Understanding and Addressing Common Pain Points in Fantasy Novels
Have you ever read a fantasy novel and found it to be a little bit… frustrating? Or disappointing? Did you just despise how an author talked about a certain topic or character? As a reader and a writer, you can learn from the mistakes of others and intentionally work to avoid those pitfalls.
Fantasy fans have a deep appreciation for immersive worlds, compelling magic systems, and memorable characters, but even the most dedicated readers and fans can find themselves frustrated if certain aspects of the story aren't handled with care. As an author, being aware of common pain points in the genre can help you connect with readers more effectively and create a story that resonates instead of falls flat. By understanding what can potentially pull readers right out of a narrative, you’re one step closer to delivering a book they’ll not only want to finish, but to share. Remember that word of mouth, or word on social media, is super important to getting yourself and your work out there (and interested in reading more of your stuff!)
One of the main issues readers face in fantasy novels is information overload; we often call that overload of information “info dumping”. Worldbuilding is of course essential, but dropping too much information too quickly can be overwhelming. When readers are bombarded with foreign names, places, and complex histories within the first few pages, it can feel more like a geography or history lesson than a proper adventure. A good rule of thumb is to introduce new details organically and only as they become relevant to the story. Make the effort to allow readers discover the world alongside your characters so they’re eased into it, rather than feeling like they need a map and glossary before they can dive in. Use descriptive language, dialogue, and context to reveal those new details using the classic, “show, don’t tell” practice; you cannot go wrong by showing and not telling. Remember too that you don’t have to let your audience know everything about your world, and it’s okay or even sometimes preferable to leave a little mystery to keep them pondering later.
Another common pain point lies in character development, or lack thereof. Fantasy is known for its epic battles and larger-than-life settings, but without characters that readers genuinely care about, relate to, or feel inspired by, even the most exciting plot can feel flat. A strong, well-defined protagonist with clear motivations and emotional depth can make all the difference about whether or not your audience will gave a darn about what happens to them. Remember to give your characters both external and internal conflicts, and don’t be afraid to show their vulnerabilities and flaws. A perfect character, one who is strong and smart and fast and powerful and nothing else is incredibly boring! We as readers want flaws, we want struggle… because that makes them real. People connect with characters who feel real, so make sure your heroes, villains, and side characters have both strengths and flaws that shape their actions and relationships. Defining those traits allow you to be consistent throughout your narrative, and allows you to show when they grow or regress as the story goes on.
Pacing is another aspect that can make or break a fantasy novel. The genre often involves extensive journeys and intricate plotlines, but if the story drags, readers may lose interest, and once that interest is gone there’s a much higher chance they’ll walk away from the book as a whole. People who finish a book just to finish it are not in the majority. Keep a close eye on how much time you’re dedicating to setting up events or battles; if you must, do a word or page count on those scenes, just as a quick visual reference. If you find yourself focusing too much on the explosive action, take the time to level it out with some scenes or a scene that focuses on something else, like character development. Balance those action scenes with quieter, reflective moments and consider the rhythm of your chapters. Engaging pacing doesn’t mean non-stop action; quite the opposite, in fact. It means a story flow that keeps readers eager to turn the page, giving them enough breathing room to digest the story while still propelling them forward. Don’t exhaust your readers!
Another practice that readers can find extremely exhausting is the overuse or incorrect use of words themselves, and it’s an easy trap to fall into, just as relying on big, elaborate terms just to sound "epic" is not a good bet. While a grand vocabulary can add to the fantasy feel, it’s important to keep language natural and readable. Repeating words or phrases too often—especially unusual ones meant to sound otherworldly or fancy—can make the writing feel monotonous and pull readers out of the story. Similarly, using complex words just to add flair can make your prose feel forced and inaccessible; even people with large vocabularies will be put off if you use a big word too many times within your text. The key to creating an immersive reading experience is to choose words that feel right for the moment and the mood; ask yourself what best reflects your character’s perspective or the tone of the scene. Sometimes, a simple word is the best choice, as it grounds your readers in the narrative rather than tripping them up on vocabulary. As a writer, you can still achieve a richly atmospheric world without sacrificing clarity by ensuring your language enhances rather than distracts from the story.
Another common complaint is the way authors write about female characters. Even if you’re a dude writing fantasy, you can avoid the pitfall of over-sexualizing women or neglecting to describe them in a way that readers actually find engaging. Remember that when it comes to writing women in fantasy, it’s all about keeping them real and multi-dimensional. Instead of focusing too much on physical traits or using stereotypes, think about what makes them tick, their motivations, and how they fit into your story’s world. Avoid over-sexualizing your female characters just because it's common in the genre—it’s a quick way to make them feel one-dimensional and out of touch with what modern readers are looking for. Readers today appreciate strong, layered characters who contribute meaningfully to the plot, and that goes for all characters, regardless of gender. Avoid describing any body parts the same way over and over, and avoid comparing said body parts to fruit; this was a curious paint point I discovered while reading extensively on the subject over recent years… a majority of readers hate when authors insist on describing body parts by comparing them to fruit. By focusing on who your female characters are, rather than what they look like or represent, you’re creating richer, more immersive stories. This adds depth to your world and gives readers more reason to connect with your book, and I don’t say that just because I am a woman myself- it’s just a fact.
And to address a final pain point, beware of overly complex magic systems or convoluted political structures that demand too much mental energy to follow. Readers love unique worlds, but they don’t want to feel like they’re studying for an exam. They don’t want to have to constantly refer to an appendix or wiki for your world to keep track of who is who, what is what, and all that. Make sure the rules of magic or government are clear, consistent, and easy to grasp. If your world requires extensive explanation, consider how you can tactfully weave that into the story through dialogue, context, or character experience.
By addressing these common reader pain points thoughtfully and intentionally, you’ll be able to write a fantasy novel that is both richly-layered and reader-friendly—one that lets readers escape into another world without unnecessary frustrations or disappointments.
