Recommendations Recommend me some SH books to read! (Round 2)

[pangmida]

Heyo~! It's getting a little dry here as I'm running out of things to read. I've made a thread before looking for book recs on Scribble Hub. That one, being intentionally vague, got pretty crowded, and I've since gathered some books on my reading list that I really like, which should help narrow down some choices. So, here's round 2 of asking for some book recommendations!

To sum up my previous post: I love commenting. I obsessively use the multi-quote function on SH because it feels like I'm annotating a real book. This site doesn't have Wattpad's line-by-line comment function, so this will have to do. I leave comments on every chapter I read because I'm a yapper, and I think writers appreciate a reader who interacts with their story, yes? You can check my SH profile and see that my comments are often very long. I will spam you with comments if I like your story until you tell me to shut up.

In general, I can read anything, though I'm much more inclined towards soft, cute romance; comedy with deadpan humor; immersive worldbuilding; and character-driven stories. I am less interested* in LitRPG, isekai, erotica, and harems. Of course, there will always be exceptions if the story is good enough. Keep in mind I'm extremely picky with what I choose to read; if I like something, then I love it. If I'm uninterested in something, I don't usually bother reading.

So, feel free—matter of fact, encouraged—to advertise yourself or someone else's story to the best of your abilities! Maybe you can find something you like here, too!

Let's dive into the specifics of what I like, with examples! Please note that your book does not necessarily need to fit these criteria. I'm just saying this to narrow down some choices. Also, since we're (mostly) amateur writers, I'll just list the SH stories I like so it's more fair to compare. ?

CHARACTERS:

Putting this one first because it's the most important for me. I adore character-driven stories. If I don't like or care about the protagonist, then I truly cannot bring myself to read more. Authors that know their characters well, can write distinguishable character voices, and not afraid to give their characters flaws just as much as positive traits automatically have my respect. The most satisfying thing to read is character development, especially if I reread a story from the beginning and see a huge difference between the protagonist's former and current self.

Examples:

• The protagonist of the story Consorts of the Court, Queen Moriya of Dyss, starts off as a naive, sheltered princess who was suddenly thrusted into the world of politics at a young age upon the unexpected death of her mother, the former Queen. We follow her journey of learning to become the ruler of the queendom Dyss, hardened by scheming politicians, warring nations, and the highs and lows of human nature. As of right now, we are 43 chapters in, and though it may not seem that long, whenever I reread the first few chapters, I almost get emotional from how far Moriya had come. Her personality is not as expressive or apparent as most webnovel protagonists because she observes more than she acts, and she changes her behavior based on who she interacts with, which is realistic and very much relatable. And most of all, she is a beautifully flawed character. With the slowburn nature of the story, you must give her time to grow. She is not perfect, she is not a prodigy, and she has biases and makes foolish decisions at times. But ultimately, all of these traits remind you that she is a human who had the weight of a whole nation thrown onto her shoulders at a very young age.
• Similar to Moriya, the protagonist of Secretly, I'm a Cultivation Genius, Wang Yihan, is an overconfident, undereducated disciple of a cultivation sect. He's cheerful, naive, and firmly believes himself to be a cultivation genius despite having a mundane spiritual root and... cough... little talent. Why do I love him? Other than the absolute hysterical comedy he provides, his sheer undying optimism is just fun to read. He's the type to actually brighten any room he enters, even though he stresses the hell out of his peers from his ability to attract danger. And despite his overconfidence, he does not have a big ego, and he truly does want to improve himself, especially after meeting the real cultivation genius of the sect, his love interest and senior, Zhao Tai. It's utterly heartwarming to watch him grow under Zhao Tai's instruction, slowly understanding what cultivation is all about, what being a genius truly means. He is lovable, flawed, and incredibly dynamic.
• The story The Nightmare Weaver has quite a big cast, though the main focus would be on Zev McTerror, Zach Ghoul, and a new third character (won't spoil whom, you just gotta read it~). I'll highlight Zach, the deuteragonist, here because he's my favorite right now. I love characters like him who appear intimidating and almost punkish in a way, yet is a sweetheart on the inside. A delinquent who can be a softie, essentially... only to those he cares about. What I love about this story specifically is its ability to create distinct character voices. Zach's lazy, nonchalant gestures, sassy sarcasm, and casual attitude towards violence are so vividly illustrated from his dialogue and descriptions. Look at this:

“My bad,” Zach said, his voice casual, his eyes betraying not a shred of sincerity. “My knuckles hurt, so I knocked once and figured that was that.”

