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Combine common axes
These books are ranked using the characterization labels extracted for The Hard Switch.
Characterization labels used: ragtag crew, scavengers, smugglers, freighter crew, hard-scrabble, working-class, resourceful, smart, snarky, likable, warm, underdeveloped characters, octopus engineer, talking octopus, alien crew member, diverse cast
This does not mean the books share the same plot, setting, quality, or difficulty. It means their characterization embeddings are close.
A post-apocalyptic space opera about janitors forced to save their ship, crew, and species after a bioweapon attack.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: underdogs · competent heroine · ragtag crew · janitors-as-heroes · plucky crew · smart protagonist · team ensemble · archetypal characters · loyal crew · highly original aliens · non-humanoid aliens · humanity-as-soldiers · support staff
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1738
A rescue crew answers a distress call on a remote planet and finds a deadly infection, hidden secrets, and no easy escape.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · skeleton crew · intern · pilot · captain · microbiologist · mechanic · support crew · scientist · young survivor · unqualified leadership · flawed characters · stubborn characters · reckless leader · resourceful heroine · underestimated intern · disabled protagonist · queer protagonist
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1767
A bounty-beset crew races across the galaxy to expose a conspiracy while dodging the law and chasing justice.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: crew ensemble · likable crew · diverse crew · humans and aliens · AI companions · snarky AI · heroic protagonist · do-gooders · competent team · character growth · morally conflicted · relatable characters · secretive past · family history · wisecracking characters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1814
Two stranded crews from different eras must survive a space rift while untangling a history that may be wrong.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · space rogue · competent engineer · history enthusiast · legendary hero · flawed heroes · morally grey · genius character · con artist · survivor · unlikely heroes · smart-mouthed protagonist · quieter genius · competent ensemble
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1817
A rogue crew of space janitors returns to Earth to uncover the truth behind humanity’s plague and a secret alien weapon.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · resourceful protagonist · unlikely heroes · found family · underdogs · leader-in-training · alien spy · lawyer character · female leadership · support personnel as heroes
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1846
A blackmailed smuggler captain must complete a secret run to Earth, while his misfit crew faces betrayal and revenge.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · misfits · outlaws · scoundrels · smugglers · mercenaries · bounty hunters · hacker · pilot extraordinaire · engineer · muscle · sniper · likeable rogue · antihero · mysterious past · second chance · second-in-command · archetypal crew · secretive crew
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1847
A spacefaring investigator and his crew chase a guild-wide conspiracy, a kidnapping, and stolen minds across the galaxy.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: eccentric crew · snarky protagonists · competent hero · engineer character · AI companion · combat AI · morally upright hero · sly protagonist · likable cast
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1863
The final Final Architecture novel brings humanity’s war with the Architects to a universe-scale reckoning.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · misfits · ensemble cast · human factions · alien characters · nonhuman characters · intermediaries · navigator · lawyer · spy · bureaucrat · protagonist focus · character arcs · flawed heroes
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1896
With the Architects back and no planet safe, Idris and a ragtag crew race through unspace to stop galactic collapse.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: ragtag crew · misfit crew · reluctant hero · haunted protagonist · intermediary · salvage crew · lawyer character · engineer character · spy character · disabled character · warrior women · genetically engineered · cyborg bodies · alien intelligences · quirky cast · brutal fighters
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.1919
A ragtag mercenary crew takes on a rescue job that leads to an undercover hunt for attackers threatening star systems.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: misfit crew · mercenaries · captain-led team · team dynamics · bickering crew · loyal crew · likable characters · endearing characters · humorous characters · smart-alecky characters · alien crew · human captain · good guys · charismatic leader · battle synthetic · engineer · doctor
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.2009
A crew of astronaut-scientists surveys alien worlds by adapting their bodies, then faces a far-reaching choice about home.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: scientists · astronauts · engineer narrator · competent crew · curious protagonist · respectful explorer · professional crew · introspective narrator · supportive team · found family · diverse cast · emotionally restrained crew
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.2021
A human starship on a colonizing mission encounters a colossal artificial bowl-world and becomes split between escape and exploration.
Why this is here
Characterization labels: biologist protagonist · captain · crew ensemble · human expedition · alien rulers · intelligent aliens · bird-like aliens · engineer/scientist crew · flat characters · cardboard characters · perfunctory characterization
Semantic match: ranked by characterization
Distance: 0.2069
