My Problem With Young Adult Novels.

Recently I've noticed that there seems to be an on-going trend of one particular plot device going on in the majority of young adult books, whether their genre is paranormal, dystopia or just plain chick lit. That plot device is the love triangle. It's highly annoying.

For example I think it was last year I bought Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini I liked the idea behind the modern retelling of the Iliad. The overall story was really good and ultimately I enjoyed it, I didn't like that it ended with the same cliff hanger as that of the first mortal instruments  book does [SPOILER - if you haven't read either] the idea that the two main characters who you've been cheering for to be together all the way through are somehow related, when actually they aren't (stupid idea if you ask me I don't see the point in this except to frustrate the reader). However I like the book and I wanted to read on so I patiently waited a year for the release of the sequel. Then I went on Good Reads and saw the dreaded plot of LOVE TRIANGLE. I wanted to throw my laptop across the room. Safe to say I haven't even bought this book yet, I don't want to read it. My biggest problem with this concept of a Love Triangle is that it completely undermines everything Helen says to Lucas in the first book and I quote:

 '"Correction, you're a jealous idiot, and that has to change right now," Helen replied seriously, still feeling light-headed, but fighting her way through it.
 "You have no reason to be Jealous. I told you that I don’t want anyone but you. I never have."' 

And then there's also:
 '"Just so you know? Just so we're clear. I care about you too. And if this hug is all I can have, I’d prefer it over anything from anyone else.'"
Now if you ask me, you can't have two characters like that being practically "devoted" to each other but then throw in a love triangle. I want to know how the story ends, so who knows maybe I'll read the last book. I haven't decided yet.

A similar situation occurred with the book Blood Red Road by Moira Young, it's a fantastic first book, and I absolutely loved it. I liked how the main characters problem wasn't about falling in love; she was trying to save her brother. Obviously there is a bit of a love story in there and it's really sweet, but then what happens?  I go on Good Reads and I see this:

Yayy another love triangle that I really don't understand because of quotes like this from the first book:

"Are we ever gonna see him agin? says Emmi.
One day I says.
One day soon says Tommo.
I hope so, I says."
I mean clearly Saba wants to see Jack again, she misses him she loves him, he loves her, what exactly is this news about Jack that it talks about that makes her want to sleep with someone else, when might I had she hadn't even slept with Jack yet. It just seems out of character if you ask me. This book was officially released today (30th October) I haven't decided if I'm going to read it yet. I want to, but I don't want to spend my money on a book that's going to frustrate me (I paid that price by buying all six books in the immortals series by Alyson Noel, but that's another story.)

Another problem that I have with the Love Triangle thing is that I have yet to read a book where the girl doesn't end up with the guy she met in the first book. I've never seen her pick the other one. Bella didn't pick Jacob, Ever didn't pick Jude (Immortals series). So it just seems like a waist of words to me to have a love triangle but the reader knows who she's going to end up with anyway. I actually wouldn't mind a love triangle if the girl picked the other guy, at least it would mean there was a reason for it to be included.

I have a current favourite book or books. They are Divergent and Insurgent both by Veronica Roth. I absolutely ADORE these books, I love the story the relationship is cute. Four and Tris are perfect. They have their problems with trust etc. especially in the second book, but it doesn’t lead to a love triangle. It's Four and Tris in both books there is no love triangle (YET!) book 3 is still being written, I pray Veronica Roth doesn't right one in that book, they are perfect without it. I mean [SPOILER] Both Tris's parents die in the first book, and then her brother becomes a traitor who nearly helps in killing her. I think that would be great cause for someone to go a little crazy but instead of Tris making a mistake and a love triangle forming, Four (or Tobias whatever you want to call him) takes care of her and it's so sweet
 '"I don't . . ." I sound like I am being strangled.
"My family is all dead, or traitors how can I . . ." I am not making any sense. The sobs take over my body, my mind, everything. He gathers me to him, and bathwater soaks my legs. His hold his tight. I listen to his heartbeat and, after a while, find a way to let the rhythm calm me.
"I'll be your family now," he says.
"I love you," I say."

It's not just the fact that there's no love triangle, but the story is really good, I find it fascinating, so if you're like me and are growing impatient with the seemingly never ending YA novel, Love Triangle plot line give the Divergent series a go.

That is my rant over.

No copyright infringement intended, all quotes belong to the respective authors; Josephine Angelini, Moira Young and Veronica Roth.

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