If you enjoyed the way Brain Wave integrated genuine scientific speculation into its premise—showing how a shift in the laws of physics could reshape intelligence and society—you’ll be fascinated by Asimov’s The Gods Themselves. Here, the discovery of a new energy source leads to profound consequences for humanity and even for the fabric of the universe, with meticulous attention to scientific plausibility.

You’ll appreciate how More Than Human dives into the big questions about what it means to be human and how consciousness might evolve, much like Brain Wave’s exploration of intelligence. Sturgeon crafts a story about disparate individuals with extraordinary abilities coming together to form a new kind of being, prompting deep philosophical reflection on identity, morality, and the future of humanity.

If you were captivated by the sweeping societal transformations in Brain Wave—as humanity adapts to a new reality—then Childhood's End will draw you in with its grand narrative. The arrival of mysterious Overlords brings about the rapid evolution of the human race, with repercussions that span the globe and touch the fate of the species.

For readers who relished the stimulating, thought-provoking ideas in Brain Wave, Permutation City offers a feast for the intellect. Egan’s novel explores the nature of consciousness, self, and reality in a world where minds can be copied and simulated, challenging you to rethink what it means to exist.

If you liked how Brain Wave examined the ripple effects of a single event on different strata of society, you’ll find Stand on Zanzibar’s intricate worldbuilding and panoramic cast irresistible. Brunner’s novel portrays a near-future Earth reeling from overpopulation and technological upheaval, vividly depicting the day-to-day realities of a world in flux.