The Allure of Moral Ambiguity: Why Teens Gravitate Toward Thrillers that Push Ethical Boundaries

 

In recent years, the literary world has seen a surge in the popularity of thriller novels among teenage readers. Simply scroll Twitter or any social media site, really, and you'll see so many announcements for new thriller books. Or take a peek at the best seller list on any given week. 

Personally, I'm a huge fan of this genre! I've always loved the dark and spooky, and I will always choose a horror movie over a chick flick. Naturally, when the books started publishing, I started buying and reading. And I've read a LOT! 

But what, exactly, is a teen thriller, and why is there such a huge audience for them?

Often characterized by their dark, ominous looking covers, intense narratives, unexpected twists, intricate plots, and naive teenage characters, YA thrillers also frequently delve into complex moral landscapes. From exploring the fine line between right and wrong to presenting protagonists with ethically dubious motives, these novels challenge conventional notions of morality. But what is it about these morally ambiguous thrillers that so captivates the teenage audience? Or even an adult audience? 

The Thrill of the Unknown

Humans, especially teenagers, are naturally curious and often seek out new experiences and ideas. Thriller novels provide an exhilarating escape from the predictability of everyday life. The suspense and unpredictability inherent in these stories offer a safe way for teens to explore the unknown. The high stakes and constant tension keep readers on the edge of their seats, creating an adrenaline rush that can be both addictive and fulfilling.

In particular, thrillers that push moral boundaries add an extra layer of intrigue. These stories often present scenarios where the distinction between good and evil is blurred, forcing readers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas. 

A prime example of this is in THE STRANDED by Sarah Daniels. There's a rebellion brewing aboard a stranded cruise ship, and the main characters have to decide if sacrificing one or two people is worth it to save thousands. Is one life worth more than another? Are the many more valuable than the few? Can you forgive those who have betrayed you? Is one person's way of life "better" than an other? This is an ethical dilemma the characters are faced with and have to overcome. 

The Appeal of Complex Characters

One of the most compelling aspects of thrillers is their rich character development. Protagonists in these novels are often multifaceted and morally ambiguous, making them more relatable and realistic. Teenagers, who are in the midst of forming their own identities, find these characters particularly fascinating. They see parts of themselves in these flawed heroes and anti-heroes, which makes the stories more immersive and impactful.

Characters who operate in morally gray areas challenge readers to think about the motivations behind actions. Teens are drawn to these characters because they reflect the complexities of real-life decision-making. In a world where they are constantly being told what is right and wrong, these novels offer a refreshing perspective that acknowledges the nuance and ambiguity of human behavior.

One of the best series I've read with some of the most complex characters is QUARANTINE SERIES by Lex Thomas. In this series, the characters are quarantined inside their high school with no adults. They must learn to live together and survive, even when food deliveries become less and less. This leads to a lot of violence. Friends turning on one another. Groups vying for power over others. Laying claim to certain areas within the building. All of this leads readers down a twisty, gray path of morality: how far would you go to survive? Is your survival more important than your friends? Would you kill to protect those you love? 

Navigating the Moral Landscape

Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and moral development. Teens are beginning to form their own ethical frameworks and are keenly aware of the societal expectations placed upon them. Thriller novels that explore moral ambiguity provide a platform for teens to experiment with different moral perspectives in a safe and controlled environment.

These novels often present ethical dilemmas that do not have clear-cut answers. By engaging with these scenarios, teens can practice moral reasoning and empathy. They learn to consider multiple viewpoints and understand the complexities involved in making difficult decisions. This cognitive and emotional engagement helps them develop a more sophisticated and nuanced moral compass.

The Power of Empathy

Thrillers that push the boundaries on morality often evoke strong emotional responses. Readers are forced to confront uncomfortable truths and empathize with characters whose actions they might not agree with. This emotional engagement fosters a deeper understanding of human behavior and the factors that influence it.

For teens, who are still developing their emotional intelligence, this can be a profoundly transformative experience. By stepping into the shoes of characters who face morally ambiguous situations, they learn to appreciate the complexities of human nature. This empathy extends beyond the pages of the book and can positively impact their interactions with others in the real world.

The main character in LYING IN THE DEEP by Diana Urban shows great empathy amidst a lot of morally ambiguous situations. For starters, her former best friend and her ex-boyfriend betrayed her in the worst way imaginable, and then the former best friend ends up dead. 

