I don’t know what level of book you like to read in terms of complexity or depth. I would recommend Blood Meridian. It is one of the most impressive books I have ever read. McCarthy really has a way with prose, almost biblical. Incredible novel about a slew of people that are very bad, you will not like them, and for very good reason. I won’t necessarily say the kid is relatable, but the book is definitely worth reading.
RavennaMagnus on
Catcher in the Rye is what came to mind first for me. A Clockwork Orange too, although I hope you don’t see that as “borderline porn” (it isn’t, but people have weird takes sometimes 🤷♂️), and the main character is questionably relatable.
Programed-Response on
I suggest giving Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence a try.
>”I’m a liar and a cheat and a coward, but I will never, ever, let a friend down. Unless of course not letting them down requires honesty, fair play or bravery.”
> Battles are all about strategy, and strategy pivots on priorities. Since my priorities were Prince Jalan, Prince Jalan, and Prince Jalan, with “looking good” a distant fourth, I took the opportunity to resume running away. I find that the main thing about success is the ability to act in the moment. A hero attacks in the moment; a good coward runs in it. The rest of the world waits for the next moment and ends up as crow food.
—
>The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister—unseen by most and unspoken of by all.
>The Red Queen’s grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth—drinker, gambler, seducer of women—is one who can see The Silent Sister. Tenth in line for the throne and content with his role as a minor royal, he pretends that the hideous crone is not there. But war is coming. Witnesses claim an undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal thinks it’s all a rumor—nothing that will affect him—but he is wrong.
>After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell, encountering grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way, Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: he and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war—and the Red Queen controls the board.
kur0mi_ on
Ottessa Moshfegh is pretty good at writing an unconventional (albiet horrible) FMCs. I really liked My Year Of Rest And Relaxation. Had me floored and I still weirdly loved the narrator after finishing.
4 Comments
I don’t know what level of book you like to read in terms of complexity or depth. I would recommend Blood Meridian. It is one of the most impressive books I have ever read. McCarthy really has a way with prose, almost biblical. Incredible novel about a slew of people that are very bad, you will not like them, and for very good reason. I won’t necessarily say the kid is relatable, but the book is definitely worth reading.
Catcher in the Rye is what came to mind first for me. A Clockwork Orange too, although I hope you don’t see that as “borderline porn” (it isn’t, but people have weird takes sometimes 🤷♂️), and the main character is questionably relatable.
I suggest giving Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence a try.
>”I’m a liar and a cheat and a coward, but I will never, ever, let a friend down. Unless of course not letting them down requires honesty, fair play or bravery.”
> Battles are all about strategy, and strategy pivots on priorities. Since my priorities were Prince Jalan, Prince Jalan, and Prince Jalan, with “looking good” a distant fourth, I took the opportunity to resume running away. I find that the main thing about success is the ability to act in the moment. A hero attacks in the moment; a good coward runs in it. The rest of the world waits for the next moment and ends up as crow food.
—
>The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister—unseen by most and unspoken of by all.
>The Red Queen’s grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth—drinker, gambler, seducer of women—is one who can see The Silent Sister. Tenth in line for the throne and content with his role as a minor royal, he pretends that the hideous crone is not there. But war is coming. Witnesses claim an undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal thinks it’s all a rumor—nothing that will affect him—but he is wrong.
>After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell, encountering grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way, Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: he and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war—and the Red Queen controls the board.
Ottessa Moshfegh is pretty good at writing an unconventional (albiet horrible) FMCs. I really liked My Year Of Rest And Relaxation. Had me floored and I still weirdly loved the narrator after finishing.