Top Ten Things on My Reading Wish List

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the Broke and the Bookish is all about wishes.  Wishes  for "things"  I'd like to find in a book.  By "things" it could be type of character, an issue tackled, a time period, a certain plot, etc... pretty much anything.  I feel a bit like a kid in a candy store however I also feel that most of my "wishes" may actually be reality - I just haven't explored or researched enough.  Maybe putting these out there will prompt some recommendations at least I hope they do! 

 1) The equivalent of Firefly in literary form.

 Joss Whedon's Firefly is one of my favorite shows of all time and I know there are a handful of graphic novels in this universe but boy would I love to find a big long series of books with some of the same elements of the show.  A space western with a fantastic ensemble cast of well developed characters, action and adventure with a side of romance.

2) A dreamy and compelling beta romantic hero.

 I get really bored with the Alpha romantic hero that seems to be the norm in a lot of romantic fiction these days.  You know the type, uber macho and bossy, usually emotionally stunted paragon of maleness.  I'm not saying that these types are never appealing but it would be nice if there was a little diversity.  I myself prefer guys that are a little more complicated, perhaps a little nerdy, confident but not arrogant.

3) Wildlife/Natural Resource Conservation

I have a personal interest in this topic and there are a few fiction books that I'm aware of that do have some leanings this way (Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon mystery series which takes place in National Parks comes to mind). I would really love it if there was more well written compelling "ecofiction" out there

4) A 40 volume graphic novel back catalogue for Avatar: The Last Airbender

This is the most fantastical of my wishes.  I recently discovered this very awesome television series and was disappointed that it was an original creation and not based on a graphic novel series.  It would be nice to read some more stories in this universe!

5) Books that mesh multiple genres and do it well 

This is a little general and vague but I do relish books (and other media) that do this and do it well.  A little fantasy/mystery/comedy/drama/romance?  Yes Please!

6) An interesting, non-annoying love interest for Harry Dresden

I really enjoy this series but I do think it could use a little relationship drama to spice it up.  I'd love to see a little more tension between Dresden and Murphy.  For all I know this has happened because I am 4 books behind in the series.  I know many would object to this (including probably author Jim Butcher!) but I would sure like it!

7)  For Flavia DeLuce to grow up

This is another one that a lot of folks would find objectionable but I was really disappointed when I discovered that Author Alan Bradley intended to wrap the series up without really aging Flavia at all. I do really like this series and mostly like Flavia but keeping her at the same age and not letting her grow feels like  stagnation and a little repetitive.

8) A Regency Era Mystery Series to Rival Kate Ross' Julian Kestrel Series

 I really love this time period and this series.  I was very sad to learn that Kate Ross had died of cancer at a  young age and this series is only 4 books long.  I've tried a few other Regency era mystery series (notably the Sebastian St Cyr series) and just did not like it as well. 

9) More books in these book series or universes:

A) Harry Potter Universe:  I honestly don't know how this would work.  It would have to be different characters, perhaps the next generation but what kind of conflict could they be facing that would equal Voldemort?  In many ways I think its perfect the way it is but I did so love getting lost in these books.

B) Chalion Universe: This is fabulous fantasy series of three books by Lois McMaster Bujold. She has said that she doesn't think she has any more inspiration or ideas to write in the universe but it feels somewhat unfinished.  The books somewhat revolve around a religion featuring 5 Gods/Goddesses.  Each of the three books explore the meaning behind each of three of these deities which leaves two undealt with.  And basically I'm just trying to rationalize, simply because I LOVE these books and want more.

C) The sequel to Territory by Emma Bull:  I loved this book which I read shortly after publication in April of 2008.  It obviously ends with the story unfinished and I have been keeping my eyes and ears peeled for a sequel.  There doesn't seem to be any news at all about a sequel for this book  - no long in the future projected publication date, no updates from Emma Bull that she is even working on it.  PLEASE Ms. Bull don't just drop this!

I think that's a wrap.  It was an interesting list to think about and I'm sure as soon as it's published I'll think of a million other things I would have included.  I'd love to hear what's on your wish list!