Looking for a book or series for my adult niece who is ace. She is extremely well read so I’d like something with really good world building and characters. Whimsy is good but it has to be well written.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I was suggested it from a girl who loved that series for the same reason. This is a great book and is also a series but I’ve only read book 1.
It’s a beautifully written slice of life about the personal secretary to the emperor of the world, with a heavy focus on platonic relationships. I’d never read a book before this one that gives platonic love the weight most media only gives romantic love, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
DaCouponNinja on
Project Hail Mary was fantastic
Interesting-Exit-101 on
You should definitely check out **[Project Lyra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLF1JY5)**. This engaging sci-fi novel features strong world-building and well-developed characters, making it perfect for readers looking for a story without romance. The plot revolves around a mysterious interstellar object that threatens humanity’s existence, blending scientific exploration with thought-provoking themes. It’s a captivating read that will keep your niece entertained and challenged.
kbn_ on
*Definitely* Murderbot. Not only is there no romance but very outspoken asexuality is explicitly part of the main character’s identity.
Could also go with Martian or Project Hail Mary (the latter is better than the former IMO).
belledenuit on
The Left Hand of Darkness
Borne2Run on
The Bobiverse is whimsical and dispenses with romance since it follows a mad-scientist engineer across multiple centuries.
dalidellama on
Seconding *The Hands of the Emperor*, also try Ann Leckie’s Imperial Raadch books and Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries (don’t be misled by the title, there is relatively little murdering, and a great deal of sardonic humor, character development and all that good stuff)
8 Comments
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I was suggested it from a girl who loved that series for the same reason. This is a great book and is also a series but I’ve only read book 1.
[The Hands of the Emperor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af2bba9c-8f41-4a3e-b87a-8532a44ccb67) by Victoria Goddard! I’m aroace myself, and it’s my favorite book.
It’s a beautifully written slice of life about the personal secretary to the emperor of the world, with a heavy focus on platonic relationships. I’d never read a book before this one that gives platonic love the weight most media only gives romantic love, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Project Hail Mary was fantastic
You should definitely check out **[Project Lyra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLF1JY5)**. This engaging sci-fi novel features strong world-building and well-developed characters, making it perfect for readers looking for a story without romance. The plot revolves around a mysterious interstellar object that threatens humanity’s existence, blending scientific exploration with thought-provoking themes. It’s a captivating read that will keep your niece entertained and challenged.
*Definitely* Murderbot. Not only is there no romance but very outspoken asexuality is explicitly part of the main character’s identity.
Could also go with Martian or Project Hail Mary (the latter is better than the former IMO).
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Bobiverse is whimsical and dispenses with romance since it follows a mad-scientist engineer across multiple centuries.
Seconding *The Hands of the Emperor*, also try Ann Leckie’s Imperial Raadch books and Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries (don’t be misled by the title, there is relatively little murdering, and a great deal of sardonic humor, character development and all that good stuff)