I, Empress Hexi, Reborn and Done Saving the Ungrateful

Looking for High-Quality Historical Fiction. No Mindless Power Trips or Brain-Dead Plotting

I want high-quality historical fiction that’s engaging and doesn’t dumb things down or rely on brainless plots. It can be satisfying, but don’t treat readers like idiots. No stories like the one where the protagonist fools Cao Cao’s quartermaster about the provisions from the start, or those where a literati protagonist suddenly has the strength of a tyrant. They’re unoriginal and mindless...

Which Books Have Made You Rethink Your Values?

Everyone’s welcome to join the discussion.

Historical Fiction! The Characters Must Have Brains!!

Are there stories where a modern person transmigrates back to ancient times and uses their profession to make a difference? Like a doctor who transmigrates to the past and advances medicine within the limits of the era, or a modern special forces expert who transmigrates to ancient times and builds an army using modern ideas. Or just invent penicillin or something. From the start, they pull out an AK-47.

High IQ, Political Schemes, and Mind-Bending Plots

Looking for a High-IQ Story Where the Protagonist Plans Ten Moves Ahead

High Intelligence, Cunning Plans, Masterful Schemes, Treating the World Like a Chessboard

Looking for a novel with a protagonist like Murong Li from The Legend of Qin: someone who treats the world as a chessboard and all living beings as pieces, plans everything out, and plays life like a game, but is willing to become a piece on the board himself when necessary.

Give Me Some High-IQ Stories. Reading Idiot-Proof Fiction Is Making Me Stupid

Please Recommend High-Quality Historical or Alternate-History Novels with Highly Intelligent Characters

Anything is fine as long as it isn't brainless and the supporting characters don't suddenly lose all their intelligence.

Historical Stories (Any Dynasty, No System, and with Intelligent Characters)

Looking for books like "The Glory of the Great Wei". Historical novels with some brains behind them. Read too many mindless wish-fulfillment stories and they’ll rot your mind.

After Reading Bound by Spring, Nothing Else Measures Up. Please Recommend Timeless Classics

Looking for books like "Bound by Spring's Passion". I'm out of books to read, so please recommend classics that hold up well.

Books with Depth That Make Me Think

I'm looking for something with solid logic, not a brainless fluffy romance, with major twists and foreshadowing, and an expansive world.

Your All-Time Favorite Historical Romance (Completed)

Looking for a historical romance. No angst, no brainless characters, and no bad writing, please.

The Genre Doesn’t Matter. Just Give Me Something with Smart Characters

I won't say more. You'll understand.

The Best of Every Genre

The best novels on Tomato Novel in the villain, urban, Primordial Wilderness, and invincible genres. Guaranteed gems.

Strong Female Lead and Political Scheming! No One Acts Like an Idiot!

I don’t want a female lead disguised as a man! She should be unbelievably clever or have maxed-out combat skills. She could be a princess, a martial artist, or anything else. She shouldn’t rely on the male lead’s help. Using her own strength as a woman, she turns the situation upside down. The process can be difficult, but in the end she should achieve her ideals.

Recommendations for Ancient or Modern Stories Without a Virgin Couple, for a Change from Reading So Many Stories with Chaste Leads

Ladies, please recommend historical or modern novels where the couple aren't each other's firsts. Completed stories preferred, completed stories! I've read too many books where they are each other's firsts and want a change of pace. Thanks, ladies!

Novels These Days Are Too Rushed. Hardly Anyone Takes Their Time and Writes Carefully

Don't make me look at any of Tomato's five toxic genres!

There Are No Good Women’s Fiction Novels These Days. Debate Me!

Books That Teach You Real Skills

Anything goes.

Books Packed with Knowledge That Make You Feel Like You Could Get into Tsinghua After Reading Them

I’m Tired of Female Leads Traveling to the Qing Dynasty. Are There Any Set in the Tang, Qin, Han, Song, or Ming Dynasties?

It can be palace intrigue, household intrigue, or a female-led story. The female lead shouldn't be too clueless.

Any Novels With Unusual Character Archetypes? I'm Tired of Mainstream Stories

Why Not Read the Classics?

Recommend some good books with meaning, impact, and beautiful writing.

Deep, Thought-Provoking Stories That Feel Like Masterpieces

Something like "The Three-Body Problem", for example.