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author, book, book weaknesses, books, books I can't resist, characters, dystopian, fantasy, favorite kinds of books, fiction, novel, read, reader, science fiction, scifi, writer, YA, young adult
I finally got my ratings and review policy page made! I wanted one for seven months, but I’m a great procrastinator. This got me thinking about what books I do and don’t like and which books I have a weakness for.
If you like this post and want to copy me please do. Post your link below and I’ll link back to you. Then we can all discover new blogs. 🙂
I usually only read books that are fantasy or science fiction. (I’m trying to expand my reading, but it hasn’t worked.) But I like almost all kinds of scifi and fantasy. I used to like scifi more, but now I love fantasy the best.
Some books just have scifi and fantasy in them. If it’s more important to the main character to get with a guy than save the world I consider the book a romance.
Mystery is a great addition to scifi and fantasy though. (like the Dresden Files)
I love books with:
Magic and super powers!
Humor, witty and sarcastic characters. (I like non humorous books too, but humor is always a plus.)
I don’t like books which have: (aka I have a lot of pet peeves)
Lots of sex scenes. I’ll read a good book even if it has sex scenes in it, (Game of Thrones, True Blood.) I can just skip over them, but books described as steamy are not for me.
Books that have heartwarming, or inspiring in their descriptions, I like to be entertained not moved. Same with books that are all downer, the kind where I know I’m going to cry. I like books that make me happy.
I don’t read books with rape scenes! I will NOT read them. I also like to know ahead of time if there is an attempted rape. How far it got and what happens afterwards also matters.
Whiny, weak, annoying heroines, I’d sooner read about a perfect character than a damsel in distress.
Books where the characters fight with one another throughout the entire book. I don’t mind banter, but fighting gets old fast.
Books that preach at me. Sometimes it’s ignorable, (Sword of Truth) but usually it’s just annoying.
I can’t resist a book where the main character is secretly a monster, an alien, a robot, a fairy, or something. I love the whole secret identity thing and when it’s revealed to their friends who/what they really are. Bonus points if they’re one of the few good ones and most of their kind are evil. It’s my weakness, I know. I don’t care how silly the book is either as long as there’s a good revelation I love it!
What about you? What kind of books can’t you resist?
Woven Magic Books 
I’m a huge paranormal fan, so I as well have a total weakness for the “revelations” of the protagonist or other main characters turning out to be some sort of mythical creature/superhero, etc. I also agree with you about books that intentionally try to “move” readers- sometimes they just feel preachy, and I find this happens most often in contemporary, which might be one of the reasons it’s not my favorite genre.
hehe I’m glad we have the same weakness! I’ve just always like the big reveal when the friend or whatever find out who or what they really are. Though if I was really in that position it would be really nerve wracking, but somehow it’s different to read about it. I’ve tried contemporary, but I always feel ‘meh’ about it in the end.
I love fantasy and funny characters as well! 🙂
Humor just makes a book that much more enjoyable! 🙂 That’s why I love Terry Pratchett’s books. It’s great anytime I can laugh out loud at a book. (except when reading in public)
Haha yeah laughing out loud at a book in public is a bit embarrassing!
Yes and trying not to laugh can look even weirder. Non book people just don’t get it.
I love fantasy, sci-fi too and mystery too. They’re the best!
They are! I don’t know what it is, normally mystery is just okay, but add a little fantasy or scifi aspect and I love it!
I had to laugh when I was reading the beginning of your post, because it sounds SO much like me! 😀 I have been having a draft for my book review policies for ages now, and never seem to be able to finish it. But then again, my second name is procrastinator. 😉
I love anything fantasy, mystery, thriller, magic, historical fiction, adventure, books set in foreign cultures… And I have mostly the same dislikes by the way.
haha you should join my sister’s procrastinators club. There were going to be t-shirts, but… 😉
I wish I liked so many different genres. It makes sense that we have the same dislikes since we have similar tastes.
