Smart Protagonist Book Recommendations 

One of the few videos I was sure wouldn’t contain One Piece going in.

I agree with you about The count of Montecristo, the main character is really smart and it's amazing how he plans things. I had some issues with the novel such us the pacing and the big cast of characters, but when we focus on the mind of the MC it was great.

Hi Merphy, just wanted to let you know that after watching your Interview with Rogersbase yesterday I got myself all three books from the Gentlemen Bastards trilogy :D

You really out did yourself with this squarespace promotion. Seriously hilarious!

Luffy had the foresight to punch a giant whale in the eyeball so that he could recruit someone hundreds of chapters later. Shocked not to see him make the list. 1 star. Jk love ya Merph and keep up the good work!

I say do it, reread the Count of Monte Cristo. I''ll reread it with you. I love, love, love it. Ever since your recommendation I've been wanting to read it and I finally did, and the Count of Monte Cristo skyrocketed into my top three. Now I've been wanting to reread it. By the way: Love your book recommendations.

I read the count of Monte Christo on your recommendation. I didn't regret a thing, it was such a ride. Really gripping and satisfying to read

Hi Merphy! I started to get into reading books just a few months ago, and I got "A Man called Ove" on your recommendation, and it was worth every single tear I shed. I found out about your channel recently and I'm loving the Book restoration series, and have been watching a lot of reviews and recommendations and rants, and of course, the One Piece videos, they bring me great joy. Love from India :D

Wow, the witch thing at the end caught me so off guard, even though it was the thumbnail, seeing you actually do it had me so surprised I was laughing uncontrollably, lol. It felt so out random, but seemed like a nice on brand turn of events. Also Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorites. So thanks for pulling that one up. I would love to see a video dedicated to that one alone too.

I'm gonna recommend another manga here: *Death Note* . The protagonist and antagonist of Death Note (have fun deciding for yourself who's who) are both genuises trying to catch each other over a crime case. It's an intriguing cat-and-mouse game. I highly recommend it. ...and it's luckily wayyy shorter than One Piece.

I really appreciated your list and hearing your thoughts about these recommendations. Thank you! :)

Not really on topic but have you read 'a Wizards guide to defensive baking'? It's middle grade and it's just light hearted and absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud almost every other page. It's short so it won't take long and in my opinion it's just a perfect palate cleanser after finishing a book that hit hard

I love the 2003 film of The Count of Monte Cristo. Richard Harris's last performance and it was wonderful.

Why are so few people talking about the ad at the end??😂😂😂

I absolutely love A Natural History of Dragons. I actively try to push it on anyone. It is also one of the few books I consider getting a physical copy of.

omg Murphy I just read the 7 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, and I have such mixed feelings but must say overall kinda loved it, there were definitely some foggy parts tho. I thought the plot, the atmosphere and characters were very smartly crafted. Honestly I would love to hear your thoughts on this book as well, I think you might enjoy it, its an interesting read for sure, recommend recommend.

I am reading The Allow of Law right now and I really like Wax. I like him way more than many of the protagonists in Era 1.

Loved your apperance on Rogersbase stream btw

Am glad you LOVE Monte Cristo. It's one of my favorite book. The english is very good but the original version (french) is simply exquisite.

The ads keep getting better and better!!

I completely agree with what you said about Michael Crichton, his charactors are not just like do anything without a complete proper thought process. I have read Airframe, even though I wasn't impressed by the plot. But I was happy that the characters were living up to their occupation, means if they are involved in an air crash investigation team, they are acting accordingly. Not just doing anything stupid. And same goes for the amazing Andronmeda Strain. And I guess you missed Blake Crouch's novels. They too have smart characters.

Love your ads. The only ones I listen to all the time. Square space better be giving you a premium rate

I'm so glad you liked A Natural History of Dragons! It's officially my favourite book series ever, I hope you'll love the rest of the series too!

Book recs were ok but i really loved the skit.😂😂

Also: - Sixteen ways to defend a walled city - The Murderbot diaries

Wool, the first book in the Silo Trilogy! The MC is a mechanic, she’s one of the most fun characters I’ve followed. A lot of the narrative is internal, and Hugh Howey writes it fantastically!

Didn't realize I wanted this until I watched it. Good job.

The Count of Monte Cristo is fantastic, one of my all time favorites. Some other intelligent protags I can think of (at least in their specific field) are Dresden, Vicious, and the Witcher. The titular character in Skulduggery Pleasant fits as well but he's kind of a secondary character, it's like reading Batman from the pov of Robin.

Thanks, great list! Merphy, have you read "The Traitor Baru Cormorant"? One of my absolute smart-character faves, and would love to hear what you think of it!

Actually reading Jurassic Park now (based on your previous recommendations) and absolutely loving it and can't wait to re-watch the movie in celebration of such an amazing concept :D

Best add ever. Well done. Well done.

