I'm a big fan of Franz Kafka's saying that "we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us." So, that's what I'm looking for. But, preferably with some stipulations.
I want a fantasy book (other speculative fiction is acceptable) that rips my heart out through my throat. I want one with lost love or unrequited love. It would be preferable if the main character is the one with the lost/unrequited love. I would also prefer that this protagonist to be male (for extra damage).
Some thoughts or examples I have of this:
In The Wheel of Time, the relationship between Egwene and Rand. At the start of the series, they're essentially destined to be married. But as they grow older and into their powers, Egwene basically scoffs at the idea of Rand.
In The Lord of the Rings, it could also be something like the relationship between Eowyn and Aragorn , where Eowyn is willing to die for a man she loves because he loves someone else. I would, however, prefer to have the roles be reversed for maximum damage. It would also be nice if it was more poignant and brash than in LotR.
For further ideas, something like the ending of Brandon Mull's Beyonders books would be cool, as well. What I mean by that is, I wouldn't be opposed to the death of some of the best characters in the book. Sure, it has a happy resolution, but through lots of pain and loss.
So, a fantasy book with some failed romance, a depressed character like Kaladin from The Way of Kings, or a sad life story like Kvothe from The Name of the Wind. Just give me something that tears out my heart and rips it to shreds.
by SemanticsZquatch