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These books are ranked using the characterization labels extracted for Killing Time.
Characterization labels used: flawed hero, embittered protagonist, role reversal, alternate selves, intense characterization, out of character (mixed), supporting cast, telepathic character, female villain, original characters
This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization embeddings are close.
A prophecy-bound hero faces war, magic, and a painful love triangle as his world hurtles toward its fate.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: destined hero · overpowered characters · flawed protagonists · strong female characters · martyr figure · selfish male protagonist · villainous antagonist · love-interest rivalry
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1261
A disgraced former hero returns to the field, leading a corporate rescue team while a new threat targets heroes.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: flawed hero · redeemable protagonist · powerful protagonist · sympathetic lead · older protagonist · retired hero · disgraced celebrity · team leader · supporting ensemble · quirky characters · competent side characters · soft heart
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1402
The final compendium of a creator-owned superhero saga, bringing Mark Grayson’s long arc to a closed, high-stakes finish.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: believable characters · character growth · moral complexity · adult protagonist · flawed characters · well-rounded cast · major character deaths · villain redemption · imperfect heroes
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1427
An oppressed empire, a metal-powered magic system, and a rebellion that unravels into deeper secrets across three books.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: strong heroine · thieving crew · rogue heroes · immortals · flawed characters · matured protagonist · depressed character arc · idealistic leader
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1455
In a shattered world split between Dome and outcasts, rival survivors race toward a dangerous final choice.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: young protagonists · flawed characters · morally conflicted · strong heroine · brooding hero · reluctant leader · depressed character · dynamic supporting character
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1455
A desperate teen flees a brutal regime to a supposedly safe island, only to find the refuge hides new dangers and secrets.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: strong heroine · flawed protagonist · resilient protagonist · sympathetic protagonist · brave protagonist · broken protagonist · complex characters · secretive characters · mysterious characters · villainous faction
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1456
In EMP-ravaged Michigan, a starving town faces a violent power grab and a desperate fight for control.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: flawed characters · complex characters · brooding male lead · protective hero · strong heroine · teen fighter · morally compromised authority · villainous leader · unstable follower · redemption arc
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1474
On a frozen world, Yaz faces priests, secrets, and a dangerous journey south while the story widens in a shared universe.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: strong female lead · flawed characters · emotionally relatable · powerful protagonist · sensible protagonist · character-driven · supporting cast · leadership arc · curious protagonist
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1494
Claire Redfield is trapped on a bioweapon-infested island, racing to survive, escape, and find her missing brother.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: strong heroine · sarcastic protagonist · capable heroine · deranged villains · complex antagonist · sympathetic side character · immature supporting character · morally twisted antagonist
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1497
![Cover of 宝石の国 2 [Hōseki no Kuni 2] by Haruko Ichikawa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655999554i/26238640.jpg)
A gem-bodied outcast dives into the sea for answers, uncovering buried world secrets and a widening conflict.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: outcast protagonist · reluctant hero · fragile protagonist · persistent protagonist · emotionally burdened characters · immortal beings · distinctive side cast · suspicious authority figure · moodily stoic characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1500
A fated young couple races across warring planets to stop a tyrant and decide whether destiny can be changed.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: young protagonists · strong female character · cunning character · manipulative character · honorable character · tortured character · traumatized character · flawed characters · developing characters · side-character focus
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1525
After a major war, Mark Grayson questions whether punching villains is enough and tests a smarter path forward.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: character growth · mature protagonist · morally conflicted protagonist · forgiving hero · questioning hero · reformed villain · conflicted villain · supporting cast focus
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1527
