more in that writing format!!! It was masterfully done!!!!

[@Finepige12]

I loved them, especially because later in the book, you could see the relevance of the flash backs, and there was an explanation to why the characters acted as they did or were a certain way. Or even later - why they use certain tricks to solve a problem (looking at you Locke). I thought it was genius.

[@Mhidraum]

It took some time to get used to, but I grew to like it too.

[@mrgodliak]

I found them jarring. In some cases flashbacks work well but they were annoying in LoLL

[@hannahmcdermott6874]

I liked them too, especially when things that happened in the flashbacks had modern day relevance . Took me longer than normal to get into it as I was reading one chapter at a time at the start, but I honestly don't think chronological chapters could have told this story as well!

[@iResonate]

His Dark Materials is one of the few book series where I'm ok that the animals talk, because in all actuality they aren't truly animals. It's almost like clever inner dialogue, and the daemons are just as much characters as their human counterparts.

[@naamahnotorious955]

I just finished Letters to the lost today (started this morning, finished early afternoon) ... I'm still recovering.

[@kateworkman921]

Wait until you read More Than We Can Tell. It's Rev's story, and omg, I think it's even better than Letters.

[@naamahnotorious955]

@@kateworkman921 It's not translated in Dutch (so not in my library), I'll have to put that on a Christmas gift list then...! (don't mind reading the English version, but I'm sure I can't convince my library to buy it for me, like I can do with Dutch books!)

[@lilirettig7052]

I feel like The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Claire did love triangles really well because we root for all of them and they aren’t fighting for love so much as rooting the other on even though they want it too, you know?

[@3nu570]

I really love the flashbacks in the manga One Piece. They're often really emotional and have clearly influenced the story or character's personality and outlook on life in the present, they aren't sad flashbacks just for the sake of being sad flashbacks. I really recommend reading One Piece, it's the best selling manga of all time and literally my favourite thing ever.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

3nu! That’s how flashbacks *should* be used

[@adweebwithapetcat7590]

I watched the anime haven’t read the manga because the series is so long but I cried. The first flashback about Lufy’s hat was done good. Especially in later one when lufys like you pulled out your weapon but are you preferred to use it. Not to mention the author( don’t read much manga sorry) said the one piece isn’t going to be bs like friendship

[@richieangel8150]

Resurrection (not really a spoiler because it's so well known): Lord of the Rings And talking animals: Narnia!!

[@Splattedable]

You are literally the first person I've heard praise the resurrection in Lord of the Rings.

[@AkashaOConnell]

I actually love flashbacks, and tend to use them a lot in my own writing. I think one of the best uses of them, though not in a book, was in the episode of Firefly called Out of Gas. They show you three different time periods in quick succession to tell you not only how what is presently happening came about, but also gives the origins of how the cast came together. Such a brilliant use of flashbacks.

[@aceofspades4930]

The only time I like fake out deaths is if the character has to pretend to be dead for some reason to go into hiding but it has to be a good reason. Like in avatar the last airbender when people think aang is dead it wasn't really that the characters thought he was dead. He was just severely injured. But letting the people around him think that helped them.

[@manaalsidd]

I listened to the audiobook for The Lies of Locke Lamora and it was so entertaining. One of the best audiobooks i’ve heard.

[@annabush430]

I’m a bit behind on this one, but for the tripe of a woman being raped, I have one book. Deerskin by Robin McKinley Because her rape is basically the whole point of the book. It’s a retelling of an old fairytale that discussed the horrors of rape and how the victim was able to slowly heal from this traumatic event. Deerskin made me cry literally from cover to cover because of how reverent and careful it was with the subject. The rape was *never* portrayed as a good thing, or “character-building”, so maybe it doesn’t really count? The main character was instead trying to find herself again. It was really beautiful, and more people should read this book.

