Why We All Love a Good Antihero

   I love a good antihero. Whether in literature, tv or film, they're the sort of antisocial rogue who’s questionable methods and willingness to get their hands dirty makes everyone around them want to keep a healthy distance. Are they a good guy? Are they a villain? They certainly have a big mouth. You question their morality throughout the book as they dance back and forth across that line in the sand. But at their very core they are unwavering in their commitment to what they feel is right. Does that make them a hero or a villain, then? You may honestly never know.

   But what exactly is an antihero? Well according to Oxford Languages, an antihero is a character who 'lacks conventional heroic attributes'. With the age of the antihero, baddies and goodies become less distinguishable from another. They are the flawed protagonist. The relatable rebel, the knight in dark armour who's only here because they don't have anywhere better to be. Oh, and they may save the day, you know, as an afterthought. In a nutshell, we're talking the likes of Severus Snape, Geralt of Rivia. Delilah Bard. 

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   In Shadow-Stained and Soul-Strung, we meet Drayvex. Demon Lord and snarky devil, he's really more of a villain, until he meets his match in the form of a human girl. A girl with immense stolen power at her fingertips, and a knack for  bringing out the very best and worst in him.

   To summarise, antiheroes are a lot of fun, both to read about and to write. You can read more about Ruby and Drayvex in the Stones of Power series. Shadow-Stained and Soul-Strung are out now on kindle and paperback wide.

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