Hello! I've been trying to figure out what I actually like in books ever since I got back into reading about 6 months ago.
What worked/why:
Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier – the enemy-to-ally dynamic with the language barrier and cultural differences. The two main characters have to tiptoe around internal and external power dynamics which is 100% my jam. I washed out on Tarashana because it was (alas) more plot-focused.
Sign of the Dragon by Mary Soon Lee – I cried so many times. I cared about the characters. The poems were evocative and painted a clear picture of the *emotions*, which is what matters most to me.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw – so so so weird. so good. I don't usually care for romance but I did care here
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke – like a puzzle for my brain! amazing, great vibes, really really compelling main character
Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb – each character might as well be a real person. I felt so much while reading these (even if AQ did drag a liiiittle bit). I will continue with The Liveship Traders when I'm in the mood for a long book
The Warrior's Apprentice by Bujold – just finished this! almost cried, loved the main character and his interactions with other people. loved the politics/hints of the differences between societies. it felt like the author valued my time and while the book was fun, it got serious when needed.
Books that didn't work:
Cradle series – read 5 books waiting for it to get better. I think this is basically my kryptonite because it's a series that does very well something I could not care less about.
Mistborn trilogy, Will of the many – just… a bit too shallow?
Silvercloak by Laura Steven – totally unrealistic characters. A really obvious plot-hole halfway through the book.
50/50:
The Spear Cuts Through Water – I read 50% and it was GOOD. Loved the experimental nature, all the world building, but I couldn't quite get attached to the characters and couldn't push through 🙁 very sad about this
What I'm looking for:
Character relationships as the actual substance, not just supporting the plot
Either weird/atmospheric OR situations that force intimacy (power imbalances, language barriers, forced proximity with actual consequences)
I have low tolerance for inconsistent worldbuilding or characters making stupid decisions. I basically need to feel like the author is at least 10% smarter than me.
Emotional payoff that's earned, I can sit through a lot of build up if there's a payoff at the end.
Basically zero interest in progression fantasy, plot-heavy epic fantasy, or action-first books
Well that's it. Definitely too long but I hope someone can give me good recs! and maybe my post can help someone else with similar tastes! I'm currently reading "Shards of Honor" by Bujold and liking it 🙂
by Unika0
2 Comments
Susanna Clarke’s *Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell*.
I haven’t read all of your “what works” and “what doesn’t work” books, but based on the ones I’ve read, I’d suggest these:
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
The Greenbone Saga by Jane Fonda (this one might be more plot-heavy than you’d like, but I think the character work is just great; it’s definitely what made me love the series)
The Tyrant Philosophers series by Adrian Tchaikovsky (the second and third books are, imo, better than the first one, especially with regards to the characters and their relationships)
The World of the Five Gods series by Bujold