badmanmadmansadman t1_ja7c90r wrote on February 27, 2023 at 11:32 AM

Somethings else I guess to consider is the cultural mindset of today. I'm looking for big open worlds and plucky characters in a time where we are still in a very real pandemic and the escapism desired is real life stuff. Dealing and reading and connecting with more real scenarios. Or also the influx of fluff being the overall desire for the simpler things. I'm very open to seeing this differently. it also makes sense that the last like 15 years has been a market filled with fantasy and other worldly subjects and now it's time for a change as culture shifts and times get different

boxer_dogs_dance t1_ja7l0ft wrote on February 27, 2023 at 1:06 PM

So honestly you should take your request to r/fantasy and r/printsf and r/suggestmeabook.

Publishing is a business and is subject to trends and the demands of the market. There is a wide range and variety of what you are looking for in older books, not all of them in realist settings from other Centuries. Although as a fan of historical adventure in particular, I think you are missing out.

The Deed of Paksenarrion has what you are looking for. I am currently loving the Lions of Al Rassan which has a character who matches your request learning to work with adults. It's an amazing book.