Demonized

[melissajm]

My "serpent-demon novel" has been getting a lot of feedback along the lines of "This is well written, but I'm just not warming to the main character." People either seem to love Malak or hate him, and so far all the agents have come down on the "No Love" side.

Wiser heads than mine have suggested 2 possible instant turnoffs:

1. Serpent-demons, including Malak, eat anything that moves, including people.

2. Readers see "seraphim" and "demon" and assume a religious framework that isn't there, which throws them off.

So, does anyone have a strong reaction to either of those issues? Or suggestions? Thanks!

Comments

[jimhines.livejournal.com]

Well, you know how I feel about those cannibalistic protagonists :-)

I would say that "seraphim" has a stronger religious connotation. "Demon" is pretty generic in fantasy, but to me, "seraphim" puts us firmly in a Christian/angelic framework until proven otherwise. How are you using the term?

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Yeah. That's one reason I thought I could get away with it. ;)

As an alternative to "angel" for just that reason, actually. Boy did that backfire! ;)

So, what else to call winged people with a healing touch... (both traits are important to the story. Heck, the "angelicness" is, but more as a Good/Evil contrast.)