I have read any number of fantasy books in my days, perhaps I shouldn't be admitting that but it is true. However, I have never been able to read any book without wincing slightly when I hit the word 'sardonic.' I always feel that the author has been contriving an entire scene in which the evil character foils some attempt by the good character just so they could put a sardonic look on the villians face when the hero realizes he has been foiled (and thinks that everything is lost).

Samuel's sardonic look in East of Eden occurs so naturally that I can't imagine how else it could possibly be described. The word has been redeemed to me.

If you have been feeling this way yourself, then it might be time for you to start reading Steinbeck as well.