I’m a huge fantasy fan, so any books with fantastical kingdoms and magic and wicked creatures are my weaknesses. I don’t read them often because fantasy tends to come at a 1000+ page count, but when I do I LOVE them. 😛 I’ve been trying to read more in the genre but it’s really hard to find books that are awesome, especially in YA, which is a genre I tend to gravitate toward.
I also don’t really like books with sex scenes in them. There are VERY few books in which I’ll make the exception. There’s only one series where there’s descriptive sex, and it doesn’t bother me because I genuinely care for the characters, story, and writing style. So it’s my single exception. I don’t see anything wrong with sex in novels, I just don’t like to read about it all of the time because it tends to be badly written.
Ack, don’t even get me started on boring/whiny/damsel in distress heroines. I love heroines that can take care of themselves and fight. It makes for a much interesting story. There’s nothing more annoying that a character that just stands there and demands to be rescued. Also, nothing more boring.
Ooh I love fantastical kingdoms and wicked creatures! Not all good fantasy books are quite so big. I actually try to find those that are, but there are plenty that are have a more reasonable page count, especially in YA.
I don’t see anything wrong with sex scenes in books either, I just tend to skip over them, but if they take up the majority of the book then I don’t see the point in my reading it.
Yeah, most of the reviewers I follow complain if the heroine is weak, you’d think authors would wise up that we like girls who kick butt. Even when the main character is a male I don’t want to see wussy girls. I can understand rescuing the occasional minor character, but when none the girls in the book can look after themselves I get annoyed.
Thanks for sharing your opinions! 🙂
I’ll read almost anything unless it involves werewolves, zombies, and/or sex. For some reason, I hate zombies. And I agree on you with the whole sex in books thing. My biggest turn-on in a book is where there are strong, dynamic relationships that aren’t romantic. I’m a huge sucker when it comes to books about family. Maybe that’s why I like Frozen so much. I also like really deep books that have powerful messages and make me cry.
I totally agree! I don’t know why, but I hate zombies too! Lately I’ve seen some books where the protagonist is a zombie, that might be okay. Yeah, some werewolf books are okay, but too often they make girls doormats. I agree with that too! I love the whole family dynamics in books and the really close friends that feel like family.
This is SUCH a great idea! I hate thinking a book might be right for me, agreeing to review it, and then realize it is so NOT what I thought it was and includes all kinds of crap I hate. Or, inversely, passed on it to later discover it was full of stuff I love!
I think the one main deal breaker for me in books is dull characters, or downright dislikable. Flawed is good, awful is not. And boring might be worst of all. I LOVE a book with feels. I CRAVE feels. Yes, the more tears and screaming and laughing and smiling the better. I love your post idea, I just may have to do this one day soon 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I totally agree, it’s so hard to know what kind of book it will be. I feel like when someone asks me to review their book they should fill out a check list first.
Yes, dull is bad. Sometimes too perfect can be boring too though. haha I’m glad you enjoy books with feels. I like happy books, I have enough of the rest already.
Thank you! I hope you decide to. 🙂 I didn’t actually expect anyone too, so you’ve made me incredibly happy just thinking about it.
This is awesome!! I read Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, mostly anything Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy and light Sci/Fi.
I don’t read any erotica or anything too steamy. Like you, I don’t mind reading sex scenes but I cant tolerate anything too heavy. I don’t like contemp books because life is hard already and I don’t need to read about emotional books. I read to escape!! I also don’t like passive heroines, give me a kick ass girl all the time! I also don’t like the heavy Sci/Fi and wont read a book if its too bogged down with information.
If there’s magic, mystical creatures, action and adventure in the book then I will probably give it a go 🙂
I understand what you mean with light scifi, sometimes they get too technical and I feel like I’m reading an encyclopedia. A book needs to entertain first and foremost.
