If you were captivated by Mehr’s struggle to balance her heritage, faith, and personal freedom in Empire of Sand, you’ll be swept up by Fatima’s journey in The Bird King. Both novels feature heroines who must make agonizing choices as they confront powerful, mystical forces tied to religion, and both explore how belief shapes lives amid oppression. Wilson’s lush, magical world and nuanced take on spirituality will resonate deeply.

If you loved the immersive worldbuilding of Ambhan and the daiva in Empire of Sand, The Bone Shard Daughter will enchant you with its intricately imagined empire, mysterious creatures, and inventive bone shard magic. Like Suri, Stewart builds a world full of political intrigue, distinct traditions, and layered history, drawing you into every corner of her setting.

If you were invested in Mehr’s resilience and agency as she defies imperial power, you’ll find similar strength in Malini and Priya, the central figures of The Jasmine Throne. Their compelling arcs, full of difficult choices and personal transformation, offer nuanced portrayals of women navigating oppression, ambition, and forbidden magic.

If you appreciated Mehr’s growth from uncertainty to determined agency, you’ll be drawn to Maia in The Goblin Emperor. Thrust into the dangers of imperial court, Maia must overcome self-doubt and learn to wield power with compassion and intelligence. Addison’s focus on character development and inner strength mirrors the journey you loved in Empire of Sand.

If the ritualistic, rule-bound magic of the daiva and dreamwalking in Empire of Sand fascinated you, Servant of the Underworld offers a similar delight. Bodard’s Aztec-inspired world features priests who wield magic through complex rites, and the dangers faced when breaking those rules. The interplay of power, ritual, and consequence will keep you enthralled.