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Elanus

Ursula Poznanski

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Similar in characterization + relationships

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

Characterization labels used: gifted teen, arrogant protagonist, unsympathetic lead, socially awkward, technically gifted, moral ambiguity, character development, outsider

Relationships labels used: friendship, gast family, student relations, crush, romantic pursuit, social rejection, trust

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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Be More Chill

Ned Vizzini · 2005

An awkward teen swallows a tiny supercomputer that promises coolness, popularity, and a shot at his crush.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: male teen protagonist · socially awkward protagonist · outcast protagonist · low self-esteem · crush-driven motivation · morally flawed characters · bully peers · one-dimensional female characters (claimed) · teen boy interiority · best friend

Relationships labels: crush · friendship strain · peer pressure · romantic pursuit · male friendship · social hierarchy · sexual double standards · objectification

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1357

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Stranger Things: Rebel Robin

A.R. Capetta · 2021 · Stranger Things

A queer 1980s teen tries to fit in, then realizes the only escape she needs is becoming herself.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: intelligent teen · sarcastic narrator · misfit · unpopular outsider · queer teen · overthinker · relatable protagonist · dorky charm · witty character · loner · self-questioning · bookish · music kid · nerdy · sensitive

Relationships labels: friend group · female crush · best friends · teacher mentor · peer tension · family support · future friendship · platonic bond · social exclusion · school rivalry · unrequited interest

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1444

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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: 0.1494

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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: 0.1499

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Feed

M.T. Anderson · 2004

A teen’s moon vacation turns into a close-up look at a brain-implanted media system, a collapsing world, and a fragile romance.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: immature teen · self-absorbed youth · alienated narrator · more aware girl · brainwashed peers · shallow characters · thoughtful outsider · unlikable protagonist · complicated characters · static character arc

Relationships labels: teen romance · star-crossed lovers · peer pressure · friend group · family strain · dependence · social conformity · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1500

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Lost and Found

Orson Scott Card · 2019 · Micropowers

A shunned teen with a tiny finding-lost-things power gets pulled into friendship and a dangerous missing-child case.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: misunderstood teen · gifted teen · brilliant teen · cynical teen · snarky teen · loner · outcast · social pariah · intelligent friend · supportive father · child detective helper · quirky secondary characters

Relationships labels: friendship · found family · father-son relationship · mentor-like detective relationship · peer support · outsider bond · protective friendship · authority mistrust · school bullying · mutual dependence

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1536

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Qualify

Vera Nazarian · 2014 · The Atlantis Grail

In 2047, a teen genius must survive brutal trials to win a seat on rescue ships before an asteroid ends Earth.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen heroine · nerdy heroine · clumsy protagonist · brilliant student · athletic underdog · strong female lead · sibling group · family-centered protagonist · bullied outsider · relatable heroine · self-sacrificing heroine · unlikable protagonist (mixed) · love interest triangle · crush-driven teen

Relationships labels: sibling bond · family loyalty · friendship · camaraderie · romantic triangle · crush · love interest · mentor-student · rivalry · bullying · team dynamics · supportive family

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1536

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Code Orange

Caroline B. Cooney · 2005

A lazy New York teen researching smallpox for school thinks he may be infected and spirals into danger.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: slacker · reluctant student · lazy teen · procrastinator · bright student · carefree teen · motivated under pressure · resourceful teen · selfless protagonist · unlikable protagonist · charismatic protagonist · rich kid · prep-school student · brainy student · driven student · supporting characters

Relationships labels: crush · girlfriend · best friend · romance subplot · parent-child · friendship · peer support · family concern · romantic tension

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1553

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Redemption Prep

Samuel Miller · 2020

At an elite remote prep school, a missing girl sparks a web of secrets, suspects, and a mystery that turns strange.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: gifted students · prodigy students · high achievers · creepy stalker · obsessive boy · addicted boyfriend · genius best friend · science-minded student · popular girl · underdeveloped characters · unlikable characters · two-dimensional characters · flat characters · socially awkward character · analytical mind

Relationships labels: best friends · boyfriend-girlfriend · roommates · stalker-target · class alliances · peer suspicion · betrayal · codependency · friendship under pressure · teacher-student power · group partnership

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1560

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Firebreak

Nicole Kornher-Stace · 2021 · Firebreak

An aroace streamer in a corporate dystopia stumbles onto a deadly secret hidden inside a VR war game.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: orphan · streamer · gamer · introvert · antisocial · ethical · kind · reluctant leader · flawed protagonist · nonromantic · solitary

Relationships labels: friendship · best friends · platonic love · found family · loyalty · trust · no romance · friend crush · teammates · roommates

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1566

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Erebos

Ursula Poznanski · 2010 · Erebos

A secretive game spreads through a school, pulling a teen into a world where virtual quests spill into real life.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · ordinary student · basketball player · popular kid · curious protagonist · addicted player · immature teens · game avatar · strong-willed girls

Relationships labels: friendship · best friends · school peers · crush · romance subplot · peer pressure · secretive group · parent-child distance · rivalry · manipulation

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1571

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Mother of Learning: ARC 1

Domagoj Kurmaić · 2021 · Mother of Learning

A teen mage trapped in a repeating month uses every reset to master magic, solve a mystery, and survive an invasion.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teenage mage · driven protagonist · antisocial protagonist · unlikeable start · cautious planner · thoughtful strategist · power growth · cunning · self-improving hero · angsty teen

Relationships labels: family conflict · sibling relationship · mentor relationship · classmate dynamics · peer rivalry · teacher-student relationship · friendship growth · social isolation · complicated family · non-looping relationships

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1574

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