Drive-by misunderstood hero recs...

[shadowfireflame]

On my quest to find Lymond-like characters, I’ve recently read three books by authors that I believe have all influenced one another and that all kind of hit the same pleasure centers for me:

• Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones,


• The Sunbird by Elizabeth Wein (part of the Lion Hunter’s series),


• and The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (part of the Queen’s Thief series).

All three are Children’s or Young Adult titles with excellent world-building and angsty, misunderstood heroes who meet badass heroines who become love interests. The hurt/comfort potential on all is very high, but the thing I love about them all is how very adorable all the heroes are, even as they all gain national (or international) reputations that are crazily out-of-character for who they really are (cute softies). Really, really enjoyed all three of these.

Speaking of YA titles, I haven’t read the books, but I saw the Divergent movie yesterday and wasn’t terribly impressed with the world-building or plot. But I adored the hero love interest, Four, played by Theo James. Wanted a movie just about his backstory. Lots of fun.

And finally, I read that White Collar will be coming to an end with a short season 6. I feel that the fan-fiction has been better than the actual series since after season 1, but not going to lie, I still cried. It just hit me all at once. I adore Neal Caffrey.

Comments

[your-insomnia.livejournal.com]

Have you read the whole Lion Hunter's series? I have all 6 books on my kindle and have been eyeing the Winter Prince (the first book) for quite some time. But I also heard that the books are more or less standalone, so maybe it wouldn't be a problem if I jumped into The Sunbird right away?

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

I haven't had the chance to read them all yet, no. They're older, and my local library has to order them in for me. :(

I just jumped into reading the third because I heard that the character Telemakos was like a kid version of Lymond/Howl/Gen, and he totally is. I'd say you can just jump straight in (it's what I did and didn't affect my enjoyment overmuch), but there were definitely references and family connections I knew I was missing because they refer to characters that star in the previous two books. So you can probably still enjoy it, but it might be richer if you start from the beginning.

Also, I'm afraid I don't know the 6th book, just these 5. Is there a new one coming out??? That would be cool!

[your-insomnia.livejournal.com]

No, you are right, there are only 5! I am not sure why I thought there were six. Yeah, it's a shame they are older books and haven't gone through a reprint. But at least someone picked it up for digital re-release and the whole series is available on Amazon (for only 7,99! gosh, I sound like a salesman XD). I heard good things about The Winter Prince as well so starting from the beginning is probably not a bad idea.

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Ooh, only that much!!! I will have to look into buying that! Thanks for the heads up! I'm glad they're digitizing so many books now.

[smills47.livejournal.com]

Is Lymond to Richard as Sherlock is to Mycroft??

Just got here to see discussion of Season 3 but I saw your first sentence and it just popped into my head, honest.

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Why yesss, yes he is. And that kind of relationship is so very appealing to me (clearly!). I love the brothers' relationship in both cases.

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

Wow, another lover of Lymond! My criteria for compatibility is that the person loves Lymond and Sherlock :-)

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Yes, I adore both of them. I'm constantly on the lookout for a book series or a character that comes anywhere near the Lymond Chronicles, so let me know if you have any recs!