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The Last Shadow

Orson Scott Card

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Similar in characterization + relationships

These books are ranked using the characterization + relationships labels extracted for The Last Shadow. Books rank higher when they are close on every selected axis.

Characterization labels used: super-intelligent children, genius kids, descendants, reconstructed characters, AI character, sentient species

Relationships labels used: family saga, parent-child conflict, siblings, found family, interspecies cooperation, romantic relationship, sibling rivalry, legacy characters

This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization + relationships embeddings are close.

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Ultima

Stephen Baxter · 2014 · Proxima

A direct sequel where a stranded crew crosses alternate universes, uncovering the hatch builders and a cosmic endgame.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: ensemble cast · generational cast · descendants · AIs · human explorers · alien intelligences · passive protagonists · cipher-like characters · flat characterization · character turnover

Relationships labels: family saga · parent child · siblings · grandparents and grandchildren · companionship · group dynamics · human AI relationship · power imbalance · betrayal · loyalty

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1633

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Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus, Vol. 1

Jonathan Hickman · 2013 · Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman

Reed Richards tries to solve everything, triggering a sprawling Fantastic Four saga of family, time, and cosmic fallout.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: genius protagonist · family team · super-intelligent child · villainous genius · morally conflicted hero · large ensemble · emotionally resonant characters · character spotlights

Relationships labels: found family · sibling bond · parent-child conflict · marriage tension · team dynamics · mentor-student · rivalry · grief and loss · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1786

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Sign of Chaos

Roger Zelazny · 1987 · The Chronicles of Amber

Merlin is pulled into a surreal trap, then races through family intrigue, magical combat, and shifting alliances.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: young protagonist · naive protagonist · trusting protagonist · clever protagonist · shapeshifter · magician · ambiguous antagonist · scheming siblings · new family members · sentient AI

Relationships labels: family drama · sibling rivalry · parent-child tension · romantic history · enemy ally · frenemy · loyal friendship · betrayal · intrafamily conflict

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1828

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Xenocide

Orson Scott Card · 1996 · Ender's Saga

On a doomed colony world, Ender and allies race to avert extinction while a virus, aliens, and faith collide.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: intelligent characters · flawed characters · frustrating characters · family drama · genius child · disabled character · AI character · religious believer · xenobiologist · servant character · scientist characters

Relationships labels: family conflict · marital tension · sibling dynamics · parent child conflict · human alien relations · mentor pupil · inter-species cooperation · romantic tension

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1839

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Shadows in Flight

Orson Scott Card · 2012 · The Shadow

Genetically engineered children on a relativistic voyage search for a cure, then encounter an alien mystery in deep space.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: genius children · child protagonists · scientific child · military child · engineer child · becoming-adult children · immature prodigies · parent in decline · physically constrained protagonist · trapped protagonists

Relationships labels: sibling rivalry · parent-child bond · family unit · father children · friendship · dependence · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1889

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The Map of Stars

Laura Ruby · 2020 · York

A trio of kids races to solve a citywide cipher as time shifts, future consequences, and hidden histories collide.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: smart kids · trio of protagonists · sibling duo · friend group · supportive adults · precocious child · mutant cat · robot companion · morally gray villains

Relationships labels: friendship strain · found family · siblings · parent-child · family loyalty · teamwork · mistrust · generational ties

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1974

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Runaways, Vol. 6: Parental Guidance

Brian K. Vaughan · 2006 · Runaways (2003-2009) (Collected Editions)

A separated young mutant runaway must survive alone, then reunite with her team as old enemies and buried secrets resurface.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: young heroes · mutant child · teen ensemble · fully realized characters · resourceful child · tough choices · betrayal-prone allies · emotionally complex characters · morally ambiguous leader · grieving survivors

Relationships labels: found family · friend group · team dynamics · parent-child conflict · romantic tension · betrayal · loyalty · rivalry · frenemy dynamics · sibling-like bonds

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1976

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The Messengers

Margaret Peterson Haddix · 2021 · The Greystone Secrets

In a finale of mirrored worlds and hidden messages, three siblings race to stop mind control from overtaking both worlds.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: siblings · child heroes · new supporting cast · genius child · leader brother · brave children · resourceful kids · mismatched kids · character growth · protective mother · crush subplot

Relationships labels: sibling bond · family reunion · friendship · allies · romantic subplot · crush · teamwork · cross-world doubles · community solidarity · parent-child bond

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1999

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Gravity Falls: Journal 3

Alex Hirsch, Rob Renzetti · 2022

A replica mystery journal from Gravity Falls adds hidden codes, new notes, and extra lore around the show’s secrets.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: eccentric genius · curious kid · twin protagonists · mischievous kid · brotherly conflict · tinkerer · assistant · investigator · obsessive researcher · reluctant hero

Relationships labels: siblings · twin bond · family bond · brotherly conflict · mentor apprentice · friendship · found family · family reconciliation · parent-child-like care · teamwork

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.2003

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Cryptid Hunters

Roland Smith · 2006 · Marty and Grace

Twins sent to live with a secretive uncle are swept from school life into a cryptid hunt, jungle danger, and family secrets.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: twin protagonists · sibling duo · adventurous boy · fearful girl · gifted kids · resourceful children · intelligent protagonists · quirky talents · photographic memory · eccentric mentor · intimidating uncle · enigmatic adults · predictable villain · character growth

Relationships labels: sibling bond · sibling rivalry · found family · parent-child secrets · guardian relationship · uncle-niece/nephew · mentor-protege · rivalry

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.2004

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Middlegame

Seanan McGuire · 2019 · Alchemical Journeys

Two gifted twins, secretly engineered through alchemy, are drawn toward an impossible destiny that could remake reality.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: gifted children · child geniuses · mad scientist · alchemist · experiment twins · guarded characters · morally gray characters · traumatized children · prodigy archetype

Relationships labels: siblings · twin bond · platonic bond · codependency · adoptive family · creator-created relationship · mentor manipulation · dependency · separated twins

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.2014

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Under the Eye of the Big Bird

Hiromi Kawakami · 2024

Interlinked future-fables track humanity’s strange, fragmented attempts to survive extinction, love, and change.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: clones · mothers · watchers · hybrid beings · posthuman characters · genetically modified humans · factory-made children · plant-like humans · animal-derived humans · AI entities · mutated humans · unnamed or numbered characters · gendered role systems · recurring characters

Relationships labels: mothering · parenting · community bonds · intercommunity isolation · breeding programs · interbreeding · caretaking · belonging · dependency · love and attachment · family structures · romance · friendship · rivalry · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.2017

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