17 KiB
Guilty pleasure: badass, dangerous male protagonist ( can be a graphic novel, novel or thread story. )
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Author: u/daestro195 *
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URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/rational/comments/8njtah/guilty_pleasure_badass_dangerous_male_protagonist/
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Score: 23
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Created: 2018-05-31T16:28:29
Post:
I really enjoy reading about badass, smart and over powered MC's who take their worlds by storm. Looking for new books as I've been through most of the more often recommended ones like:
Prince of thorns, kingkiller, dresden, first law, nightside, forgotten conqueror, Conan,fimbulwinter, gemmel, kings dark tidings, demon cycle, e.t.c.
So i would really appreciate something new, don't even mind self promotion as far it's in line with what am looking for, thanks in advance!
Ps: please no harems, 99% of the time they turn out to be utter nonsense.
Comments:
u/CeruleanTresses [+29] (3 hours later)
Does it have to be a male protagonist? Because when I think of works I've found on this sub that meet the criteria "badass, smart, OP protagonist takes world by storm," I think Worm and Practical Guide to Evil. Although in both of those cases there's a lengthy ramp-up before the OPness and the taking-the-world-by-storm, they're pretty intense once they reach that point. Both protagonists are vicious and deadly when they come into their own, and they set their aims high.
That said, I'm not sure whether you prefer the protagonist to face challenges proportional to their own skill and power, or whether the guilty pleasure is in watching them steamroll everything. Both legitimate preferences, but the works I mentioned are in the first category. The more powerful the protagonists get, the higher the stakes and the more dangerous their opponents.
u/derefr [+10] (6 hours later)
And if they the protagonist doesn't have to agree even vaguely with your own morality, then Max Harms' Crystal trilogy would qualify, too. The world is quite literally taken by storm.
u/elevul [+3] Cyoria Observer (a day later)
Perilous Waif too! Badass female protagonist and lots of cool sci-fi!
u/daestro195 [+5] (5 hours later)
I think i would prefer the stakes to match the power,but the other option is okay as well, anyway yeah i would prefer a male protagonist , easier to imagine myself as the mc that way🙄, that being said I've read both worm and a pgte, thanks anyway.
u/GrecklePrime [+12] (a day later)
I swear you've been around here before under a different username with this same request. Very similar request and reasoning for wanting male protagonists. Maybe I'm going insane or something but I noticed I was confused and I wanted to try and follow up on it.
u/CeruleanTresses [+8] (a day later)
I think you're right. I remember the last time now that you mention it, and OP's post history is mostly just asking for this same thing on various subs.
u/Kishoto [+1] (3 days later)
You're not incorrect. I suppose it's technically possible they this is a third person with the exact same request but this is definitely the third time I've seen this exact type of request (looking for a powerful, male protagonist) posted in this sub. Idk where the others are but they definitely happened.
u/awesomeideas [+1] Dai stiho, cousin. (4 days later)
This is what you're thinking of
u/daestro195 [-1] (a day later)
Don't know about the different username, but i think I've posted a similar request before, maybe you're going insane or something?
u/generalamitt [+21] (18 minutes later)
the games we play by ryuugi
u/None [+2] (5 hours later)
[deleted]
u/Tinac4 [+7] (8 hours later)
There’s isn’t, although there’s a little bit of ship teasing at some points. (Either that, or Datcord’s infamous comments on SB are making me see things that aren’t there.) It’s a fantastic story and should be right up your alley, though. You don’t need to know anything about RWBY or the Gamer for it to be good.
u/daestro195 [+1] (5 hours later)
Ah, tried this before, didn't really draw me in.thanks though.
u/clawclawbite [+14] (33 minutes later)
Have you read Zelazny's Amber? The original snarky first person fantasy series of which all others are shadows.
Seriously, if you like the voice of Dresden Files, Amber and Brust's Jhereg novels are both wortha shot.
Both are cleverly smart badass protagonists operating at high levels of skill.
u/trifith [+13] Man plans, god laughs. Like the ant and the grasshopper. (52 minutes later)
I see I can trust you like a brother, which is to say, not at all.
u/EliezerYudkowsky [+14] Godric Gryffindor (2 hours later)
I don't do "work", but I have a friend who does.
u/GCU_JustTesting [+6] (9 hours later)
of which all others are shadows.
😄👉👉
u/Cuz_Im_TFK [+2] (3 days later)
YES excellent suggestion!
u/daestro195 [+1] (5 hours later)
Will give it a shot,thanks.
u/SimoneNonvelodico [+13] Dai-Gurren Brigade (5 hours later)
If you're looking for something seriously badass (though perhaps not the strongest re: rationality...) you should check out Feng Shen Ji.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manhua/FengShenJi?from=Manga.FengShenJi
It's a chinese graphic novel. The premise is that in a fantasy world in which vaguely Buddhism-inspired gods rule mortals with an iron fist a king dares rise against them. In the first chapter he clashes fiercely with an army of thousands against them out of the doors of his city... and loses. This isn't his story - it's the story of his son, who sets on a long and tortuous path to power in order to be able to finally avenge his father and accomplish his dream - that humans might live free from the rule of the cruel, capricious Gods.
