annoying plot devices
What are a few plot devices that, when you encounter them, make you want to stop reading a book entirely?
One that comes to mind for me is the appearance of an annoying familiar animal when you don't expect one. This happens, for instance, in the fantasy You Slay Me - the main character summons a minor demon which incarnates as a smelly mangy dog that likes making gross jokes and licking itself. Ugh.
I put down the mystery On What Grounds yesterday because of another plot device - the main character has been tricked into sharing an apartment with her ex-husband, with whom she is not on good terms. I couldn't really cope with the idea of the two of them sniping at each other throughout the book, unable to get away.
How about you?
One that comes to mind for me is the appearance of an annoying familiar animal when you don't expect one. This happens, for instance, in the fantasy You Slay Me - the main character summons a minor demon which incarnates as a smelly mangy dog that likes making gross jokes and licking itself. Ugh.
I put down the mystery On What Grounds yesterday because of another plot device - the main character has been tricked into sharing an apartment with her ex-husband, with whom she is not on good terms. I couldn't really cope with the idea of the two of them sniping at each other throughout the book, unable to get away.
How about you?