Baruch ignored the obvious—that any functioning person could have used the other hand.

Just from that line, I bet you could already picture what kind of person he is. So if you think your book or any book has excellent characterization like this, definitely recommend it to me!​

​

DESCRIPTIONS:

With this one, I understand not everyone is into writing overly detailed descriptions. While I love poetic proses and lyrical language (eyyy, alliteration), I don't need extravagant descriptions to enjoy a story. You definitely do not need 50 lines describing a room (in fact, please don't do that). Just anything that paints a vivid imagery, whether it's a setting, character appearance, action scene, etc. I just like to appreciate some juicy descriptions, you know? Bonus points if you use personification as a literary device—my favorite one. ;)

• The story What Comes After has tons of highlightable descriptions that are lyrical and elegant. But this one comes to mind as one of the most memorable ones:

A sun-bleached billboard promised paradise somewhere else. When someone's boot sent a bottle cap skittering into the ditch, they all went statue-still, counting the seconds until they remembered to inhale again.

They passed a pickup truck crumpled like discarded origami, its driver's door yawning open to nothing, a cartoon unicorn peeling from the window as if trying to escape the wreckage.

Is this not the definition of apocalyptic?? Just from this snippet, you can tell that there used to be a normal, peaceful life, and it's now ruined by... something catastrophic. A calamity, if you will.​

• Scholar Song Goes on an Adventure made my eyes brighten already with the opening paragraph, and I already knew it was gonna be a banger upon reading it.

The small, charming, and surprisingly prosperous village of Qinghe, named rather grandiosely for the gently trickling stream on its outskirts, was nestled partway up a moderately sized mountain with excellent views of the surrounding plains.

Qinghe was prosperous because it lay at the centre of the Jianghu and was therefore often a place used by cultivators, who would stop at Qinghe Inn for refreshments or a bed for the night.

If needed, they could stock up on medicinal supplies from the apothecary, or travelling rations from the general goods store.

They might even be tempted to browse through the small shop next to the inn that contained an excellent selection of rare and high quality cultivation treasures—at very reasonable prices!

(This is what the sign read—the prices really weren’t that reasonable for a shop in the middle of nowhere).

I just showed a small snippet of the description, but you can already get a feel of what Village Qinghe is like. These small, mundane details like the apothecary, general goods, the inn, and the not-so-reasonably-priced treasure shop illustrate an image of the village beautifully. The dry humor is just a chef's kiss on top.​

• Consorts of the Court has too many amazing descriptions to choose from, so I'll just begrudgingly pick one:

He swooped in beside her like a bird of prey, cutting in before anyone else could. In her periphery, Moriya saw a few slumped shoulders and disappointed pouts from the courtesans who weren’t fast enough. As he walked, a faint jingling followed him. Her gaze dipped to the source of the sound—two gold bands clasped around his ankles, with bells tied to them. Like a belled cat, she thought with some unease.

Had to resist highlighting an environmental description. This scene is very active—lots of things going on, from the competitiveness between the courtesans to the sensory details like the jingling sound. The focus on the gold bands and bells is not only a cool detail to have for character appearance, but shows Moriya's discomfort and "progressive" views for her time period. Like I said, I love character-driven stories.​

HUMOR:

This one is definitely not necessary because not everyone writes comedy, and not every story needs humor. My own story has a few humorous moments, but it is ultimately a dark fantasy, so... I sadly can't make it that comedic. But I sure love reading comedy. I love dry, deadpan humor as well as absurd humor. Sadly most books I've seen that attempt humor just get a "nose exhale" from me. Very few get me to laugh out loud. So I'll show you what makes me laugh:

• Secretly, I'm a Cultivation Genius had made me laugh so many times within the first couple of chapters that it's hard to pick one moment. But I'll include one that made me hysterical for no reason.

The morning after Wang Yihan's moment of doubt the now-usual training session was cancelled. Instead, a junior disciple delivered a message that Zhao Tai had been summoned by the Sect Leader for an urgent matter and lessons would resume the following day.

