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These books are ranked using the characterization labels extracted for Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings.
Characterization labels used: marine biologist, researcher protagonist, quirky characters, eccentric cast, loyal sidekick, attractive research assistant, cynical protagonist, outsider figure, goofy ensemble, competent woman
This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization embeddings are close.
A disgraced marine-obsessed scientist leads a Sri Lanka expedition to prove merfolk exist, with deadly results.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · scientist protagonist · obsessive investigator · disgraced expert · supportive ensemble · likable characters · unlikable protagonist · strong personalities · well-fleshed characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1334
A marine biologist joins a corporate team to study intelligent octopuses, while AI and hackers reshape a near-future world.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · cephalopod specialist · android · AI hacker · security agent · mercenary · enslaved worker · corporate executive · reclusive scientist · flawed thinkers · lonely characters · alienated characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1764
A grief-stricken jellyfish scientist goes to a remote Maine island to investigate a giant glowing sea creature and the people it changes.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · jellyfish researcher · socially awkward protagonist · introverted protagonist · grieving protagonist · guilt-ridden protagonist · neurodivergent-coded protagonist · queer protagonist · mixed-race protagonist · Japanese American protagonist · scientist protagonist · quirky locals · community cast · ghostly presence
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1769
A sprawling eco-thriller where strange ocean events force scientists to confront a hostile intelligence in the deep sea.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: scientists · marine biologists · expert team · ensemble cast · flat characters · stereotyped characters · cartoonish antagonists · genius characters · international team · scientific experts
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1770
A diver and marine biologist race to stop a migrating shoal of aggressive squid terrorizing the California coast.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: professional diver · marine biologist · oceanographer · police investigator · grieving protagonist · alcoholic protagonist · brooding hero · plucky scientist · flawed characters · stereotyped characters · thin characterization · likeable leads (mixed) · heroic rescuers · dog companion · female expert
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1781
A Dutch marine biologist follows a deep-ocean anomaly from earthbound family trauma into a secretive, cosmic-scale mission.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · microbiologist · botanist · scientist protagonist · trauma survivor · detached protagonist · aloof narrator · ambiguous protagonist · flat supporting cast · abusive father · ailing mother · younger sister · crew members · researchers
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1817
A marine biologist returns to Loch Ness to confront family secrets, a murder trial, and the monster in the water.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · disgraced scientist · reluctant hero · estranged father · love interest · best friend sidekick · feisty heroine · abrasive characters · one-dimensional characters · traumatized protagonist · skeptic · hapless hero · underdog
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1832
Professor Challenger gathers old companions in a sealed room as Earth passes through a deadly ether belt.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: arrogant scientist · brilliant scientist · eccentric professor · pompous protagonist · bullish personality · scientific rival · adventurer · journalist narrator · female supporting character · group ensemble
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1844
A marine biologist’s animal-translation breakthrough collides with military investigations into a secretive South American mystery.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · scientist · military investigator · Navy officer · specialist · billionaire · philanthropist · antagonist · likeable cast · highly competent heroes · superheroic characters · morally upright characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1896
A naval investigator and a marine biologist uncover a dolphin-communication breakthrough tied to a hidden undersea crisis.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: marine biologist · naval investigator · military officer · scientist · research team · computer expert · ex-SEAL · principled hero · strong female lead · rogue official · corrupt official · traitor · smart heroes · believable characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1909
A Weyland-Yutani scientist arrives at a remote station and finds secret experiments, sabotage, and Xenomorph chaos.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: scientist protagonist · former marine · misfit crew · corporate scientist · reluctant participant · blackmailed operative · ex-marine veterans · competent specialists · morally conflicted · cannon fodder risk · character-driven ensemble · round characters · archetypal cast · relatable humans
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1909
A physicist abducted by carnivorous aliens must help lead a desperate revolt aboard their ship.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: physicist protagonist · scientist ensemble · biologist · geologist · meteorologist · robotics expert · marine biologist · unlikely heroes · resilient protagonists · snarky protagonist · competent under pressure · team leaders · optimistic protagonist · compelling characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1911