Another great video. I am also a fan of the JP novel over the movie. Some books listed here I need to add to my list. Thank you ... PS I know one should never judge a book by its cover but the bottom shelf to the right of the screen (as I see it). I feel like I need to know what the first front facing book is? It is very intriguing. Dark cover with gold crest of sorts, can you enlighten me? Thanks

Good god Merph that square space ad is the greatest I’ve ever came across 😂

i love reading from the perspective of smart people especially when they are smarter than me. ugh it’s so satisfying for some reason. thanks for all the recs Merphy!

I saw the dragon book years ago in a book store and loved the cover art but was not sure whether I would like it. Until now I never heard about it since.

I've read a lot of your recommendations and I certainly agree. I Will have to check out the Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None, and the Boneshard Daughter. Looking forward to your review of the latter.

The Count of Monte Cristo is a top 5 book of all time for me. I’d love to see you do a review on it.

One of my favourite book series, belonging to the list is "barrayar" series (vorkosigan saga). I'm still baffled that none of my favourite booktubers seem to have read this marvelous space opera from lois mcmaster bujold, that won several awards (e.g. hugo awards).

Please read the Ascendance of a bookworm Light novel series. The main character is you in fictional form. also I would be very interested in your opinion on the differences in the publishing practices of Japanese Light novels/Manga compared to western novels.

Glad to know there's still a market for these kind of protagonists.

A natural history of dragons sounds a little like how to train your dragon (the movie). And I adore that movie because of the smart characters, amazingly loyal friends and the forbidden friendship trope. I also love Jane Austen so I think A Natural History of Dragons is now really high up on my TBR

If you want a Japanese novel with a smart protagonist I recommend the Zaregoto series :)

Currently adding on top of my TBR: Project Hail Mary, Count of Monte Cristo, and Bone Shard Daughter. I really like Lady Trent, currently reading Book 2. 😊 Another series that I think has the very smart protagonist is the Millenium series. Lisbeth Salander is a really smart one.

O_O A Natural History of Dragons sounds AMAZING, thank you!!! Ever since I finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel, I've been hoping to find something similar, but so far have not. ALSO, don't know if you have ever read JS and Mr. N, but Merphy, you would love it. Its like Jane Austen meets a gothic novel with faeries and magic.

Ender - Enders Game. Kvothe - Kingkiller. He's very smart but has 2 fatal flaws. His pride and Denna. Feel like an obvious one is Sherlock Holmes.

That thumbnail is a work of art

I recently downloaded I am legend on my kindle and I've started it and really enjoying it so far- the power of human resilience through tragedy. I'm hoping to re read Jurassic Park soon as I adore Crichton's writing style.

can you pls do a video on what your approach to reading should be, I always have trouble keeping up with the story at times because I only read a few pages a day and lose track. some tips on this subject would help greatly to a new reader like me. thanks

Hilarious ad! XD Absolutely enjoyed it

Great video. Now I want to read Jurassic park and some of the other books you talked about. Could you make a video with great female protagonist book recommendations? I want to read more books with female protagonsits.

Thank you!

Did you continue the Lioness Rampant series? I saw your review of Alanna's First Adventure and was super excited to hear if you liked the future books. I know other things come up, just wanna know how you felt if you finished the series

All ads should be like this. Down with the squirrels

When I saw the title, I knew Project Hail Mary had to be on the list.

Interesting idea. Thinking about this there is a difference between having a smart protagonist and one just smarter/luckier than the antagonist. On that note, the list of smart antagonists is likely a little shorter. So might be an idea fr a future vid or how much a series would be different if the bad guy had a modicum of common sense. For example, was it that difficult to put a door with a lock at Mt. Doom? Maybe a guard or two? Personally, a common shortcoming in books is a lack of depth in the villain.

The Count of Monte Cristo! Yes! Give me more! I was listening to the french audio book lately (because I study french and wanted to get more into the classics) and boy, Edmond Dantès has conquered my heart and won't be leaving it for some time, if ever. So, do a re-read, I might do one as well, and then we'll chat. OK? :'D Btw, where do you always get these beautiful editions? I'm looking for the physical book now (in french, though) and I couldn't find anything yet that would speek to my aesthetic soul. But I'm also really bad when it comes to sourcing stuff...

Not related to this video, but I finished my first Backman yesterday (My grandmother asked me to tell you she's sorry). I loved it 🥰. I'm about to pick up The lies of Locke Lamora.

omg that squarespace ad lmao so good

Merph-Lady, you’re the best!! I sincerely hope my character will earn being on this list someday!

Thankd for the vid

And Then There were None is a fantastic book! It had me at the edge of my seat till the end! The Count of Monte Cristo is also a great one even though I’m only 1/4 through 😅

I love the idea of focusing on intelligent protagonists - great video

I love reading different genres and all but one thing that almost always takes me out of a story is when a normally smart protagonist makes dumb decisions for the plot to advance.

Merphy, I wonder if you've ever been recommended The Black Jewels trilogy by Anne Bishops. It's probably my favorite series and has such a fascinating world and really well developed and smart characters. Thought I'd recommend it if it hasn't been brought up yet.

