I'm looking for some recs for sci-fi or fantasy stories that have "older" (30s+), more mature characters, themes, and stories… that aren't also 5+ book series. I'm tired of everything being a trilogy or a massive series. 😭 I usually get through 1-2 books a month and I struggle to be able to break up series and read other things in between. I loved The Expanse but it was basically all I read for almost a year lol. I'm just ready for some standalones.
All my friends irl read stuff like ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, etc. No hate, I just struggle with younger protags. I'm in my 40s now and the teen angst simply doesn't do it for me anymore.
Besides The Expanse, I've read most things by Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence, Blake Crouch, Andy Weir, Pierce Brown, and Adrian Tchaikovsky.
I know this is blasphemy on the internet, but I'm not a huge fan of Sanderson. have tried several of his books and just can't seem to click with them. (don't hate me please 😭)
Grateful for any suggestions yall may have.
by Flashy_Tomato377