What makes a good hero? This is a very difficult question to
answer, because like all aspects of writing, what makes a good hero depends on
the individual reader.
The paranormal romance genre is ruled by the alpha male.
Now, don’t throw rotten fruit at me, but as a reader I am not a huge fan of the
extreme alpha males. Sometimes, the super alpha is so unfriendly I find it hard
to see him as a romantic interest. On the other hand, beta heroes don’t hold up
well in romance plots. Few people want (notice I didn’t say “no one”…there’re
no absolutes for readers!) a whiney or spoiled hero. Personally, I love gamma
heroes!
Braveheart, anyone? What about Han Solo? Both are great
gamma characters.
The gamma hero, for those new to the term, is what I think
of as the tough alpha male meshed with the tender beta male. The best of both
worlds. This is the hero who is best at slaying the beast one moment and
nuzzling the heroine’s neck the next. Strong and affectionate.
In Ashes, the hero
Reece Bennu is royal, almost god-like, in the phoenix community. He doesn’t shy
from all aspects of that responsibility—he is a particular saint when it comes
to charity and the welfare of others. He is the gentleman-sort, to a fault
(being honest gets him into trouble sometimes). However, he loathes being
called a god. He doesn’t even joke about it. He’ll do anything reasonable to
avoid a fight. But he will fight, if he must.
All in all, the complexity of gamma heroes is more inspiring
and interesting than the alphas. More colors on the palette and many more
possibilities for the writer and reader.
Who is your favorite gamma hero?
Sarah Gilman
Release Date: 12/30/13
Genre: Ghosts, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Tagline: Accidents happen for a reason
Book Description:
Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.
As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.
As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two a part?
About the Author:
Sarah Gilman started her first novel in third grade. She never finished that story, but never gave up the dream. Her fascination with wings also began at that age, when images of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis captured her imagination and never let go. Now a paranormal romance writer, she employs her love of writing to bring the allure of winged creatures to the pages of her novels. Sarah lives in Vermont with her supportive husband and two spoiled cats.
Website: http://sarahgilmanauthor.wix.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gilman_Sarah
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 30 Interview
Books Direct
December 30 Spotlight
Mila Ramos
December 31 Character Interview
Manga Maniac Cafe
December 31 Spotlight and review
Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews
January 1 Interview
Fantasy Book Addict
January 1 review
Ramblings of a Book Lunatic
January 2 Guest blog
Preternatura:
January 3 Spotlight
Book Liaison –
January 7 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm
January 8 Spotlight
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
January 8 review
Nicky Peacock author
January 9 Spotlight and review
book bliss
January 10 Spotlight
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
6 comments:
Favorite gamma hero of all time is Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series
This is the first time I have read someone's view on alpha, beta and gamma males. I've always thought they're either alpha or they're not. I like the differences. I think my current gamma male would be Quin from the Mystic Series.
Hi Sarah,
Very cool perspective on heroes here - I hadn't heard the term gammas either - but I like it.
I may have to take a look at your hero, Reece Bennu.
I enjoyed your post.
Fantastic giveaway and this sounds like an interesting read.
love the thought process that went into this.. glad to be catching it.
Love a good paranormal..;)
Post a Comment