Hello! I completed Stranger Things yesterday, and it's safe to say Henry Creel (not Vecna) has rendered me beguiled, yet again. The sheer complexity and antagonism of the character is fascinating—a dangerously ethereal man harbouring pure abhorrence towards humankind; callousness interlaced with severely scarce humanity, agony and rage so replete and maddening, all of which combined with a manipulative, calculative and menacing demeanour and destructive powers. There's a strategically crafted gentleness, patience, charisma and superficial kindness which constitute his persona whenever required. 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. This brings me to my question: are there any books with a main character or love interest like Henry Creel?
I am especially looking for terrific, well-written novels with a female protagonist, through whose gaze the Henry-like character/love interest gets discerned and examined. For instance, perhaps a scientist, forced by her circumstances, has to observe a special patient incarcerated in a laboratory for reasons kept confidential, or a chance encounter with a strange man, rumoured to escort children to their deaths, in a countryside village takes an uncanny turn (input: Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling vibes, minus the age-gap). I'm just coming up with fanfiction at this point.
Anyways, romance (not overwhelming/preferably a sub-genre with substantial space for individual character development), thriller, horror, fantasy, historical drama or any other genre is appreciated. 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!
P.S. Jamie is such a heartthrob.
by geneibao