The modern world: a buzzing hive of social media influencers, political circus acts, and an ongoing debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me).
Amidst all this chaos, you might be wondering, “Why in seven hells should I be reading about fictional characters who make a living by, well, ending lives?”
The answer is simple: because assassin fantasy novels are more relevant now than ever, my dear friends. And no, it’s not just because you’ve imagined hiring one for your noisy neighbour.
A Reflection of Our Complex Morality
Ah, morality—more fluid than a pint of ale in a tavern.
Assassins are a manifestation of our own moral complexity.
Are they heroes or villains?
Liberators or mercenaries?
A bit like the modern corporate world, they exist in a grey area, and it’s not just the colour of their cloaks.
The Ultimate Power Fantasy
Let’s face it, we all fancy a bit of control in our lives, especially when the world seems to be going off the rails faster than a London Underground service during a strike.
The assassin, the master manipulator of fate, allows us to live out this power fantasy, all from the risk-free comfort of our reading nooks.
Catharsis Through Chaos
The world is a dumpster fire, and sometimes what you need is to watch someone else set a blaze that they control impeccably.
The skill and precision of a fictional assassin can offer a bizarre comfort.
It’s chaos, but it’s organized chaos.
The Appeal of the Anti-Hero
In an era where every other news headline makes you want to throw your phone into the Thames, there’s something incredibly appealing about characters who operate outside the law, buck the system, and stab corruption in the face.
And goody-two-shoes characters, you’re so last century.
We’re living in the age of the anti-hero. The more flawed, the better.
And who’s more flawed than someone who’s literally killing for a living, yet you can’t help but root for them?
The Relevance of Rebellion
Whether it’s fighting against a tyrannical regime, or exposing shadowy conspiracies, the themes of rebellion and fighting against the ‘Man’ resonate now more than ever.
It’s like ‘V for Vendetta,’ but with more backflips and less political subtlety.
Social Commentary with a Side of Stabbing
Many assassin novels delve into issues of class struggle, political unrest, and social inequality, all wrapped up in a cloak of daggers and poisons.
It’s like reading a think piece, only with more action and fewer footnotes.
The Art of Escape
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, assassin fantasy novels offer escapism.
In a world where doom-scrolling has become a pastime, sometimes it’s nice to switch gears and scroll through doom of a different kind—a kind where you can close the book and say, “Well, at least I’m not being hunted by a magical, brooding killer.”
So, the next time someone scoffs at your reading choices, just tell them you’re engaging in a timely sociopolitical critique.
After all, assassin fantasy novels are not just a guilty pleasure; they’re a reflection of our collective id, a mirror to our own chaos.