For a moment I thought she was gonna say Full Metal Alchemist. As a side note full metal alchemist protagonists could also be on this category.

Okay I've been super curious for forever now. What is the series with the grey and white covers next to your Peter Pan book on the shelf? The cover art is super intriguing and different, I just really want to know what series it is.

21:50 That hehehe, omigosh! im dead 🤣🤣🤣

that skit at the end just made my year

For this category the first thing that comes to mind is the Chanur Saga by CJ Cherryh! It's a sci-fi series and the main/POV character is an alien chip's captain (the titular Chanur). She has a very no-nonsense straightforward narrative voice, and she goes into the events of the books from a 'I'm just an old ship's captain doing my job' kind of angle, like her smarts are all street-smarts, but as things go on and get more complicated it becomes more and more clear just how razor-sharp she is, the ways she handles all the diplomacy and sociological problems that are at the crux of the novels. I love dipping into Pyanfar Chanur's brain and watching it work no matter how many times I've read the series: the first novel in the saga, *Pride of Chanur*, stands alone, so if anyone wants to try a sci-fi series with the absolutely immaculate sketching out of alien culture and psychology that is Ms Cherry's strength, I can't recommend these books highly enough!

If you liked The Count of Monte Crisco, you might like Caleb Williams by William Godwin. Monte Crisco reminds me of Williams in certain ways.

count of monte cristo is the best story ever. ever. i was so happy to hear your brief take on it.

I'm kind of suprised Kwothe is not on this list considering how he always makes sure his misfortunes give him a sort of advantage(like how he used the wiping to increase his rank)

Hi Merphy, love your videos. You can try reading Death Note. :)

Finally, a video where One Piece wont be recommended lol

Good book recommendations. How about smart protagonists who unceasingly overthink situations and decisions and mire the reader in the obsessive and repetitive agonies of indecision before finally making a decision? [Linden Avery from the Final Chronicles of Thomas Covenant comes to mind as an example.]

You bring up The count of Montecristo, Have you seen the anime - Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo? Would love to see you breakdown that adaptation.

Hey Merphy, have you ever read the Kate Danniels series?

Need a book about smart antagonists...btw, love a your videos. Love from India

As a pharmacy student, I would absolutely read Full Metal Pharmacist.

If you haven't already, read The Martian! It's also written by Andy Weir and it's one of my favorite books of all time.

Finished Jurassic Park a few days ago and immediately thought of a few characters from that one. Grant and Malcolm especially.

You got me with the 80’s pro-wrestler pose thumbnail lol

Smartest protagonist I've ever read was in the chinese light novel Reverend Insanity. I have never seen a mastermind character written so well

Almost done with house of chains I'm really enjoying it Going to start on ship of destiny today also finished the count of monte Cristo I really enjoyed the protagonist 😃🙂🤗😊

Regarding count of Monte Cristo would you be rereading the abridged version again, or perhaps check out the unabridged?

I am currently reading The Unseen World by Liz Moore. The beginning is very slow, emotional. You get attached to the characters and it feels like a literary fiction novel. (trigger warning: Alzheimers disesase. this is not a spoiler since it is written in the back). But then, after like 150 pages, the plot picks up and the mystery comes in. I have a feeling you'd love it even though I haven't finished it yet! (plus the father-daughter relationship is remarkable).

Hope merphy give monster by urusawa Naoki a read..

Love the thumbnail lol

I’ve wanted to read little secrets since it came out but haven’t gotten a copy yet 😩

I would add Middlegame by Seanan McGuire to the list. Just finished it and now it's my favorite book ever.

Omg your witch voice was ‘spot on’

Writing this before finishing the video, I highly recommend the 2 most recent Thrawn trilogies (Star Wars). Thrawn is such an interesting character and his intelligence is unmatched in the Star Wars universe

Basso from "The Folding Knife" is brilliant, flawed, but brilliant.

1, 2. THE SINGING SANDS and THE DAUGHTER OF TIME by Josephine Tey 3. THE FARTHEST SHORE by Ursula K. LeGuin 4. CELESTIAL MATTERS by Richard Garfinkle 5. GLINDA OF OZ by L. Frank Baum (his last book; the plot focuses on completing a diplomatic mission and solving a technical problem, rather than on wandering around meeting weirdos as in more typical Oz books)

I.know most people here won’t read YA, but this whole video I just kept thinking about The Cruel Prince. Jude has to be the smartest protagonist I’ve ever seen (definitely not book smart though). Anyway, I’m definitely sold on The Count of Monte Cristo now!

I don't know what I like more the book conversation or the ads lol

It's a little out of the norm, but the web novel Worth The Candle just finished, and has one of the smartest protagonists I've ever encountered in a novel. I found myself just learning to be smarter just being inside his head lol.

You should consider at least the first 3 books of the Black Company series. Frankly the Silver Spike and Books of the South are worth it as well. Given their circumstances they have pull off sneaky and underhanded things to survive.

Ahhh bless you!

Everyone NEEDS TO start doing sponsorships this way More pls