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The Goblin Emperor

Katherine Addison

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Similar in tone + premise

These books are ranked using the tone + premise labels extracted for The Goblin Emperor. Books rank higher when they are close on every selected axis.

Tone labels used: hopeful, heartfelt, cozy, wholesome, gentle, comforting, charming, soft, positive, uplifting, earnest, warm

Premise labels used: unlikely heir, lost heir, accidental ruler, court politics, imperial succession, fish out of water, outsider at court, political intrigue, murder investigation, friendship quest, kind ruler

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

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The Hands of the Emperor

Victoria Goddard · 2019 · Lays of the Hearth-Fire

A devoted imperial secretary invites his isolated ruler on holiday, sparking friendship, reform, and upheaval across an empire.

Why this is here

Tone labels: cozy · gentle · warm · hopeful · kind · empathetic · wholesome · funny · wry · optimistic · heartwarming · relaxing · atmospheric · utopian

Premise labels: friendship changes history · court friendship · bureaucratic reform · utopian governance · slow reform · civil servant protagonist · emperor and secretary · holiday invitation

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.1696

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Oath of Fealty

Elizabeth Moon · 2010 · Paladin's Legacy

After a mercenary captain becomes king, old allies must navigate succession, sorcery, and power struggles across two kingdoms.

Why this is here

Tone labels: cozy · warm · safe · satisfying · serious · somber · meaty · reflective · hopeful · grounded · not grimdark · morally clear

Premise labels: rightful heir · succession crisis · coronation · political upheaval · regime change · mercenary company · family legacy · evil sorcery · multiple kingdoms · burden of leadership

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.1806

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A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Becky Chambers · 2022 · Monk and Robot

A tea monk and a sentient robot travel through human settlements, asking what people need and what gives life meaning.

Why this is here

Tone labels: cozy · comforting · gentle · hopeful · warm · wholesome · reflective · soothing · tender · quiet · optimistic · serene · philosophical

Premise labels: journey quest · philosophical inquiry · found family · purpose search · needs and wants · humanity question · post-scarcity life · repair and return

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.1968

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Kipps

H.G. Wells · 2005

An orphaned draper’s apprentice unexpectedly inherits wealth and must navigate class, love, and identity in Edwardian England.

Why this is here

Tone labels: humorous · satirical · comic · warm · charming · lighthearted · poignant · cutting · affectionate · bittersweet · sharp-edged · cozy

Premise labels: inheritance · class ascent · fish out of water · gentlemanly society · rags to riches · working-class protagonist · social mobility

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2029

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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 5

Priest · 2025 · Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel)

In a steampunk imperial war, two separated lovers navigate court danger, invasion, and nation-building toward peace.

Why this is here

Tone labels: bittersweet · hopeful · heartbreaking · heartwarming · tender · humorous · lighthearted · grand · intense · emotional · melancholy · comforting · sweet · domestic

Premise labels: war effort · court politics · political intrigue · military conflict · nation building · separated lovers · forbidden romance · state reform

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2056

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Queen's Peril

E.K. Johnston · 2020 · Star Wars: The Padmé Trilogy

A newly elected teen queen and her handmaidens navigate Naboo politics as invasion nears and identities blur.

Why this is here

Tone labels: hopeful · heartfelt · soft · intimate · joyful · nostalgic · light · character-driven · bittersweet · fun

Premise labels: elected ruler · court intrigue · handmaiden squad · decoy identity · protective detail · political transition · invasion looming · behind-the-scenes angle · prequel story · female-led team

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2056

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Nightwing, Vol. 1: Leaping into the Light

Tom Taylor · 2021 · Nightwing (2016)

Nightwing returns to Blüdhaven with new resources, old ties, and a city full of corruption, crime, and secrets.

Why this is here

Tone labels: hopeful · heartfelt · warm · humorous · wholesome · feel-good · playful · sweet · earnest · uplifting · light

Premise labels: hero rebuild · wealth as leverage · city cleanup · corrupt city · serial killer mystery · public service heroism · investigation

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2072

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The Curse of Chalion

Lois McMaster Bujold · 2002 · World of the Five Gods (Publication)

A battered ex-soldier returns home, only to be pulled into court intrigue, divine schemes, and a kingdom’s curse.

Why this is here

Tone labels: quiet · reflective · melancholy · thoughtful · satisfying · uplifting · humane · serious · gentle · beautiful · awe-filled · slightly old-fashioned

Premise labels: broken hero · court intrigue · royal protection · curse reversal · political struggle · religious conflict · second chance · redemption arc · return home

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2078

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Captain's Share

Nathan Lowell · Golden Age of the Solar Clipper

A newly minted captain inherits the fleet’s worst ship and must win a troubled crew’s trust while keeping profits afloat.

Why this is here

Tone labels: gentle · comforting · pleasant · therapeutic · light · warm · optimistic · bittersweet · easygoing · cozy

Premise labels: captaincy · dysfunctional crew · merchant ship · profit motive · leadership challenge · first command · turnaround story

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2081

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A Circle of Stars

Craig Montgomery · 2023 · The Stardust Duology

A queer teen is abducted to a lunar city where astrology fuels magic, politics, and a dangerous chosen-one role.

Why this is here

Tone labels: heartwarming · tender · wholesome · angsty · emotional · uplifting · hopeful · serious · whimsical · adventurous · intense

Premise labels: chosen one · magic powers · astrology magic · political pawn · hidden civilization · kidnapped protagonist · outcast teen · queer belonging · political intrigue · rebellion

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2084

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Ravenwood

Nathan Lowell · 2011 · Tanyth Fairport

A wandering older herbalist stays with a village and discovers her healing knowledge may be tied to unexpected magic.

Why this is here

Tone labels: calm · soothing · gentle · cozy · heartwarming · low-stress · quiet · pleasant · comforting · light

Premise labels: older heroine · herbalist · healer · road journey · small village · unexpected powers · nature magic · reluctant seer · abusive past · settling down

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2089

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A Letter from the Lonesome Shore

Sylvie Cathrall · 2025 · The Sunken Archive

Two separated lovers and their siblings pursue reunion through letters, scholar secrets, and an ominous oceanic mystery.

Why this is here

Tone labels: cozy · whimsical · warm · heartwarming · gentle · tender · sweet · romantic · atmospheric · mysterious · quirky · healing · bittersweet · unsettling

Premise labels: lost siblings · reunion quest · underwater society · scholarly mystery · hidden knowledge · cosmic threat · stranded abroad · love across distance · found family · knowledge-seeking society

Semantic match: ranked by tone + premise

Distance: 0.2095

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