I am looking for book recommandations with a very specific relationship dynamic thatI’m struggling to find more of.
I love stories where relationships are shaped/defined by social class/rank and where that stuff is a real point of tension, not just background worldbuilding. But I’m having a hard time finding more that really lean into it.
What I mean is books where characters’ roles in society actively affect how they interact. The relationships feel constrained by duty or class — or actively go against them (both work).
Examples that do this really well:
- The Goblin Emperor. Maia being emperor impacts literally every relationship
- Master and Commander. Rank and duty matter constantly
- Hands of the Emperor
- Historical dramas like Downton Abbey or Victoria (TV, but the point it there)
It doesn't have to be historical, though that is the most common. Patricia Briggs Werewolf books have this.
What I don’t mean is stuff where class exists but doesn't define relationships that much. A potentially bad example is Game of Thrones, where it would seem like a huge theme but because the focus is elsewhere, and because most characters are noble, its not a defining point of tension in most relationships.
Romance is fine but not required.
Romantic examples I liked (these are tv shows/movies, but should get the point):
- Hak and Yona from Yona of the Dawn
- Royal Night Out
- First Daughter / Chasing Liberty
Non-romantic examples also work:
- Reinhard and Kircheis from Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Basically I want the social restrictions and class stuff to be a big theme, not subtle or just in the background. All of my favorite books seem to have this in common and I want more of it.
If anyone has recs that really fit this, pls share.
by Puzzled_Opposite1134