[@Fair_Lady_Frey]

YES! Been really excited about this vid since you pitched it

[@madtown3098]

For chosen one, I think the Percy Jackson series does this very well. In the second book, the main character is introduced to a great prophecy about a chosen one that seems to be about him, but then multiple other characters are introduced over the series who fit the criteria for the chosen one as well, and the main character is relieved that the prophecy may not be about him.

[@phen0menos]

Oh I actually have one for "all talk, no action" except it's a TV show not a book. In Star Trek Deep Space Nine there's a background character called Morn, and all the other characters make constant references to how talkative and chatty Morn is... but we never see him say a single word on screen. It's just a funny running gag in the show

[@avichaid6021]

Talking animals: Animal Farm. An alternative to the Russian Revolution that takes place in a farm. Excellent story

[@NotABot-px7ky]

i think more ppl need to read this book with the right lens because i see way too many ppl reading it as a critique of communism

[@ivysudweeks1550]

Months later, but adding to the talking animal trope: Vin's wolfhound in the Mistborn books. I am not sure if this counts for the trope, but I thought it was absolutely adorable that he kept the Dog's body for always and forever because he loved Vin so much.

[@johannalehto9154]

You always make interesting and amazing videos! A lot of the books you recommend I tend to read and they always become one of my new favorites! You are also a amazing narrator. Your voice is so fitting for every book you narrate. Be safe and keep up with your amazing work 😊

[@samtepal3892]

It would be a cold day in hell, when Merphy won't talk about Locke and Jean from Lies of locke lamora whenever the topic of *"friendship"* comes up.

[@coffeeloveandbooks5423]

*Spoilers for LotR and Narnia* I love how Lord of the Rings does the Chosen One, Resurrection/fake out death, and everyone makes it out alive. I love how Narnia does the Resurrection, chosen one(s), and talking animals. Or maybe I just love them so much that I ignore the flaws in said tropes, but either way the tropes in those books never bother me:)

[@Arcon1ous]

Poor Boromir :'(

[@bluegreen5377]

But to be fair in LotR there still was price to pay for winning the war.

[@BonesofStarlight]

Coraline's talking cat was amazing. I loved him.

[@Aman-ds9qc]

There's something about your voice and attitude that makes me adore and love this channel❤❤❤❤

[@emiloberg2110]

I like "talking animals" in one book: Well of Ascension/Hero of Ages. Idk if that counts though. I'll defenitely check out Aeronauts though!

[@middenway]

Oh man, you started talking about love triangles, and I'm sitting there going, "but I love Jane Austen..." ...and then you mention the exception is Jane Austen. Whew!

[@lindsaymorrison7519]

Gosh darn it, Murphy. I've never wanted to read Wheel of Time but now you've really tempted me

[@baerfromthenorth820]

I love it so much how in some of your books there are so many bookmarks (or memos?) which indicates how thoroughly you were reading it and how much thought you gave it :)

[@JessGoggin]

I would really love to hear your take on the “Red Rising” series by Pierce Brown

[@Guderian2]

"everyone made it out alive" mmm does Lord of the Rings count (not including poor Boromir)? I mean on that entire journey only one of the Fellowship dies.

[@wattpadusergeek342]

I know it’s said in every video by someone, but damn it’s good to have a dedicated reader’s perspective on tropes and other book stuff when you’re an author! You’re especially very articulate in presenting your ideas Merphy. Another awesome video. Thank you.

[@ismirdochegal4804]

I do not know, what I like in your videos or why. But I like it. Please keep it up!

[@emilymorano2923]

Please read Skulduggery Pleasant! I know you dont want too but even if you just try the first one I'll be happy, I really genuinely think you'll love it. Fun, funny and deeply emotional characters. Probably the best magic system I've seen in fiction, Derek Landy managed to have a hard magic system, but also incorporated some soft magic in a completely natural way that, at least for me makes sense but leaves you being like "What ELSE is possible" but the greatest part is the dynamic between the two main characters I really, really think you'll enjoy it. And if you dont enjoy it after book one I wont ask you to read any more🤣🤣🤣 It's the series I grew up and have nostalgia for, but it really genuinely is SOOOOOO much better than Harry Potter and I'm 99.99999999% sure you will agree with me, and if you do enjoy it itll be great to have other people join in in loving this story...

