Exploring from

The Rithmatist

Brandon Sanderson

Find similar books by

Combine common axes

Similar in characterization + relationships

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

Characterization labels used: underdog, obsessive learner, nonmagical protagonist, quirky heroine, mentor figure, ambitious student, social outsider, flawed protagonist

Relationships labels used: friendship, mentor-student, rivalry, found friendship, class divide, peer partnership

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

Exclude same author Exclude same listed series

Max ratings No limit

The Primal Hunter 8

Zogarth · 2024 · The Primal Hunter

Jake is pulled back to a war-torn Earth where rival gods, factions, and a hostile Chosen force him into another escalating crisis.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: overpowered protagonist · progression-focused MC · socially isolated protagonist · reluctant leader · alchemy trainee · beast befriender · humorous protagonist

Relationships labels: friendship · mentor-student · allies · rivalry · proxy conflict · beast companion bonds

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1416

Continue from here

Morbid Curiosities

S. Hati · 2026

A scholarship teen at an elite science institute uncovers secret experiments, mutations, and a threat to her own mind.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: ambitious teen · overachiever · scholarship student · gifted student · isolated protagonist · untrusting · prickly protagonist · mysterious girl · cutthroat peers · rich students · scientist characters · complex characters

Relationships labels: rivals to lovers · academic rivalry · friendship trio · found family · class divide · peer sabotage · trust issues · mentor power imbalance · romantic subplot

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1421

Continue from here

D.A.

Connie Willis · 2007

A reluctant teen cadet is abruptly selected for elite space training and must uncover why she was chosen.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teenage girl · unwilling protagonist · hacker sidekick · plucky heroine · rebel student · likable protagonist · frustrated cadet · unenthusiastic student

Relationships labels: best friends · student-teacher power gap · peer pressure · classmate rivalry · parental pressure · institutional control

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1443

Continue from here

Blühender Verrat

Marie Graßhoff · 2022 · Spring Storm

A lucky outsider enters a power academy where cosmic abilities, rivalries, and a looming war reshape her future.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: socially awkward protagonist · introverted protagonist · underestimated protagonist · self-doubting protagonist · strong female leads · rival mentor figure · mysterious character · ambitious student · loyal side characters · animal companion

Relationships labels: enemies to lovers · rivalry · mentor-mentee · friend group · found family · queer romance · women loving women · classroom rivalry · protective bond

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1448

Continue from here

ヴィジランテ ―僕のヒーローアカデミアILLEGALS― 1 [Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals 1]

Hideyuki Furuhashi, 古橋秀之, 別天荒人, 堀越耕平 · 2017 · ヴィジランテ ―僕のヒーローアカデミアILLEGALS― [Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals]

In a quirk-powered society, three unlicensed do-gooders team up to fight street crime and a dangerous drug trade.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: underdog protagonist · college student · do-gooder · mentor figure · quirkless mentor · grey-area characters · found family · mystery character · idol character · comic relief

Relationships labels: mentor mentee · team dynamic · found family · friendship · ad hoc partnership · protective bond · rival society

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1450

Continue from here

The Girl and the Glim

India Swift · 2017

A shy new kid at school discovers only she can see mysterious creatures tied to fear, friendship, and danger.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: awkward protagonist · anxious protagonist · shy protagonist · small-for-age protagonist · outcast · brave protagonist · spunky protagonist · relatable protagonist · bully target · well-meaning parents · distinct side characters

Relationships labels: friendship · new friendship · missing old friends · bullying · peer clique · parent-child · found companionship · protective ally · classmate tension

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1466

Continue from here

Assassin of Reality

Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko · 2023 · Vita Nostra (English)

A gifted student returns to an eerie magical institute where language shapes reality and failure could remake the world.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: stubborn protagonist · older protagonist · intellectual curiosity · transcendent being · ambitious student · alienated protagonist · dark mentor · fascinating protagonist · humanity vs concept

Relationships labels: student-teacher rivalry · mentor-protégé · romance · pilot love interest · classmate distrust · peer support · familial leverage · protective friends · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1474

Continue from here

僕のヒーローアカデミア 2 [Boku No Hero Academia 2]

Kohei Horikoshi, 堀越耕平 · 2015 · 僕のヒーローアカデミア [Boku no Hero Academia]

Hero students face training, rivalries, and a sudden villain attack that turns practice into a real fight for survival.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: underdog protagonist · determined hero · rival bully · proud rival · mentor figure · teacher hero · student ensemble · quirky cast · new character introductions · character development · strategic fighter · overpowered student · creepy comic relief · fan favorite

Relationships labels: rivalry · mentor-student · teamwork · friendship · class bonds · childhood history · bullying · alliance · group trust · protective instinct

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1475

Continue from here

Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres and the Methods of Rationality

Eliezer Yudkowsky · 2015 · Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

An alternate-universe Harry Potter uses science and rationality to probe magic, challenge Hogwarts, and remake his fate.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: child prodigy · rationalist · smart protagonist · annoying genius · arrogant protagonist · self-centered protagonist · overly mature child · relatable flaws · dark lord aspiration · logical villain · over-the-top characterization · female characters weak

Relationships labels: friendship · unlikely friendship · mentor-student tension · rivalry · family change · adoptive family · found family · student-teacher conflict · power imbalance · uncertain friendship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1511

Continue from here

A Slip under the Microscope

H.G. Wells · 2015

Two short, ambiguous Wells stories explore a hidden doorway and an exam slip-up through regret, choice, and conscience.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: student · scholar · rival student · professor · promising man · social climber · humble background · conscientious character · obsessive character · idealistic character

Relationships labels: student-teacher · academic rivalry · class competition · mentor-pupil · romantic rivalry · social hierarchy · peer comparison

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1533

Continue from here

My Teacher Is an Alien

Bruce Coville · 2005 · My Teacher Is an Alien

A sixth-grader discovers her substitute teacher is an alien and races to stop his secret plan.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: smart girl · science fiction lover · class brain · bully · strict teacher · suspicious student · relatable tween · clear motivations

Relationships labels: unlikely friends · student-teacher conflict · friendship duo · class rivalry · peer support · protective friendship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1534

Continue from here

The Starlight Watchmaker

Wren James, Lauren James · 2025 · The Watchmaker and the Duke

An abandoned android watchmaker and a privileged student uncover a dangerous academy mystery and a surprising friendship.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: lonely protagonist · abandoned android · wealthy student · pompous noble · shy protagonist · content but lonely · character growth · confidently developing · likable leads · support character

Relationships labels: unlikely friendship · budding friendship · friendship across class lines · potential romance · platonic bond · equal-footing partnership · animosity to friendship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1544

Continue from here