I think some character tropes that guide some stories are exaggerated and reused to extend of being more outlandish than the ideas/concepts behind the worldbuilding. It’s like not being able to get behind the idea that not everyone “thinks in words”. Sometimes story does not need a character that refuses to consider that their feelings do not matter.

Anywhoo, I coincidentally started reading trilogy from the third book and liked it the best. First two are just not that fun.

I don’t think it is necessary eastern writing, but rather how refreshingly mundane science thriller can be. No faux dramatic hooks, no hyper personalized personal traits to guide the story.

But yes, no point on beating yourself over what you are not enjoying. You can’t read or like them all, after all.