Wang Yihan's initial reaction was relief—his muscles still ached from the previous day's exertions. But as the hours passed, he found himself at a loose end, wandering the Sect grounds with an unfamiliar restlessness. By midday, he had to admit a disconcerting truth—he missed his training session with Zhao Tai.

"It's just that I've grown accustomed to the routine," he explained to a curious butterfly that had landed on his finger during his aimless wandering. "A genius thrives on consistency."

The butterfly, unimpressed by this reasoning, fluttered away.

When I tell you I laughed... hollered, even... Why? I don't know. Just the fact that the butterfly was having none of Wang Yihan's BS sent me to space. ???Dry humor gets me so badly.​

• The Nightmare Weaver also has a bunch of comedy gold. I love sassy narrators that bully the characters, like in Kaguya-sama: Love is War. But beyond that, even without the narrator's attitude, there are plenty of hilarious moments to choose from. This particular one made me let out a rather unflattering laughter:

After lunch, the merry squad of five headed back. On their way, DR noticed students playing soccer and for some unknown reason, the group decided to join the crowd watching. The girl was now practically glued to his side, her perfume working overtime as her body pressed into his arm.

[dourdooties reacted with an 18+ digital sticker.]

[dourdooties got banned for comment violation.]

As you can tell... I love stupid silly, quick-witted moments like these. ? And it's so hard to find them outside of manga/manhua/manhwa. So if you know of any stories with this type of humor, please let me know.​

• This moment from My F Grade Reincarnation... I'll leave no comment. If you know, you know. ?

It was a nice life, but the reality check came in shortly after he turned 19 and some assholes flew a pair of planes into some towers...

IMMERSIVE WORLDBUILDING:

Also not necessary, but pleasant to have. I love stories that have a world that feels lived in, no matter how vast or small, especially in fictional, fantasy worlds. This could range from the world's fictional history, architecture, daily life, geography, politics, and more! I won't say too much on this because I personally am not that great with worldbuilding, but I appreciate it when authors do this. Just a note: I do not expect any of the following examples' level of lore and worldbuilding in any other story. I'm down to read realistic fiction set in a small-town high school just as I am to read an epic fantasy set in a whole separate universe.

• Consorts of the Court (three-hit combo lol) has some incredibly extensive worldbuilding that involves the blending of real history and pure fantasy. Guys, there's a map of the continent. Through the protagonist's eyes, you first get a brief overview of the world of Dyss as well as its surrounding nations. You also get hints of each nation's culture, whether it's based on clothing, geography, language, theology, folklore, or daily life. There's even a made-up language. This is some LOTR-level of work. As this is a character-driven story, you only get more in-depth details of a certain aspect of the world if Moriya actually personally explores that part. So the pacing is comfortable and digestible.
• Cameron to Candy is probably well-known enough here (hit trending several times recently), so I won't say too much about it. The massive glossary speaks for itself. There are several nations and kingdoms located in the region known as The Cone, the main one this book focuses on being Paddlewick. Each of them have unique history and culture. There are also different races, original vocabulary and phrases, an entirely made-up calendar, and more. I definitely don't expect every story to be like this, but I just gotta appreciate the amount of work put into this world. There are also miscellaneous spin-off short stories if you want to explore other parts of The Cone more.
• The Nightmare Weaver (another three-hit combo lol) is one of those stories where the lore and world get deeper and more complex the further you read. I don't want to say too much because that spoils the fun, but the complexity and diversity of this deceptively simple world reminds me of D&D in a way. So many races, so many powers, so much lore... You usually get more extensive explanation of any new lore uncovered at the end of their respective chapters.

ROMANCE:

It hurts to put this last because this is actually my #1 favorite—just some cute, sappy romance. I'm a big romance writer and reader. But I know I'd be greatly limiting myself if I made romance a necessity. ? A soft, slowburn romance with emotional intimacy before physical is my absolute favorite. I look for mutual yearning, minimal misunderstandings, good communication, and emotional connection. From small, casual comfort in each other's presence to grand, romantic gestures and professions of love... I will take all of them. I write about this stuff, therefore I will eat it all up. Sadly, I haven't found that many romance stories that are my cup of tea on SH so far, which is honestly really surprising, but I assume that's because I'm not looking hard enough.

