Hello! I hope y'all are doing well.
I am reposting this question.
The complexity and antagonism of Henry Creel is something that I find fascinating—a dangerously beautiful man harbouring pure abhorrence towards humankind; callousness interlaced with severely scarce humanity and a maddening rage and agony—all combined with a manipulative, calculative and menacing demeanour and destructive powers. There's a strategically crafted gentleness, patience, charisma and superficial kindness which reflect in his persona whenever circumstances demand it. It's hard to explain or define how I feel about Henry Creel, and it's harder to either humanise or demonise him. There's a capacity for humanity (more evident in The First Shadow) along with a capacity for apocalyptic carnage.
I am especially looking for well-written novels with a female protagonist, through whose gaze and perspective the Henry-like character/love interest gets explored. Other perspectives are also appreciated. Any genre works—romance (not overwhelming/preferably a sub-genre with substantial space for individual character development), thriller, horror, historical fiction, sci-fi, etc. Concerning romance, I'm at odds about smut—not a big fan of hyperfixation on sex; more inclined towards slow burn, angst and sexual tension.
Thanks!
by geneibao