He’s right about one thing, he doesn’t deserve to be called “dad”. I think I speak for all us decent dads here when I say any one of us would be proud to have a kid who’s as smart, capable, and levelheaded as you sound. Keep your head down and get out as soon as you can.

This is kind of like a mix of HOMM and the Civ games.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/289130/ENDLESS_Legend/

Some Favorites from this year;

Adrian Tchaikovsky is the best - “The Final Architecture” series is also rad, and his standalone novel from this year “Service Model” was great.

August Kitko and the Mechas From Space by Alex White. “Evangelion by way of David Bowie”

Space Opera Catherynne Valente. A very literal play on the genre!

Fractal Noise & To Sleep in a Sea of Stars Christopher Paolini

Murderbot Diaries Martha Wells