I totally agree with you on contemporary, I have enough crap in my life already I like my reading to be an escape. (haha I just read on and noticed you said that too! Great minds ;))
Yeah, reaction heroes might be easier to write, but they’re boring to read. I’m with you on the magic, mystical creatures and action, that’s my kind of book!
This is such an epic post. I AM JUST SAYING.
I can’t resist books about monsters or supernatural things. I guess that makes me a paranormal/urban-fantasy nut? I AM NOT ASHAMED. It will always cause me to squee.
I’m like you and not real fussed on romance. I think it’s adorable and sweet and all, but I would just rather read romance. I don’t read adult chick-lit because of that. But romance in YA is usually adorable, so I don’t mind. XD
Thank you! 🙂 I was trying to write my review policy and I thought I’d go into it a bit..
haha! I love those things too, and there’s nothing to be ashamed about!
Yes, romance can add to a story as long as it does take over the story and it has to make sense, if they’re trying to save the world there isn’t always time to get all lovey-dovey. I agree, young adult romance is much better, there’s an excitement there to just be with the other person that I think most adults have lost.
Hmm ^^ nice post
I ❤ scifi and fantasy, I absolutely can't resist those genres.
I read many other genres too but…They're the best ^^
Thank you! I read almost all scifi and fantasy, I like stories that are fantastical and couldn’t happen in real life. They are the best! 😀
I’ve nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award 🙂
http://thewritinghufflepuff.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/
Thank you! 🙂 As previously established I’m a bit of a procrastinator, but I’ll write it up soon.
Take your time 🙂
Thanks! 🙂 I’m thinking about your questions now. I used to love Pokemon so I love the which Pokemon would you be question! I’m leaning towards Bulbasaur. 😉
I’m a little tricky with science fiction and fantasy… It’s not really the genre I love to read but I read some from time to time but I love the variants like UF, dystopia and else. it’s just that when it’s high fantasy and Sci-fi I’m easily lost. When it’s ligher, it’s ok for me.
I used to be the same way, only reading the lighter scifi and fantasy, but the last couple of years I’ve really expanded my reading. I hadn’t even read a dystopian until this year! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I love books that make me really think and/or make me see the world in a different way. Genre-wise, my tastes seem to be pretty similar to yours – I tend to read mostly sci-fi and contemporary, and a fantasy or a mystery every once in a while too.
And yes about not being a huge romance fan! I don’t know why there’s such an unspoken law about needing to have a romance in every YA novel. I think romances should only occur if they’re absolutely needed to propel the story, you know? *sighs*
Thanks for sharing and, as always, FABULOUS post! ❤
I agree, books that somehow tie into the real world are always better. That’s why I like Asimov’s short stories, but maybe I’m misinterpreting what you meant by see the world in a different way.
I’m surprised by how many people who read young adult agree that it doesn’t always have to be about the romance. The romance has to make sense for the story, not just to throw in romance. I also can’t stand the whole, we just met and don’t know each other at all, but can’t live with out each other.
Thank you! 🙂
I’m a very eclectic reader and like just about everything, except for chick lit blech, lol 🙂
haha I agree with you on chick lit. I wish I was a more eclectic reader, but I’m not very good at trying new things. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
“I don’t care how silly it is either” embrace it for the win :D. Also I like your point about preferring perfect characters to a damsel in distress. There are times when other reviewers point out weaknesses that are kind of accepted as objectively bad things, such as a female character being too good at everything, and I feel kind of bad for not being bothered by it/not having noticed it, but you know what, I like what I like!
hehe thanks. 🙂 Yeah, I only notice a character being too perfect when it’s a love interest, but I think that’s a case of the author trying to create the perfect man and it’s unrealistic. You go girl! 😉
I’m totally with you on the sarcasm. I love it. Major brownie points to any book that has some. Oh and wit. Wit is just amazing. It really should be a requirement, in my opinion :b
Sarcastic and witty characters are the best! Whenever a book mentions these things I have to give it a try! 🙂 It’s just so much easier and fun to read. Thanks for coming by!
