So as the title says, I am in search of something kinda specific, but maybe I’m just bad at looking for things and there are tons of them out there. Anyway, I am looking for something that I can listen to an audiobook of while I’m at work, but I’m also looking for something to get me out of a major slump. I have some ideas of what I’m looking for, but can’t really find anything that fits the bill specifically. My vague specifics are basically:
Fantasy world of some kind. No real preference for the type of fantasy. Fantastical/magical elements are great. More realistic, grounded fantasy is great too.
Darker tone overall, doesn’t exactly need to be downright depressing, but not super chipper and cheerful either. Something tastefully in the center.
Romance as a plot point, major or not, as long as it’s well developed.
Not purely romantic. I know this might slightly contradict the previous point, but I don’t want to read something that is straight romance and nothing else. There should be some degree of action to the story.
Some sort of actual goal with the story. Not just a generic storyline that doesn’t really evolve. There should be some real, visible goal to work towards. Whether or not that goal is met by the end is irrelevant.
A good variety of characters. Not saying they all have to be main characters, but at least a decent roster of fleshed out characters who feel important to the narrative.
Preferably not YA. I have nothing against it in general, most of my best memories are of YA. But as I get older, I really want to push away from the genre, if only just to explore where stories can go without the limitations of appealing to a general YA audience.
And that’s about it. I am not sure if this will get anywhere, but if anyone has any suggestions, I’m open to them. As a man in his mid 20s, finding things that I like that aren’t YA seem to get more and more challenging. Anywho, thanks for any insight.
by SolOccidit