Despite the betrayal and hurt, the main character still has a lot of complicated and conflicted feelings. As the story unfolds, she's faced with even more difficult decisions that ultimately shapes who she is as a person. Will she maintain her empathy for others, or will she change who she is based on her circumstances? How would you handle the same situations? 

The Attraction of Rebellion

Teenagers have a natural inclination to rebel against authority and societal norms. Thriller novels that challenge conventional morality resonate with this rebellious spirit. These stories often feature characters who defy the rules and take matters into their own hands, which can be incredibly appealing to teens who are seeking autonomy and independence.

Reading about characters who break the rules and challenge the status quo provides a vicarious thrill. It allows teens to explore their own desires for rebellion in a safe and controlled way. This exploration of defiance can be empowering and validating, especially for those who feel constrained by societal expectations.

Almost every teen thriller I've read has some sort of rebellion, usually teens lying to their parents and sneaking around. Or when a murder occurs, they take it upon themselves to figure out whodunit and why. 

Recently, I read NO ESCAPE by Maren Stoffels and while the rebellion in this story isn't huge (no mutiny or war or murder investigation) the characters do rebel by doing something they shouldn't. 

The two main characters are cousins and best friends. They tell their parents they're going to a movie but really sneak off to a (shady) escape room. Why? Because they lost a friend and aren't dealing with that very well. They both need an escape, and the only way they truly know how to do that is by rebelling against the norm and taking control of their lives, even if it's just for an afternoon.

The Appeal of Intellectual Challenge

Thriller novels are intellectually stimulating. They often involve intricate plots, complex characters, and layered narratives that require careful attention and critical thinking. For intellectually curious teens, these novels provide a welcome challenge.

The moral ambiguity in these stories adds an additional layer of complexity. Teens are not only trying to solve the mystery or predict the next twist but are also grappling with the ethical implications of the characters' actions. This dual engagement with plot and morality provides a rich and rewarding reading experience.

ONE OF US IS LYING by Karen M. McManus is probably one of the twisty-ist teen thrillers I've ever read. Lots of complex relationships not only between the teen characters, but among the adults, too. Everyone is a suspect and no one trusts anyone else. The teens even question the authorities, which makes them question their own morals and intelligence. The twist at the end of this book leaves all of them wondering what's real and what's not, who to trust, who to believe. If you haven't had the chance to read this book yet, I highly recommend it just for the thrill of trying to figure out what's going on. 

The Safe Exploration of Dark Themes

Thrillers often explore dark and disturbing themes that might be taboo in other genres. For teens, these themes can be both frightening and fascinating. Reading about violence, betrayal, and moral corruption in a fictional context allows them to explore these darker aspects of human nature in a safe and controlled way.

This exploration can be cathartic, providing an outlet for the darker emotions and fears that teens might be grappling with. It allows them to confront and process these feelings in a way that feels manageable and contained. This safe exploration of dark themes can be an important part of emotional growth and development.

I explore quite a few dark themes in my books, WARPED REGRETS and WARPED REMAINS. Both are YA thrillers that force the characters to deal with some very adult situations. A birth mother who wants nothing to do with the son who comes looking for her. A party that gets out of hand, resulting in arrests and a death. Surviving a plane crash. Who do you help save first? Who gets more of the very limited resources? What happens if help doesn't arrive? Do you look out for yourself first and others second? 

The teen characters are forced to grow up if they want to survive, and they are forced to make choices that aren't necessarily easy or that have a clear cut answer. When you're terrified, alone, and facing the unknown, you have to question everyone and everything--and that can be borderline impossible.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thriller novels that push the boundaries on morality offer a unique and compelling reading experience for teenagers. These stories provide an adrenaline rush, complex characters, and intellectual challenges that keep readers engaged and invested. They also offer a safe space for teens to explore moral ambiguity, develop empathy, and grapple with real-world issues.

In a time of life marked by curiosity, rebellion, and self-discovery, these novels resonate deeply with teenage readers. They challenge teens to think critically, question their own beliefs, and explore the complexities of human behavior. 

While I'm well outside the target demographic for teen thrillers, I still enjoy them quite a bit. I like trying to figure out what's happening and how the characters will handle it. I also have teenagers myself, and I enjoy reading along with them and then discussing the books. I also tend to find that teen thrillers are more engaging than adult ones, and I know that's because the pacing is usually much faster.