I like books with paranormal characters, especially when those characters break the mold and aren’t really what you might expect. Good examples are Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (a zombie novel for people who don’t like zombie novels) and Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone series (which takes the ideas of angels and demons and strips them of their traditional religious trappings).
Oh, and I’ll always go for a book that has a well-crafted twist or revelation in it; when those stories are done well, they can be amazing.
I haven’t read Warm Bodies yet, but I liked the movie. (I know book lovers everywhere just cringed) I really liked Daughter of Smoke and Bone!
Oh I love twisty turny books! That’s why I added a predictable rating to my reviews to avoid spoilers.
And yay for paranormal characters! 🙂
OH, I loved reading this! Hey, I never realized you mostly only read fantasy or sci fi!! :O You don’t like contemporary??? I’m not a big fan of it but do read it from time to time coz there are so many gems out there! With you there, I love super powers and just magic in general, really. 😀 haha, yeah, who could resist an evil MC? I don’t usually like books with rape scences either but I’ve read a Yaoi manga once that only had those kind of sex scenes…and I really loved it. XD Because the guy didn’t know he was gay so it was really interesting! Yeah, anyway…
I hope I wasn’t too explicit. LOL
Thank you! hehe yeah. I’ve tried contemporary, but I get bored and my mind wanders. I want there to be at least a hint of something supernatural. Villains as the main character is so much fun! No worries about bothering me. 😉 I love anime! (I’ve only read about a dozen manga though)
I’m right there with you – I pretty much stick to fantasy and sci fi. I will ocassionally read a contemp YA novel if I feel like I might connect with it in someway.
I don’t know why, but I love the whole it (probably) couldn’t happen in the real world thing. Plus super powers and magic, what’s better than that! Thanks for coming by, have a cookie.
coookies what…where
I adore UF/PNR/Fantasy but I also like a fun romance or a great travel memoir…I’m kind of eclectic in my reading, though I do mainly stick with the former grouping.
I wish I was more eclectic. (I know there’s an easy fix for that, but it’s not easy to change.) I like that grouping too, though I’d rank it fantasy first, urban second and paranormal romance third.
This is such a great post! I’ve been meaning to post my review policies for a long time, but I’m a big procrastinator too. I completely agree with you on downer books. I’d much rather be happy than sad while reading. It’s one reason I don’t read a ton of contemporary books. I might need to do something similar to this post, but I’m sure I won’t get to it until who knows when, haha.
Thank you! 🙂 I know how that goes. I keep meaning to post another tag post. I’m glad someone else likes happy books. I don’t understand people who say how much they cried during a book and then go on to say how good it was and recommend it. haha Good luck getting your policies posted.
Oh this is great topic/post! I can’t resist books with funny characters. I hate books with: annoying characters, and female main characters that start out badass and then get all weak and wimpy when they fall in love/get their heart broken…just no. I also really love a slow burning romance that is there, but kind of takes a back seat to the action and adventure. I also prefer books where the main male love interest isn’t a bad boy. I am so over the bad boy trope. I prefer sweet, funny, sensitive guys.
Wow long comment. I might as well have done a whole post! =)
Thanks! haha nothing wrong with long comments. (I often joke about writing a book for people in the comments section) You can still do a post. 😉
I with you completely! (Except I don’t mind a guy who is a little bit of a bad boy, a nice bad boy though.) I don’t mind romance in a book, but I like a sweet and naturally (slow) moving like you and I agree the main plot should still be action and adventure.Thanks for stopping by, I enjoyed your comments. 🙂
Oh, I definitely agree on the whole whiny damsel business. I like a strong female, whose feisty behaviour might land them in trouble, but they learn from it and become even stronger 🙂 Urban fantasy is my weakness and anti-heroes. Is it only magic users ( ie Dresen Files) where you read urban fantasy and the rest is high fantasy? The only problem with uf, especially if it’s young adult – and really, I am yet to find any true young adult fantasy – is that there is a tendency for it to be skewed in the pnr direction – but at least that means there isn’t an overload of sex scenes, like with adult pnr. I also can’t tolerate a book filled with gratuitous sex
Argh, I mean I am yet to find a true young adult urban fantasy.
