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These books are ranked using the characterization labels extracted for Aetherbound.
Characterization labels used: overlooked protagonist, resourceful heroine, soft strength, determined, tenacious, curious, survivor, abused child, genetically valued heirs, trans character, trans love interest, morally grey
Focused on “morally gray characters” where exact label matches exist.
This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization embeddings are close.
A traumatized teen assassin tries to live as a normal civilian, but her past and rival killers catch up fast.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: traumatized protagonist · morally gray characters · badass heroine · antihero · reserved protagonist · stubborn protagonist · vulnerable protagonist · morally ambiguous · introverted protagonist · strong female lead · deadly protagonist · child soldier
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1708
In a sunless dystopian Earth, a desperate man enters a plant-transformation program to survive—then uncovers unsettling truths.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: desperate protagonist · morally gray characters · lovable loser · ill mother · working-class protagonist · delinquent protagonist · rare ability · emotionally damaged characters · enduring characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1729
In a bee-haunted future split by survival zones, two teens face an immunity test that could change everything.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: teen protagonists · strong heroine · naive hero · stubborn protagonist · feisty heroine · loyal character · rule follower · rebel · resourceful heroine · sheltered upbringing · questioning authority · shady character · villainous leader · morally gray characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1774
In a virus-ravaged post-apocalypse, trans survivors hunt feral men, fight TERF militias, and cling to bodies, love, and hormones.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: flawed characters · messy characters · traumatized characters · morally grey · survivors · trans women protagonists · trans man protagonist · cis woman doctor · billionaire heir · militia leader · self-loathing · resourceful
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1485
A cryosleeping teen wakes 1,000 years late, mistaken for a goddess, and must survive future politics to go home.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: average teen · curvy heroine · fat protagonist · biracial protagonist · Asian protagonist · sarcastic prince · exiled prince · bastard prince · unreliable love interest · snarky heroine · determined heroine · resourceful heroine · morally gray characters · secretive character · cunning character · reluctant leader · chosen one subversion · helpless at first · character growth · privilege awareness
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1791
![Cover of タコピーの原罪 下 [Takopī no Genzai 2] by Taizan 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651737596i/60545179.jpg)
An innocent alien tries to bring happiness to a bullied child, but human pain, family chaos, and time shifts upend everything.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: naive protagonist · innocent outsider · abused child · bullied child · manipulative child · traumatized children · broken adults · abusive parents · morally gray characters · sympathetic antagonist · raw characters · strong personalities
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1799
A newly dead teen navigates a memory-powered afterlife, a forbidden rebellion, and two complicated boys.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: teen protagonist · dead protagonist · annoying protagonist · relatable heroine · strong heroine · self-centered heroine · damaged heroine · morally gray characters · bad boy · perfect boy · charming rival · mysterious ex · good heart · guilt-ridden · immature
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1810
A desperate teen rents her body to survive, then wakes up trapped inside a wealthy renter’s dangerous life.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: strong heroine · resourceful protagonist · brave protagonist · caring sibling · protective older sister · sick younger brother · mysterious antagonist · wealthy elites · morally gray characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1815
A teen with dangerous psychic powers escapes a brutal camp and joins other fugitives while hunted by forces seeking to use her.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: traumatized heroine · reluctant protagonist · strong heroine · whiny protagonist · protective leader · sweet love interest · found family · creepy villain · child survivors · morally gray adults · character growth · emotionally guarded
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1549
A secretive teen enforcer in a magically divided London must choose between her hidden truth, her father, and a looming war.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: teen protagonist · strong female lead · morally grey · fiery heroine · secretive protagonist · determined · impulsive · intuitive · confident · arrogant · trained fighter · badass heroine · adopted daughter · mysterious father · protective father · Mary Sue (mixed) · flawed heroine · emotional restraint · young adult protagonist
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1577
A closeted trans teen inherits a superhero mantle, gaining her ideal body while facing transphobia, villains, and responsibility.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: trans teen · trans girl · lesbian protagonist · closeted protagonist · angry heroine · underdog · survivor · emotionally abused teen · young superhero · compelling lead · strong female characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1593
A teen training in her family’s memory-erasing business uncovers missing time, town secrets, and a buried past.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: teen protagonist · coming of age · family legacy · curious protagonist · strong lead · smart heroine · driven girl · morally gray adults · secretive father · resourceful side characters · mean girl redemption · prickly character dynamics
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1598