It's amazing. Seriously, seriously badass, full of page spreads that will leave you gaping in awe at the spectacle and of incredibly awesome fighting scene. You want a spectacular fantasy epic in graphic novel form with an original setting (at least if you're used to the western-type ones), it doesn't get much better than that.
u/reddithanG [+5] (13 hours later)
Yes, this story is amazing
u/sparkc [+8] (4 hours later)
The Acts of Caine by Matt Stover. Contains everything you asked for, is very well written and has plenty of rational aspects plus an intriguing premise: ‘actors’ from earth make their living playing roles when they’re sent to a parallel realm that is a fantasy world with conventional fantasy ‘physics’ and have their internal experience both recorded and ‘live-streamed’ to viewers. The protagonist could be straight out of most of the series you mentioned except with more depth.
Of the series you mentioned I would place it slightly above Joe Abercrombie’s First law, which I would place a tier above all the others mentioned.
Chronically underrated series. Ignore the awful cover!
u/DuplexFields [+2] New Lunar Republic (12 hours later)
Upvoting this for visibility. It's like Robert Heinlein and Michael Kirkbride (head writer of TES3: Morrowind) decided to rewrite John Wick starring Vin Diesel.
- Heroes Die
- Blade of Tyshalle
- Caine Black Knife
- Caine's Law
Books 1 and 2 are so good, I reach a point 3/4 through each that I simply cannot stop reading. I have to finish, even if it's 3am. I'm about halfway through book 4 for the first time, so no spoilers.
u/Nimelennar [+7] (5 hours later)
Have you read Dune? Paul (and later Leto II) Atreides get super-OP.
The Elenium/Tamuli series by David and Leigh Eddings would probably suit you better than the Belgariad, given your description of the protagonist.
Sandman Slim is pulpy but a lot of fun -- of all the recommendations on my list, I think match what you're looking for the best.
I'm not sure if Earthsea quite matches your description, but it's close enough that I'd feel bad leaving it out.
And yeah, as someone else mentioned, Zelazny's Amber and Bryant's Jhereg series (and the related Khaavren Romances, which are based on the D'Artagnan Romances, but with magic).
u/daestro195 [+2] (13 hours later)
Thanks man, I've read them, though sandman slim was kind of disappointing to me as i couldn't get past the first book becasue the author kept trying to pass off dumb ass decisions as impulse, but seeing as people recommend it a lot ,maybe i should jump to book 2?
u/EliezerYudkowsky [+5] Godric Gryffindor (2 hours later)
Kirth Gersen and Adam Reith if you'll accept a little less overpower in exchange for literary quality.
u/daestro195 [+1] (5 hours later)
Who are they?
u/EliezerYudkowsky [+1] Godric Gryffindor (a day later)
https://smile.amazon.com/Demon-Princes-Jack-Vance-ebook/dp/B00A1S4EHQ and https://smile.amazon.com/Planet-Adventure-Chasch-Servants-Dirdir/dp/0312854889.
u/daestro195 [+2] (a day later)
Wow, these look pretty good,thank you.
u/neondragonfire [+5] (16 hours later)
Core Threads mainly consists of power growth.
Make a Wish for an example where the MC doesn't realise how OP they are, while the entire world freaks out about it.
Mother of Learning, of course.
u/daestro195 [+2] (16 hours later)
Thanks a lot, aside from mother of learning the rest are new., oh, just took a look at these,I've read core threads during my hp fanfic binge ,my favourite was harry potter and the boy who lived and as usual it's the good ones that get dropped, anyway not sure if I've seen make a wish before but it seems familiar.
u/MegajouleWrites [+5] superheroes, depersonalization, and hallway fights (2 hours later)
Self promo: I write a superhero serial called Inheritors if you don't mind those. The main character is a clone of the greatest hero ever, and while he isn't as strong as his predecessor yet, he's still badass enough to take on Houston's Hero, and fight off a bunch of gang members in a hallway. He can convert heat into kinetic energy, which packs one hell of a wallop, and during the first arc he becomes the talk of Houston.
u/daestro195 [+2] (6 hours later)
Sweet, thanks man.
u/elevul [+1] Cyoria Observer (19 days later)
Hi, is there an .epub?
u/MegajouleWrites [+1] superheroes, depersonalization, and hallway fights (19 days later)
hello! unfortunately there is not as of now. i have plans to collect the first three arcs into one volume and release that as an ebook, once the third arc finishes.
u/elevul [+1] Cyoria Observer (19 days later)
Thanks for the answer! Let me know when you do so i can read it, please. It looks very promising.
u/WalterTFD [+2] (2 hours later)
Give Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing series a read.
u/None [+2] (20 hours later)
Lots of stuff from /r/hfy would fit there.