Yeah I’d rather a character who gets in trouble for being too brave than a wimp. Anti heroes are fun! I read all kinds of fantasy, but yeah high fantasy is my favorite and my favorite urban fantasy is usually magic users. I never thought of it, but you’re right most young adult fantasy in the modern world is more paranormal romance than urban fantasy. I can’t think of a true young adult urban fantasy either. I’ll let you know if I find one.
Fantasy or science fiction:
Yes
Magic and Powers:
Yes. And the main character should preferably have something special.
Humour:
Yes, but not a must.
Sex scenes:
No. A few short ones are OK, but to many or to long are boring. Love triangles are also boring and frustrating. I like paranormal/urban fantasy, but sadly it is to many of them that have to much focus on sex, romance and love triangles.
Rape:
Its OK (sounded better in my head) as long as its not the main character. I have become kind of hardened over time. Only the main characters (or bi characters given much focus) becomes real to me. I get both angry and sad at the same time if it happens to one of the main characters, it saps my strength.
What do you think of vampires glamouring humans for sex? Is not that a kind of rape to?
Whiny, weak, annoying heroines:
Ok as long as they gradually grow out of it. It shows character development, which is always a huge plus if it is done right.
Preaching:
Fuck preachy authors. Cut out their tongs… or is it better to cut their fingers?
I think if a book is well written then even the minor characters can be real, but it’s hard to pull off well. Yeah, a glamour is just as bad in my opinion.
I don’t know why love triangles are so popular right now. I’d rather a triangle than love at first sight but the heroine who leads two guys on because she just can’t decide is a total turn off to me.
I hadn’t thought of the weak heroine who grows, yeah that can be okay if done right. Usually it’s the opposite this kick butt girl starts whinging all the time.
Yeah, I want to be entertained not convinced of a point of view. I don’t like it when authors have ulterior motives.
Some people are annoyed with the special hero, but I love them!
Thanks for sharing your opinions. 🙂
Fun post. I like fantasy and sci-fi a lot too, but I do like all kinds of books; I love historical fiction, biographies/memoirs and mystery/thrillers also. I don’t like books with a lot of sex scenes either, my reasoning being more often than not it adds absolutely nothing to the story. I read Game of Thrones not long ago, and that was pushing it a bit for me, but it did fit with the story. I don’t like whiny female (or any whiny characters for that matter) either. I like strong characters who know what they want and have a goal. Some of my favorites books are Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and The Chronicles of Narnia. That’s not a complete list at all though.:-)
Thanks! I wish I liked more genres, but the most I branch out is historical fantasy or mystery sci-fi. Yeah so often the sex scenes feel stuck in for the sake of having them. I was just discussing this earlier. I like sexual tension in a relationship much better than the actual act. Game of Thrones was really not my typical read either, but I surprisingly liked it. Those are some great favorites! I’ve read all of them, but I never could get into the later Narnias. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I LOVE fantasy too. *HIGH FIVE* For a while I limited myself to just fantasy books, but now I prefer dystopia and sc-fi too. And whiny weak heroines never work for me. I tend to just dump the book – a kick-ass hero is better 😉
Lol, I’ll stop stalking you now. It’s just that I love all your posts XD
I used to be the opposite, I really liked Sci-Fi and rarely read fantasy, but I seem to have been converted to fantasy. Yes, I agree a tough character is always better than a whiny one. (Though it’s almost impossible for me to give up on a book)
lol no worries! 😉 Thank you! 🙂