What Should Our Bookclub Read Next? (for 2023)

i gathered all the recommendations here but here's the finalists for our next book/series to be read in 2023!

The tl;dr, our finalists are:

↬ Ai no Kusabi (YOSHIHARA Rieko)

Recommended by Yuu We have epubs! Complete. CN: human pets, fantastic racism (via hair color), violence, sex, there's probably more but idk

This futuristic tale is set in a world ruled by a super computer Jupiter, where its cyborg creations, the Elites, who are assigned various social roles based on their hair color, rule over the human populace. Iason Mink, a high-class “Blondy” elite from the capital Tanagura, runs into Riki, a “Mongrel” from the slums, and makes him his “Pet”. This decision was seen as taboo in Tanagura where Pets are a status symbol and are expected to be well-bred, and was also unacceptable to Riki who had his freedom taken away from him. As Riki learns of the dangers Iason faces by keeping him, he finds himself developing feelings for his master. While focusing on the relationship between Iason and Riki, Ai no Kusabi also explores issues of caste systems and social exclusion, as well as the implications of Artificial Intelligence ruling over a human society.

↬ Hero vs Villian (Yourpersonalprince)

Recommended by Wyrd Read it here! Completed. CN: BL, Fantasy, Queer, some detailed sex scenes

They couldn't be more different. Ridley is a knight in shining armor, so perfect in every way that it makes people hardly able to stand him. Prince Vandel on the other hand (aka the evil demon prince of darkness) is the sworn enemy of the kingdom, obsessed with gaining power and wearing beautiful clothes. The two young men are right out of a fairytale, practically made to be archenemies...but what if they ended up falling in love instead?

↬ I Came Back And Conquered It All (Regress and Eat)

Recommended by Burns Read it here! Completed. CN: vomit, blood, violence

“It’s finally here,” said the man with the sword in an echoing whisper. “The Tower of Choice, the last 100 floors!” the band of five exclaimed in unison. Angelica came down from the altar with a dull look, seemingly annoying. Then we looked around. “I tell you once again, but you’ve had a lot of trouble in the meantime. I couldn’t have climbed to the 100th floor alone without you.” [Hand of Control (Rank: SSS, Active)] “All of you die.” Thud! One by one, they fall to the floor. Angelica’s dagger pierced my neck, and I felt a darkening in front of my eyes with a tumultuous rage. My awareness faded, from my senses, from everything else. After that, everything was eroded by profound darkness.

↬ Secret Night: When the Veil is Lifted

Recommended by Riito Read it here! Completed. CN: mature, may contain violence, blood/gore, sex, and/or strong language, BL

“The red light district suits you, not the Imperial Palace.” He was insulted over and over again, but he still couldn't get used to it. Ever time he heard such words, he had to stop the rage that burst out inside him. The Seventh Prince, Clarence, was not hte main character of this banquiet. He was just an easy-to-play with commodity doll. “I guess it's true that it's your first time, seeing how tight you are.” “Uh... huh... too big... it hurts... .” He thought something like this would happen someday. However, he did not know that the person he would first experience it with would be the Duke of Barden, whome he met for the first time today. “It seems that the prince has no pride, swallowing even my semen.” “A while ago, were you trying to be sassy by shoving your ass at me like a dog in heat?” “Your Highness, do you find pride in sucking up cocks of flesh and semen without hestiation?” The string of reason that he was barely holding on to suddenly broke. “It is my pride to survive like this.” The past life, in which I had to do everything in order to live, was not at all shameful. Even if that means accepting that man's penis. “Is there anything you want to do by using such an ugly way to survive?” The one who tries to somehow survive, and the one who insults him. What is the end of this dangerous relationship?

↬ The Reader and the Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love (Tuí)

Recommended by Burns Read it here! Complete! CN: Violence/Blood, Yandere, Abuse, Traumas, etc

An internet troll who wanted attention, the reader criticized his favorite web novel, saying: “The protagonist is dumb and the author is stupid.” Author: “… Got it.” Unfortunately for him, the author actually listened to his (troll) feedback. The formerly lighthearted tale of a cute harem master suddenly became super dark and edgy. The reader could only helplessly look on as the protagonist was abused and betrayed, finally embarking on the road to becoming completely evil. Everything was a mess! After that the reader transmigrated into a strange world. How come the person in front of him looks like the protagonist (evil undead version)? Just what is going on?! Note: Du Zhe (读者 meaning Reader) and Du Ze (杜泽 the character’s name) sound almost the same

↬ The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong (MXTX)

Recommended by yuu. We have epub versions of this series. Complete CN: Transmigration, NSFW (both for sex and body horror), graphic violence, dubcon, the comphet flavor of homophobia, danmei, bl

Half-demon Luo Binghe rose from humble beginnings and a tortured past to become unrivaled in strength and beauty. With his harem of over three hundred wives, and dominion over both the human and demonic realms, he is truly the most powerful protagonist—in a trashy web novel series! At least, that's what Shen Yuan, online alias “Peerless Cucumber,” believes as he finishes reading the final chapter in Proud Immortal Demon Way. But when a combination of rage and a poor meal choice leads to his death, Shen Yuan finds himself reborn into the world of the web novel, in the body of Shen Qingqiu—the beautiful but cruel teacher to a young Luo Binghe. Although as Shen Qingqiu he now has incredible power and abilities as a cultivator, he’s also destined to be horrifically punished for crimes against the protagonist, so this new Shen Qingqiu has only one course of action: get into Luo Binghe’s good graces before the young man’s rise to power. That’s the only way he’ll escape the awful fate of a true scum villain!

↬ What Makes a Monster (Twoony)

Recommended by Wyrd. Read it here! Complete CN: BL, vampire, horror, undetailed sex scenes

Vampires.

A phenomenon so rare that there are only three. Wallie Jonessan is now a butler to one of those monsters, Soran Makai. Those among the estate fear the Archduke that treats all with a cold distance but Wallie carries a secret; a secret that allows him to grow closer to one that has long forgotten the meaning of comfort. Through days spent together, a bond is formed between vampire and human that cannot last.

Royals fearful of Soran, and greedy for the power he possesses, are an ever looming threat. Danger lurks around every corner and traitors wait patiently for their time to strike. Although a monster Soran Makai may or may not be, Wallie is about to learn that vampires are not the only beasts that curse the land. Humans can be just as cruel, especially towards a love they simply cannot accept.