Deathworlders by Hambone. Not all of his protagonists are male, but all are awesome and dangerous.
Oh This Has Not Gone Well started good, got awesome, stayed that for a while, had a bit of a slump in content and quality, but the last few chapters have been getting better and better again.
The Fourth Wave went on a bit long for my taste, but it should fit your criterias very well.
u/daestro195 [+1] (a day later)
Thanks mate,read the first two, think the 3rd is new though.
u/t3tsubo [+2] (7 days later)
Have you read One Punch Man?
u/daestro195 [+1] (7 days later)
Watched it,read it, already doing my 100 push ups and sit ups💪
u/None [+1] (22 minutes later)
For flat-out action-centered testosterone, Clyde Barr is pretty good.
If you don't mind superhero settings, the protagonist of In Hero Years, I'm Dead fits pretty well, too.
And I have to give a shout-out to my absolute favorite action hero novel of all time... Hunters of the Red Moon.
u/daestro195 [+1] (6 hours later)
Thanks, haven't seen these before.
u/megazver [+1] (5 hours later)
I guess you might enjoy Sandman Slim. And yeah, the protagonists of the Demon Princes and Planet of Adventure series. If you want plain power fantasies where the protagonist repeatedly stomps all opposition, the Chinese web serials are big into this. I'd suggest Library of Heaven's Path and maybe Coiling Dragon.
u/cruordraconis [+1] (6 hours later)
maybe not super rational but chasm city by reynolds
u/daestro195 [+1] (6 hours later)
Thank you, will check it out.
u/ngocnv371 [+1] Chaos Legion (12 hours later)
There's a few Light Novels in that line.
Slime Tensei is about a guy lucky enough to get off way better than any other reincarnators, befiends with a dragon and stuff, in every fight/conflict all he did was flicking his fingers and got what he want.
I'm a spider, so what? is similar, but the female lead is a all-action-no-talk type. She charged into every conflict and came out with level ups and stupid OP powers.
u/Updootthesnoot [+1] (16 hours later)
Going to assume you've read Savage Divinity, but if not, it's really good.
u/daestro195 [+1] (a day later)
It has a harem,thanks anyway.
u/detrebio [+1] (18 hours later)
While it's not 100% in line with rational fiction you could try Salvage, by Rantarian over in r/hfy
It's basically an 80's movie (think Schwarzenegger, Van Damme or Stallone) in written format, with about a hundred chapters published (unfinished), set in a larger writing metaverse (different writers, this isn't the first one), this one being in the current decade where humans have been abductees by a larger alien society and a former soldier is caught by some Roswell Greys. Better than it looks like. Also got Australia in it, eh.
u/daestro195 [+2] (a day later)
I have,thanks though.
u/TwoxMachina [+1] (a day later)
Hmm, how about Forty Millennium of Cultivation. It's on Qidian atm, and has been recommended as an rational take on Wuxia (but still popcorn fare, IMO).
WH40K cross with Wuxia
u/panickedappricott [+1] (a day later)
Not a male protagonist but there is also "Perilous Waif."
u/daestro195 [+1] (a day later)
Reading his Daniel black series, thanks though.
u/everything-narrative [+1] Coral, Abide with Rubicon! (a day later)
A Hero's War (on mobile, can't link) qualifies if you count knowledge as power. An entire industrial revolution in a handful of years based on one man's knowledge.
u/I_Hump_Rainbowz [+1] (2 days later)
The iron druid books are very similar to dresden files.
u/daestro195 [+1] (2 days later)
Thanks,enjoyed the series , as much as atticus isn't really a badass per say, oberon cracks me up.
u/Tetrikitty [+1] (3 days later)
Reincarnator fits pretty well, here
u/Anderkent [+1] (5 days later)
John Ringo writes a lot of this, except it's usually MCs winning by being More Manly rather than smart. If you want an easy-reading power fantasy and don't mind the porn and gratuitous violence, Ghost and the sequels could be up your valley.
u/daestro195 [+1] (5 days later)
Yeah, i know of his books,think i even tried ghost once but it's like you said, it's more of thec being a manly man than anything else, not that I'm pruddish or anything heck i enjoyed fimbulwinter and it's sequels, but if you take away the action scenes from ghost then it becomes something you'll probably find in a porn store, probably still something you'll find there, thanks though.
u/Amonwilde [+1] (2 hours later)
You could try the Wuxia genre. I (mostly) recommend I Shall Seal the Heavens:
https://www.wuxiaworld.com/novel/i-shall-seal-the-heavens/issth-book-1-chapter-1
Note these are translations, and the prose quality is usually relatively poor. The ISSTH translation is good for the genre. though.
u/daestro195 [+2] (5 hours later)
Yea, I've read quite the number of wuxia so,I'm kind of taking a break there, just got off reading paradise of demonic gods.thank you.