If you were drawn to the way Axiom's End explores first contact with the enigmatic alien, Ampersand, you'll be fascinated by The Sparrow. This novel follows a Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, as he becomes part of a mission to make contact with an alien civilization on Rakhat. Like Cora’s journey, Emilio’s quest raises challenging questions about language, understanding, and the consequences of cross-species communication.

If you enjoyed the driving urgency of Cora’s mission to uncover the truth and survive secretive government pursuits in Axiom's End, Blindsight will grip you with its crew's harrowing journey to engage with a mysterious alien presence at the edge of the solar system. The story’s relentless pace and focus on a clear, perilous objective echo the high-stakes momentum you liked.

If you were captivated by the elaborate secrets, government cover-ups, and the building sense of a world changed by alien contact in Axiom's End, you'll love An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. The novel’s protagonist, April May, encounters a bizarre alien artifact that quickly transforms the world, leading to viral fame, conspiracy, and intricate mysteries—much like Cora’s world upended by the arrival of Ampersand.

If you appreciated Cora’s transformation as she navigates treacherous situations and forges a unique bond with Ampersand in Axiom's End, you’ll be drawn to the crew of the Wayfarer. Each character faces personal challenges and changes throughout their interstellar journey, offering the same satisfying sense of growth and emotional depth.

If what you loved about Axiom's End was its focus on the social and personal ramifications of alien contact—how it changes people, governments, and the world—then Contact is a perfect next read. Dr. Ellie Arroway’s experience with an alien message and the ensuing global upheaval will resonate with the thought-provoking, character-driven science fiction you enjoyed.