As a long-time fan of fantasy and science fiction, I’ve read my fair share of books in these genres. However, I’ve grown increasingly tired of the endless stream of coming-of-age stories that seem to dominate the market. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the appeal of following a young protagonist as they discover their abilities, navigate the challenges of adolescence, and ultimately come into their own. But after reading countless novels with protagonists who are barely out of childhood, I can’t help but yearn for something more mature and nuanced.
One of the main issues I have with focusing on younger characters is the limitations it imposes on character depth. With teenage protagonists, there’s often a lack of life experience and emotional complexity that comes with age. While these stories can be enjoyable in their own right, they can also feel shallow and one-dimensional when compared to narratives featuring older, more seasoned characters.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of five novels that feature older protagonists, whose age and experience serve to enhance the reading experience. Each of these books offers a refreshing departure from the typical coming-of-age narrative, providing readers with a deeper exploration of character and a more engaging story overall.
1. “The Blade Itself” by Joe Abercrombie
The Blade Itself, the first book in Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy, features a cast of older protagonists who bring depth and complexity to the story. One such character is Logen Ninefingers, a battle-hardened barbarian who has seen and done it all. His age and experience lend weight to his actions and decisions, giving readers a richer understanding of his motivations and the world he inhabits.
Another standout character is Sand dan Glokta, a former war hero turned torturer, whose physical disability and jaded worldview set him apart from the typical fantasy protagonist. Abercrombie’s decision to focus on older characters allows him to delve into the darker aspects of human nature and examine the consequences of a lifetime of choices, both good and bad.
2. “The Goblin Emperor” by Katherine Addison
In The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison introduces us to Maia, a half-goblin, half-elf who unexpectedly ascends to the throne after the death of his father and brothers. While Maia is technically a young adult at 18, his emotional maturity and the depth of his character make him stand out in the genre. Raised in isolation and neglected by his father, Maia is thrust into a complex and dangerous world of political intrigue.
Unlike many coming-of-age stories, The Goblin Emperor focuses on the challenges Maia faces as a ruler, rather than his personal growth. His age and outsider status add an additional layer of complexity to the story, as he navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and struggles to find his place in a world that has always rejected him. The result is a richly detailed and emotionally compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
3. “The Buried Giant” by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro is a beautifully written novel that centers around an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, who embark on a journey to find their long-lost son. Set in a mythical version of post-Roman Britain, the story delves into themes of memory, love, and forgiveness, all of which are enriched by the protagonists’ advanced age.
As Axl and Beatrice navigate a world filled with ogres, dragons, and other fantastical creatures, their shared history and the experiences that come with a lifetime together provide a depth of character that is rarely seen in stories featuring younger protagonists. The Buried Giant offers readers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human condition, all through the lens of two deeply relatable, older characters.
4. “Paladin of Souls” by Lois McMaster Bujold
Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold features an older protagonist, Ista, the Dowager Royina of Chalion. The story is a sequel to “The Curse of Chalion,” but it can be read as a standalone novel. Ista, a middle-aged widow, embarks on a pilgrimage to escape her mundane life and rediscover her sense of purpose. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a divine mission and must confront her own demons and past regrets.
Ista’s age and life experiences bring a refreshing depth to her character, as well as the story as a whole. She is a strong, capable woman who has been shaped by her past, and her journey is an inspiring tale of growth, self-discovery, and redemption. Readers will appreciate the unique perspective offered by an older protagonist and the richness it adds to the narrative.
5. “The Long Price Quartet” by Daniel Abraham
The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham is a series of four books that takes a different approach to the fantasy genre. The story follows the lives of two main characters, Otah and Maati, over the course of several decades, providing readers with a unique perspective on their growth and development as they age.
Throughout the series, Otah and Maati face numerous challenges, both personal and political, as they navigate a complex world filled with magic, intrigue, and danger. The fact that the protagonists are adults with extensive life experiences allows for a richer, more nuanced exploration of their motivations, relationships, and personal growth. Readers who are tired of teenage protagonists will find the depth and complexity of the characters in The Long Price Quartet to be a refreshing change of pace.
Embracing Mature Characters in Fantasy and Science Fiction
As a reader who’s grown weary of the plethora of coming-of-age stories in the fantasy and science fiction genres, I find that novels featuring older protagonists offer a breath of fresh air. By exploring the lives of characters who have already lived through their formative years, these books provide a unique perspective on the human experience and allow for a deeper exploration of the themes and issues at the heart of the story.
The five novels I’ve discussed in this article—“The Golem and the Jinni,” “An Unkindness of Magicians,” “The Buried Giant,” “Paladin of Souls,” and “The Long Price Quartet”—are just a few examples of the many stories out there that feature older protagonists. Each of these books showcases how an advanced age can enhance the reading experience by providing richer, more complex characters and narratives. So, the next time you’re searching for a new fantasy or science fiction novel to dive into, consider one that features an older protagonist—you might just discover a new favorite.