Exploring from

Teenage Wasteland

G. Willow Wilson

Find similar books by

Combine common axes

Similar in characterization + relationships

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

Characterization labels used: teen hero, supporting-cast spotlight, close-knit friend group, coming-of-age, burnout, self-doubt, optimistic hero, supportive mentor, religious leader character, street-level ally, new character introduction, returning villain

Relationships labels used: friendship, found family, mentor-mentee, romantic triangle, first kiss, community support, siblings, teamwork, unrequited love

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 Colony

Richard Paul Evans · 2024 · Michael Vey

Michael and the Electroclan race to rescue a friend from a hidden community of powerful electrics before the final showdown.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen heroes · found family · powerful protagonist · young adult cast · villain backstory · new villains · team dynamics · immature dialogue · regressed characterization

Relationships labels: found family · romance · engagement · love triangle · friendship · team loyalty · rivalry · mentor relationship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1198

Continue from here

Rebel Allies

Pittacus Lore · 2015 · Lorien Legacies: The Lost Files

Three linked novellas reveal hidden backstories, secret allies, and missing pieces in the fight against an alien invasion.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen hero · jock · bully redemption · badass heroine · hacker · computer genius · secretive ally · cynical outsider · survivor · protective helper · side character spotlight · character development

Relationships labels: friendship · romantic pursuit · mentor support · found family · allies · teamwork · secret alliance · protective bond · ex-girlfriend · hidden identity

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1287

Continue from here

Invincible, Vol. 8: My Favorite Martian

Robert Kirkman · 2007 · Invincible

A teen superhero juggles invasion threats, team battles, and messy relationship fallout as old plot threads collide.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen hero · reluctant hero · responsible hero · conflicted protagonist · supporting-cast driven · character growth · ensemble cast

Relationships labels: father-son · love triangle · romantic breakup · friendship · team dynamic · mentor-mentee · couples · family obligations

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1298

Continue from here

Seckry Sevenstars and the City of the Falling Sky

Joseph Evans · 2011 · Seckry Sequence

A relocated teen in a futuristic city stumbles into a corporate secret, a missing girl, and a mystery that upends his life.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonist · kind-hearted hero · shy protagonist · curious protagonist · brave protagonist · protective protagonist · flat characters · memorable side characters · mentor figure · villainous corporation

Relationships labels: friendship · first love · teen romance · mentor-student · family relocation · parent-child loss · found family · trust issues · group of friends · protector bond

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1369

Continue from here

Generation One

Pittacus Lore · 2017 · Lorien Legacies Reborn

After an alien war, powered teens are gathered at an academy as new threats and rival factions emerge.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: new protagonists · diverse ensemble · teenagers with powers · leader figure · troubled teen · healer · quiet and strong · brash character · villain POV · mentor figures · character development · distinct voices

Relationships labels: found family · mentor-student · parent-child conflict · team dynamic · romance potential · friendship bonds · community tension · power imbalance

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1429

Continue from here

Super Famous

G. Willow Wilson, Saladin Ahmed, Hasan Minhaj, Rainbow Rowell · 2016 · Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson

Kamala Khan juggles Avenger fame, school, family, and a neighborhood crisis in a chaotic superhero trade.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: overworked teen · relatable heroine · coming-of-age hero · supportive family · smart sidekick · new love interest · busy Avenger · earnest protagonist

Relationships labels: best friends · unrequited feelings · new girlfriend · siblings · engagement · marriage · family support · community conflict · mentor relationship

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1445

Continue from here

Novas

Lou Vane · 2022

A teen survivor team leaves refuge to seek supplies and answers in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, amid rivalries and a love triangle.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonists · brave heroine · capable heroine · rival male leads · protective love interest · hilarious side character · reluctant trust · character growth · trauma shaped · resilient teens

Relationships labels: love triangle · found family · friendship bond · rivalry · romantic tension · unconditional support · group loyalty · friendship under stress · team dynamics

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1469

Continue from here

Fire & Ash

Jonathan Maberry · 2013 · Rot & Ruin

Teen survivors race for a zombie cure while fanatics march on their home, forcing hard choices and one last battle.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teen protagonists · young heroes · samurai-trained · character growth · battle-hardened · cynical survivors · fierce heroines · comic relief · tough leader · tactician · fanatical villain · madman · survivor

Relationships labels: friendship · best friends · romance · unresolved romance · found family · mentor-student · sibling bond · loyalty · protective devotion · team dynamics · rivalry · community conflict

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1470

Continue from here

Mecca

G. Willow Wilson · 2017 · Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson

Kamala Khan faces a hostile takeover of Jersey City while wrestling with trust, identity, and what it means to protect home.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teenage girl hero · flawed hero · good-hearted hero · vulnerable protagonist · family-centered protagonist · social reformer · new rival · returning friend · powered community · devout family

Relationships labels: family dynamics · friendship · romantic tension · team-up · betrayal · community conflict · mentor-like support · hero and public · sibling bond · homecoming

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1480

Continue from here

Bits & Pieces

Jonathan Maberry · 2015 · Rot & Ruin

A zombie-apocalypse companion collection of short stories, journals, and backstories filling gaps in the Rot & Ruin world.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: survivors · ensemble cast · new characters · familiar characters · teen protagonists · young adult cast · backstory-driven · character depth · origin-focused · emotional trauma · resourceful kids

Relationships labels: found family · friendship · mentor-student · sibling bond · romantic subplot · teamwork · camaraderie · community ties

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1481

Continue from here

Superman: Dawnbreaker

Matt de la Peña · 2019 · DC Icons

Teen Clark Kent discovers new powers and a town-wide mystery while Smallville hides a troubling secret.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: teenage hero · kindhearted protagonist · nerdy protagonist · idealistic protagonist · supportive best friend · investigative friend · supportive parents · love interest · alien outsider

Relationships labels: best friends · found family · parent-child · platonic friendship · possible romance · love triangle · community conflict · corporate rivalry · mentorless growth · friendship under secrecy

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1494

Continue from here

Runaways, Vol. 11: Homeschooling

Kathryn Immonen · 2009 · Runaways (2003-2009) (Collected Editions)

Runaway teen superheroes face a deadly attack on their home, resurfacing ghosts, and an abrupt ending.

Why this is here

Characterization labels: angsty teens · emotionally wounded · matured young adults · human-scale heroes · supporting cast addition · tragic figure · team dynamics

Relationships labels: found family · parental loss · team bonds · romantic tension · sibling-like group · trust issues · family reunion · mentor absence

Semantic match: ranked by characterization + relationships

Distance: 0.1495

Continue from here