MILF fantasies and mental health

[Adedayo+23]

I have only read the sample, so cannot speak for the entire story. I suppose every author relates to the Oedipus complex and would use it if the opportunity arose. It does have shock value. It is a good question, and If I read more, I shall look for the answer.

I quite agree about the added shock value that this presents, which could explain why a number of authors find ways of insinuating the narrative into a storyline, whether or not it adds meaning to the story as a whole.

[Howlan]

I found it really disturbing. I've had this book for over a year and haven't made it very far. I thought I'd really enjoy it since I love fantasy novels, but the whole beginning was about his inappropriate thoughts about his mother and how much he resented his father. It made it really hard for me to want to open this book to continue to read.

Yes, I can understand that. When I first started reading this book, I thought that Adam was actually the anti-hero of the book. I always felt that JoAnn will die and Adam will fall on the wrong side of society. The makings of an antagonist and that is what kept me through the first few pages.

[Howlan]

I have only read the sample, so cannot speak for the entire story. I suppose every author relates to the Oedipus complex and would use it if the opportunity arose. It does have shock value. It is a good question, and If I read more, I shall look for the answer.

I quite agree about the added shock value that this presents, which could explain why a number of authors find ways of insinuating the narrative into a storyline, whether or not it adds meaning to the story as a whole.

It really made it a little different from other stereotypes.

[Laura Lee]

I agree with shock value. I feel the author wanted Adam to be edgy, but went way too far. His disturbing kidnapping scene at the beginning mixed with the uncomfortable incestuous sexual desires seemed over the top for a teenage superhero romance.

I totally agree. That kidnapping scene was shocking as well. And this is supposed to be a superhero? I guess I equate "superheroes" with being someone to admire. Super-anti-hero would be better.

[Laura Lee]

I think that first of all it was a subtle hint that he may be adopted. I mean the way Carly thought that Jo-Ann was a stepmom because of her youth was a real indication that he was adopted. And secondly, it developed a great twist from the conventional main character designs we are used to.

I can see how the author might think that, but there are a lot more effective ways to hint at him being adopted. I guess my problem is, I like leading characters I can admire. This, combined with the kidnapping, really made me question his mental health. It's not a DNA thing, IMO.

[Laura Lee]

In theory, it is normal that between the ages of 3 and 5, little boys and little girls compete with their fathers and mothers respectively for the undivided attention of the other parent. It eventually goes away and we don't really remember anything about it. Obviously there are exceptions, like cases of abuse or traumas for example.

But it was not really about having a sexual relationship with the parent, rather it was about monopolizing them, possessing them.

Oh, now that's interesting. Thanks for sharing this, mariana90. So really, as a trope, it doesn't work all that well--or, at least, isn't all that accurate--due to the fact that Adam is obviously considerably older. So, ultimately, just a shock-value-only, unnecessary cheap trick.

[Laura Lee]

I found it really disturbing. I've had this book for over a year and haven't made it very far. I thought I'd really enjoy it since I love fantasy novels, but the whole beginning was about his inappropriate thoughts about his mother and how much he resented his father. It made it really hard for me to want to open this book to continue to read.

I'm generally supportive of authors trying new things in books, but from the feedback, it's sounding like the overwhelming majority found it disturbing more than an effective plot device.

[Laura Lee]

I quite agree about the added shock value that this presents, which could explain why a number of authors find ways of insinuating the narrative into a storyline, whether or not it adds meaning to the story as a whole.

It really made it a little different from other stereotypes.

True. However, it would be interesting to know how the disgust for this particular plot device has impacted the book's sales. I was thinking of giving it to my teens but after reading it myself decided not to give it to them.

[thaservices1]

I found it really disturbing. I've had this book for over a year and haven't made it very far. I thought I'd really enjoy it since I love fantasy novels, but the whole beginning was about his inappropriate thoughts about his mother and how much he resented his father. It made it really hard for me to want to open this book to continue to read.

I'm generally supportive of authors trying new things in books, but from the feedback, it's sounding like the overwhelming majority found it disturbing more than an effective plot device.

It would be an effective plot device if the author was building a thriller type novel and Adam was the 'bad guy'. Putting this behavior out there as simple teenage angst that is easily overcome seems way off base. This dark element is just too much for the story. Adam could just as easily have been shoplifting or stealing cars or any other typical angry teenager behavior and the story would not have suffered for it.

[ciecheesemeister]

It seemed that the connection with his mother was more on an emotional level than a physical one, and he did fight against it. There was a bit of a "squick" factor, but this part of the plot didn't seem to be there strictly for shock value, even before the author revealed what the connection between the pair was. I thought it played out reasonably tastefully.

[Laura Lee]

It would be an effective plot device if the author was building a thriller type novel and Adam was the 'bad guy'. Putting this behavior out there as simple teenage angst that is easily overcome seems way off base. This dark element is just too much for the story. Adam could just as easily have been shoplifting or stealing cars or any other typical angry teenager behavior and the story would not have suffered for it.

Yes! Exactly. You summarized it very well. Thanks for your response.

[Laura Lee]

It seemed that the connection with his mother was more on an emotional level than a physical one, and he did fight against it. There was a bit of a "squick" factor, but this part of the plot didn't seem to be there strictly for shock value, even before the author revealed what the connection between the pair was. I thought it played out reasonably tastefully.

Thanks for your response. Just out of curiosity, do you feel this was appropriate for Y/A novel?

[Daniel Muky]

According to me, it doesn't add to the plot...just a 'filler', as I like to call them.

[Laura Lee]

According to me, it doesn't add to the plot...just a 'filler', as I like to call them.

Thanks for your response, Daniel. I tend to think so, too.

[Nerea]

Personally, I think the part was added to make the story sound realistic. In real life, you realize majority of male kids develop special connection with their mother, but not their father.