[@getthefuckaoutmyway]

About the first book. Every attempt to make a bad trope a good one: We're gonna make a "subversion"...

[@ginayoung130]

I love the talking cats in Kafka on the Shore. They have such cat-like attitude and I thought it was well done.

[@williamhenson5340]

You dropping your book in the middle of the video was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen you do

[@nicolev.3532]

I’m curious now: did the talking animals thing you have mess with your appreciation for TenSoon’s character at all in Mistborn?

[@sunshinegirlart866]

I think a great example of the "telling not showing" trope done well is The Great Gatsby. Nick is constantly telling us things about people, himself included, without any real proof/showing. This further pushes the narrative of him being an unreliable story teller.

[@basicallybluesky]

I gasped when you pulled out just Ella re-read last summer and honestly no one ever talks about it but I've always loved it so much

[@reese_enee]

When she pulled out the wheel of time book a dropped the pensil I was holding. I LOVE that series SOOOOOOO much, I wasn't expecting her to even have heard of it.

[@Utgarman]

So I would ask a question on the whole "Hating talking animals" trope. What about Redwall?

[@TheWilyx]

Speaking about talking animals... Have you considered reading the "His Dark Materials" trilogy?

[@beccag2758]

I just finished listening to that series!🙃

[@merphynapier42]

not yet!

[@TheWilyx]

@@merphynapier42 I guess we'll have to wait a little longer then haha

[@evansachs3768]

I've actually seen the "tell, but don't show" thing done well! It's one of those things where the writer(s) have to be fully aware of what they're doing, and doing it intentionally, often as a joke. In the TV show Star Trek: Deep Space 9, for example, we hear people tell all sorts of stories about how one of the side characters is a rambunctious, talkative, wild guy, but we never hear him actually talk and we never see him do anything particularly wild or out of the ordinary. But the incongruity between what we see and what we hear is part of what makes the running gag so funny!

[@jasonagodfrey]

Recently discovered you. As an aspiring author, you're great to watch and I love your energy. 👍

[@Nasser851000]

Good to have Happy Merphy over Moody Merphy XD

[@daniela-ml7bn]

Yes I admit I watch this after a minute of it being up Am I ashamed? Absolutely not

[@baneslists]

Resurrection/Fake out: one of the earliest examples is still one of the best. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher attending their own funeral.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

"The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents" by Terry Pratchett is probably my favorite talking animals book as so much of the theme work is about sentience and the implications thereof.

[@ardaagaik9136]

"I'm happy with this body count"

[@keenangant982]

If you still want some manga recommendations, try starting One Piece. It will always have more content (over 20 years worth), but the main problem is that it has a very slow start compared to most series and truly gets good after chapter 40. Be warned that once you're on the ride, it's hard to stop.

[@Chuckletopia]

Between you and Daniel Greene my list of books to read has gone up dramatically...there are obvious books that I have yet to read (but should have), but there are ones I hadn't heard of before...thanks for the content!

[@racquelmp4783]

Hi, So glad for you in your number of subscribers! I don't watch everything but every time I watch you I leave in a good mood. I was rereading Letters to the Lost and a friend ask me how I found it, the answer I gave them was booktube, but definitely was you. Still like your content and you one of my faves since you were under 50k. Keep the good work :)

[@ashnalopeskapoor6020]

In the romance genre, when you can clearly see that the relationship is unequal, like one partner is always a doormat to their love interest. For example, the LI is always teasing that they’ll cheat on their partner, or they constantly regret the relationship and that leads to the main character begging them to come back. It just looks so degrading

[@jmartin4396]

Butcher does animals REALLY well. Mouse is one of my favorite characters, ever.

[@JeffreyGirard]

I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Roland's past in the Dark Tower. One of the few times I've seen where an entire book in a series is a flashback.