Seven Plots

It has been said that there are only seven main plots in all of literature.  In the broadest of terms I guess this is true but only if we talk in REALLY broad terms.  What is more surprising (or maybe less) is that sometimes there only appears to be about four different ways to realize those plots in Science Fiction or Fantasy writing.

With the between term break from school I have been reading a little, I mean what else was I supposed to do while resting in bed.  When it comes to reading I have a set list of about 20-30 books I do not mind reading over and over again.  These are what I consider to be excellent exemplars of the craft.  Authors I was introduced to at a young age such as Orson Scott Card, J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, and Raymond Feist factor heavily in these selections.   I also like to branch out and find new authors that might add some flavor to my set list, which is how Larry Niven, Patrick Rothfuss and Robert Jordan found their way onto the list as well.

The problem I face these days isn't finding a new author, it is finding a new author that does not copy from my set list.

For Christmas Paula and Xander bought me a couple of books that Xander would like to have me read him as bedtime stories.  Now I have to admit that reading to Xander at night is one of the highlights of my day.  I get to introduce him to great works of literature (in my opinion), and he actually enjoys it because I use "voices".  I got to looking at the two books they had bought and discovered that one of them is actually book 10 of a series...oops.

I told Paula about this and she was a little upset because she had not caught that before they purchased it - we buy everything digitally no so it is not like we can return it.  I told her not to worry and went ahead and bought the first book.  I figure if Xander likes it, great, if not it is just one more book.  The book is clearly aimed at young teenage readers and follows a young castle orphan who is passed over by all of the craft masters in the castle on his choosing day until one who is poorly thought of takes pity on him and selects him to join his guild, meanwhile his friend gets to join the knights and becomes a natural swordsman.  If you know the authors I have mentioned before you might think I was talking about the Magician series of books by Feist, but you would be wrong.  This is the "Rangers Apprentice" series by John Flanagan.

And that is how we get back to my original point.  Two books basically taking the exact same early subject matter and following the exact same blueprint to get to the exact same point.  Not exactly breaking new ground.  I mean I remember thinking "Oh, this is what would have happened if Pug had been chosen by Martin...o.k.". I give Flanagan credit, the book is a very easy read, it does grab your attention and it is a good page turner...but it will not make my list of rereads.