If you have ever accused someone's character of being a Mary-Sue

[starrylizard]

...you should read "Red Phoenix" by Kylie Chan (Book 2 of Dark Heavens).

The benchmark for Mary-Sue-ism has now been set so high in my mind, I think I could read a twelve-year-old's RPG and think they were wonderfully rounded and well-thought-out characters. Seriously the mind boggles. And no, I don't plan to read book 3 of this illustrious series. *snark*

Miss Emma I-married-a-god-and-am-perfect-and-have-magikal-powerz-and-everyone-loves-me-but-I-am-so-frekin'-humble-and -modest-that-I-can't-imagine-why-and-all-the-gods-bow-before-me Donahoe is quite possibly the biggest Mary-Sue I have ever read about.

While the first book bordered on Mary-Sue, the story was interesting enough to hold me. The second book, however, masters the art of Mary-Sue. Plus, after reading book two, I started to seriously wonder whether people of the Buddhist or Taoist faith would be somewhat offended at the idea of an Australian nanny marrying one of their gods... or installing broadband internet in their heaven for that matter. Hmm food for thought.

Comments

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

You're quite possibly right. I did weirdly enjoy the first book, though the first person kept throwing me out of it, the character was bordering on Mary-Sue and the ending was less than satisfactory. Well I was enjoying it most of the time... The second book, though... *facepalm* I happened to be on holiday and didn't have anything else to read, or it never would have been finished.

[emma-mage.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. I just realized my comment might've sounded borderline insulting to you. I'm sorry. You know, I was directing my cynicsm at the publishers' penchant for marketing the heck out of trendy ideas, even if the execution of said idea wasn't exactly brilliant, and people who buy into the hype right away.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Hah, you really have to try harder than that to offend me. *grin*

I just have a sneaking suspicion the publisher agreed to print three books, then got book 2 and though 'oh dear lord,' but they'd already agreed... ya know! :P