• Bringing back Consorts of the Court one last time (I'm sorry y'all I just really love this book okay) because I haven't found any other romance books that fit my taste as perfectly as this. It's actually a harem!! Well, a reverse harem... in a reverse gender role world... so technically it's a harem, yes? The harem feels more like a found family dynamic, but the romance was just peak. You get soft, pretty boy(s), building character before romance, and tons of emotional intimacy and tension before the romance officially commences. Just an overall feel-good vibe, you know? I left a long AF review where I scream harder about the romance, so you can go check it out lol. This is one of those stories where I don't mind if it becomes smu—uhh... anyways. ?
• The Beast World Calls My Name is another reverse harem (coincidence, I swear—) with adorable romance that reminds me of the shoujo manga/manhua I read a lot when I was younger. Wholesome, cute, and pure. It also has a long, white-haired pretty boy so how can I not automatically love it. ? This is one of those romances that I wish Wattpad had more of. You still get the cheese and the trope, but none of that toxic "alpha male" stuff. This is what I look for when I say I want to read soft, cute romance. More of this, please, if anyone of you could recommend some!

I also have a Scribble Hub fan art thread where you can get more info on what books I've been reading that I may have left out.

I'll add more examples and criteria when I think of them. For now, these are all what I like and look for. Please recommend me some books that match my request. Feel free to advertise your own books as extensively as you need if you think I'll like it. Hog my attention if you must. And if you've linked your book to me before on my original post and still think I'd like it, feel free to link it again!

 

[Racosharko]

That's a lot of words...

 

[Kitsuna]

No harem...

 

[pangmida]

That's a lot of words...

Indeed… I should’ve put that energy towards writing my own story. ??

No harem...

I’m sowwy… ???

 

[OniKaniki]

Read my story, please :3. It mainly about mystery and action, but it has comedy. No romance for now though. Romance might go with side characters later.

Isidora’s Theatre of Dolls [Reincarnated as a Painting in a World of Mysteries]

'Two minds. One body. A world of enemies.' Trapped in a prison of paint, a man who lost everything, even his name, awakens as the girl in the portrait: Isidora. His only roommate? Isa, a whimsical mind who treats their predicament like a fantastic game. But this game is...

www.scribblehub.com

(if you do read pls dont mind c39, i intend to rewrite it and delete the scene.)

 

[Eldoria]

My fiction is always about a mother who loves her little daughter and wants her daughter to grow up healthy and happy, even though the world is still shrouded in darkness (read: wholesome family in the dark fantasy).

By the way, I just finished rewriting volume 1 and plan to add side stories for volume 1 (ongoing). Currently, my novel has reached 91 released chapters (vol 1 - completed 22 chapters + vol 2 - ongoing).

Blood Rose Princess Just Wants to Live in Peace with Her Little Daughter

What if the world chose to forget its saviour and its sins, while the saviour chose instead to protect her daughter’s innocence? Seven years ago, the age of tyranny was erased from the memory of mankind. Civilisation crumbled, the tyrants fell into an eternal sleep, and the victims woke...

www.scribblehub.com

 

[goldenphonix]

(aggressively attacks you with love)
no escape ???

Indeed… I should’ve put that energy towards writing my own story. ??

don't worry guys. i can confirm that she's, in fact, locked in. that's why you should totally check out her book if you haven't already. no glaze ? she just finished the first Act (about 71 bomboclat chapters for people who enjoy strong female leads, seasoned writing, fantasy, vampire zaddies romance, chair-gripping action you'd actually find in action-centered books, and characters that actually make you feel stuff. i detest Sirius with a burning passion) famished folks like me are currently camping out in the comments section waiting for our next meal :)

▼ ho ma gash look it's peak! ▼

Bloodsworn Eternity, Vow Across Lifetimes

In the kingdom of Velisandria, where the streets at night are roamed by creatures of bloodlust, Elise Whitefield knows nothing beyond obedience: protect the realm, slay the night, and guard the borders of Duskmoore where the dark forest hungers just beyond. Her heart has been a locked casket...

www.scribblehub.com

 

[Seseal]

I don't usually recommend my own stuff, but you could try. I mostly write romance, no harem, the comedy is... well, mostly "the straight man in the middle of chaos", so not for everyone. Tho i love, love at first sight. But I could consider it a slow burn in a way. The narration is neutral for the most part. depends on whose pov.

 

[NotProudofmySmut]

https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1988335-reborn-in-farrundell--goddess-in-distress/chapter/2015093/In case you like heavy ecchi and Action stuff. Sry, sitting on the toilet at work. No time for a longer respone.

