![]() Subplots typically revolve around a story’s secondary cast of characters, but events in the main characters’ journeys can also produce integral secondary conflicts. ![]() Good subplots aren’t just subordinate storylines they’re secondary conflicts that arise from characters’ actions & reactions as they engage with the story’s central conflict. The most effective subplots are those that exist because they must, because to nix the plotline would be to craft a narrative that feels insincere, half-baked, or unresolved. Like any good story element, subplots should serve a strong narrative purpose. While subplots can make stories longer and more complex, these results should be by-products of effective secondary plotlines rather than one’s reason for writing them. While this definition isn’t incorrect, it also isn’t complete-and this oversimplification can lead writers to use subplots in misguided ways, such as needlessly lengthening or complicating their stories in pursuit of “better” storytelling. Often, subplots are defined as “secondary plotlines in a story”. If you enjoy Stranger at the Wedding as much as I did, you may soon be glomming them all.Subplots are a story element that many writers misunderstand. She has also written vampire novels with historical settings, including Those Who Hunt the Night. Stranger at the Wedding is a self-contained novel set in the same world as Barbara Hambly’s popular Windrose Chronicles series. Once the final revelations come about, the reader might wonder why Kyra didn’t suspect the truth all along. At first, we don’t know why Kyra was disowned. I did have a problem with the structure of the plot. Not as much attention is spent on their relationship as in a romance novel, but it’s still an important part of the story. He can defend himself in a fight, yet he’s also understanding. At first glance, he’s a merchant who looks stout when he wears red satin. Her interactions with the other characters enliven the novel. She is intelligent and quick to speak her mind, even at the risk of embarrassing her family. Tall and clumsy, Kyra doesn’t conform to the standards of beauty in her society. Kyra isn’t the only one casting spells! While the element of magic might be new for romance readers, several other aspects of the plot will be familiar and enjoyable.īoth Kyra and Spens are intriguing characters. Meanwhile, rivals try to interfere with the wedding. Spens helps her escape, and together, they set out to rescue Alix.Īnyone who’s been through a wedding will relate to this book. Alix runs away, and the Inquisition comes looking for Kyra. Is it a thwarted lover? Or a wizard with a grudge against her father? When Kyra and Spens join forces to find answers, everything comes to a crisis. Meanwhile, Kyra tries to find out why someone would want her sister dead. Readers will enjoy wondering what she will do next. Kyra continues to work in secret, casting spells that will interfere with the wedding. To make matters worse, Kyra spies her sister Alix meeting with a young man in secret – and it’s not Spens.īecause of Kyra’s spell, the wedding is postponed. ![]() ![]() Also, if the other wizards detect her spells, she might be repudiated. This is risky because the Inquisition, a zealous religious group,could catch her – and perhaps burn her at the stake for using magic. Kyra has no choice but to use magic to postpone the wedding. ![]() Alix will marry her fiance Spens the next day. Kyra travels a great distance to return to her family’s home for the first time in six years. One night, Kyra has a premonition that her sister will die on her wedding night. Kyra’s usual studies are interrupted by strange signs. Then she learns that her younger sister, Alix, is about to marry the son of a wealthy merchant. Kyra was disowned by her wealthy family and is now studying to become a wizard. While it is primarily a fantasy, it never loses its focus on the outspoken heroine’s story. And if you’ve never read a fantasy novel before, this is a good place to start. Still, if you like fantasy romances, you should try this book. This isn’t a romance novel – it’s a fantasy novel with a romantic subplot. ![]()
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