Hey there -

Warning, vague spoilers ahead!

This is a quick look at the Hero's Journey/Heroine's Journey tropes that I've either used or subverted in The Eternity Protocol.

Like I said...

Vague Spoilers Ahead - which is to say, I allude to events in the book without giving you the specifics. 

If you want to get the book without knowing anything? Stop here!

Tropes in Eternity Protocol

 Eternity Protocol weaves together a mix of classic and subverted storytelling tropes, drawing from both traditional heroic narratives and more complex, collaborative arcs. While familiar structures emerge, the novel challenges expectations, creating a unique take on leadership, sacrifice, and personal growth.

1. The Call to Adventure (With a Twist)

 The protagonist is drawn into the central conflict by a mysterious message, setting the stage for a high-stakes mission.

• Unlike a traditional hero who embraces the call immediately, there is hesitation and resistance, hinting at an internal struggle between duty and personal cost.

2. The Chosen One (Subverted)

 The idea that the protagonist is uniquely suited for the mission is introduced early.

• However, rather than reinforcing a lone-hero narrative, the story gradually undermines this trope, exploring the dangers of taking on too much responsibility alone.

3. Commanding From the Front

 The main character is not a distant strategist but someone who actively engages in the action, whether through combat, tactical decision-making, or direct leadership.

• While this reinforces their strength and capability, it also raises questions about the limits of individual effort versus collective success.

4. The Mentor’s Sacrifice (With Complications)

 A key figure makes a difficult choice that significantly impacts the protagonist’s journey.

• However, the emotional weight of this moment is complicated by later events, adding depth to what would otherwise be a straightforward trope.

5. The Darkest Hour

 The protagonist reaches a breaking point where everything seems lost—physically, emotionally, or both.

• This serves as a turning point, forcing them to reevaluate their approach before the final resolution.

6. “I Work Alone” (And Why That’s a Problem)

 A period of isolation and self-reliance pushes the protagonist into a more solitary and dangerous path.

• Rather than glorifying this independence, the novel examines its consequences, leading to a necessary shift in perspective.

7. The Lost Future

 The world the protagonist expected to return to is not the same as they left it.

• This forces them to reassess their past, their impact, and their path forward in unexpected ways.

8. The Emotional Family Reunion (With Strings Attached)

 Key characters are reunited after a long separation, but the moment is not without its complications.

• What should be a moment of pure relief is layered with deeper emotional stakes, creating tension beneath the joy.

9. The Legacy Character

 A new character is introduced who has a direct connection to the protagonist’s past, forcing them to confront the long-term consequences of their actions.

• This adds another layer to the narrative, emphasizing how history can ripple forward in ways no one could have predicted.

10. The Phoenix Rises (A Transformation, Not Just a Victory)

 The protagonist does not succeed through sheer force or strategy alone—they must change in order to move forward.

• This transformation is not just external but deeply personal, marking a fundamental shift in how they approach their role in the larger story.

Final Thoughts

 Eternity Protocol blends action, intrigue, and deep character exploration, using familiar tropes as a foundation while subverting expectations in meaningful ways. Rather than following a predictable trajectory, the novel challenges ideas of leadership, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be strong.