 

[empalgepuk]

Let's try it again:

Untapped Memories

Cassa Ironbrooke and Eliana Krahl are stranded in the border town Moonbridge. To leave, their choices are bleak: fight through monster-infested wilds, or pay ship fares they can't afford. Either way, they're stuck. Hope seems lost, until they discover their missing master's journal. Inside it...

www.scribblehub.com

I try my best to aim for a character-driven story.

 

[LeilaniOtter]

I really need to work on deadpan humor a bit. I think I'll have a shot with "Hot Singles in Your Area Want EXP!", as they are all single, attractive people and bound to meet up with some hot-looking monster-girls/boys, and other mythological wonders, and laughs will ensue. ? We shall see.

 

[GwynLordofTinder]

Check out Amaranthine!

Amaranthine

Cait just got hit by a truck. The truck didn't make it. Yesterday, she was just a (more or less) regular girl who had never had a problem that wasn't her own fault. Now she might be the toughest thing on the planet, but in a world that seems like...

www.scribblehub.com

Doesn't check all your boxes, and does include some smut, but I try to keep it well deserved. People tend to be surprised by how well the story develops, a sort of 'came for the smut, stay for the plot' scenario. Also, it's just funny as hell, and has plenty of cozy slice of life between superhero action and sexcapades.

 

[little-tiny-raccoon-hands]

I’ll shill for myself, I’m not afraid (yes I am).

Rabbit Heart

It’s a story about a middle-aged ex-hitman trying to raise his trans daughter who’s become a magical girl in another world.

The main focus is their imperfect-but-sincerely-trying father/daughter relationship, but there will also be romance (not incest!!!) with other characters. There are a lot of characters. Just a whole bunch of broken weirdos trying and sometimes failing to be better people, it’s an ensemble cast with multiple POVs.

Also, it is an isekai, but more in the vein of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court than say, anime. It’s another world as experienced by a Jewish guy from our world. There will be a lot of Yiddish.

 

[Envylope]

I have been enjoying reading this story:

www.scribblehub.com/series/757821/lets-not-obliterate/

 

[Sylver]

I recommend my story before and was never informed if it didn't make the cut >.< so here I go again.

If you're bothered by the Harem tag, let me clarify by saying that the male MC has two love interests. That is all, it's not him growing a full harem of women and that's not the central focus.

Okay, time for my pitch: A secluded introverted farmer boy in his late teens rescues a cat girl missing her memory. He wants to forget his past, she wants to remember her past. But soon her past resurfaces as it turns out she is one wanted cat girl for nefarious reasons

Act 1 is character driven adventures with romance, friendship, and action. Act 2 takes a more story driven focus with an emphasis on new friendships, testing the mettle of romances, and kicking up the action and seriousness a notch.

If you like cat girls, friendships, adorable extrovert cat behavior, anime-inspired action, magic, and a Medieval-based setting fantasy, then I've got a story for you!

 

[Fairemont]

I suppose you could read mine. It's unfinished, but it is character-driven with immersive world building and does have a few hints of romance towards the later chapters.

Doesn't contain anything in your "no" list.

Link is in my signature.

 

[AliceMoonvale]

I'd recommend mine, but you're already reading it.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

I offer thee this

My Friend and My Thigh

A collection of short stories based on a true stories. Names have been changed to protect the people on who these are based. This is absolutely a shitpost that I wrote, though each story is %100 true.

www.scribblehub.com

 

[pangmida]

I really need to work on deadpan humor a bit. I think I'll have a shot with "Hot Singles in Your Area Want EXP!", as they are all single, attractive people and bound to meet up with some hot-looking monster-girls/boys, and other mythological wonders, and laughs will ensue. ? We shall see.

I actually think Luana might be more of my beat? Been wanting to check it out because the girl on the cover is pretty hehe. And it’s romantic I think

I offer thee this

My Friend and My Thigh

A collection of short stories based on a true stories. Names have been changed to protect the people on who these are based. This is absolutely a shitpost that I wrote, though each story is %100 true.

www.scribblehub.com

Smh I literally left a comment on that one I’m hurt you don’t remember ?

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Smh I literally left a comment on that one I’m hurt you don’t remember ?

Oh, wait. You did. I got it mixed up with my other story. Sorry.