The Hooks of Historical Fiction, Alternative History, and Fantasy Novels
When I read historical fiction, alternative history, or fantasy novels, what hooks me is not just the plot, but the intricate parallel plot lines that fold together seamlessly. This exponential merging of multiple narrative threads is a rare and masterful art. Authors who can achieve this, while also bringing small details early in the story to bear in significant ways towards the end, are the true royalty in this genre. Tom Clancy, GRRM (George R.R. Martin), and Steven Erikson are all stellar examples, but Erikson reigns supreme in this aspect.
Immersion in the Story
What really captures me is when I can forget that I'm reading a book and become fully immersed in the story, aware of the characters, and experiencing everything alongside them. When the narrative is so engaging and believable that it makes the characters and events feel so real, I become invested and eager to know what happens next. This is the opposite of the mundane or cliché storytelling found in much of conventional lit-fic, where nothing noteworthy occurs. Books that stand out are rare and invaluable, such as 'Piranesi', 'Recursion', 'The Midnight Library', etc.
World-Building, Characters, and Plot Development
World-building, plot development, and the current socio-political-environmental situation are crucial elements, but they are only effective if they serve to highlight how the main characters are reacting to their immediate realities. If the narration is engaging and believable, I am likely to be curious about where the story goes. Reading the majority of novels today often feels like a tedious experience, lacking in substance. However, a few gems stand out from the crowd.
Harry Turtledove is my favorite in this genre. His works range from alternative World War II scenarios to intricate world-building and character development. Sometimes, it's the events that change, and other times it's the perspectives and views of the main characters that are altered, making the story engaging.
Novelty and Innovation
The hooks of these novels often lie in their novelty and innovation, playing with tropes in unexpected ways. They offer rare and deep psychological explorations, defining cultures without modern or ancient analogues, and featuring nonstandard biology. The world presented has elements that seem off but right, and the protagonists are the ones guiding the reader through these mysterious aspects, making the characters relatable and the story compelling.
In essence, the best historical fiction, alternative history, and fantasy novels are those that not only entertain but also provide a semblance of reality, forcing the reader to question and explore the intricacies of the world being presented. That’s what truly makes these genres captivating and worth the time investment.