If you loved the way Aftermath launched you right into the chaos after the Empire’s fall, you’ll be hooked by Leviathan Wakes. Like Wendig’s breakneck action, this story throws you into a galaxy on the edge, with Jim Holden and Detective Miller scrambling to unravel a dangerous mystery before it engulfs the solar system. The sense of urgency, high-stakes conflict, and constant forward momentum will keep you reading late into the night.

Did you appreciate the way Aftermath juggled multiple storylines and let you see the Star Wars galaxy through a range of perspectives—from Norra Wexley to Sinjir Rath Velus? Ninefox Gambit offers a similarly rich ensemble, thrusting you into a twisted interstellar war through the eyes of mathematically brilliant Kel Cheris and her unpredictable undead general, Shuos Jedao. Their dynamic, along with a supporting cast of memorable allies and enemies, provides that same multifaceted, team-driven storytelling.

If you were drawn to the way Aftermath fleshed out the post-Empire galaxy—its new factions, shifting alliances, and fresh settings—you’ll love Children of Time. Tchaikovsky crafts a vast canvas spanning generations, weaving together the evolution of an uplifted spider civilization and the last remnants of humanity. The immersive worldbuilding and intricate lore offer the same satisfying sense of discovery and exploration.

If you enjoyed the shades-of-gray protagonists in Aftermath—characters like Sinjir, whose loyalties and morals are always in flux—you’ll appreciate the schemers and survivors of The Collapsing Empire. Scalzi’s cast, from ambitious Cardenia to the cunning Kiva Lagos, must make hard choices in an unstable interstellar society. Their flawed humanity and sometimes questionable ethics keep the story gritty and unpredictable.

If part of what gripped you in Aftermath was watching characters like Norra and Temmin evolve in response to war and upheaval, Red Rising will deliver that same punch. Darrow’s transformation from oppressed miner to revolutionary leader is raw and compelling, with each victory and betrayal shaping him in new ways. The book masterfully captures the personal stakes and development that make a galactic conflict feel deeply personal.