If you were captivated by the way Humans wrestles with questions of ethics and the nature of consciousness, you'll be fascinated by The Sparrow. This novel follows a Jesuit priest, Emilio Sandoz, and his team as they journey to make first contact with an alien civilization, only to face devastating moral dilemmas and the limits of their own understanding. Russell’s exploration of faith, cultural collision, and the unintended consequences of human action will resonate with you.

If you enjoyed the meticulous scientific detail and realistic approach to alien contact in Humans, you’ll be enthralled by Blindsight. Watts crafts a first-contact scenario where a neurobiologist, Siri Keeton, joins an expedition to investigate mysterious alien signals. The novel’s deep dive into neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and the limits of human and alien minds will scratch that hard science itch.

If you appreciated the social and psychological ramifications of alien contact in Humans, you’ll love Contact. Ellie Arroway’s journey from decoding signals to representing humanity on an interstellar stage mirrors the cross-species diplomacy and cultural friction in Sawyer’s work, but with Sagan’s own blend of optimism and inquiry into what makes us human.

If you liked following multiple perspectives and a diverse cast as they grappled with the ethical and practical dilemmas of interspecies interaction in Humans, Red Mars offers a similarly rich ensemble. Robinson traces the lives of scientists and settlers as they attempt to terraform Mars, exploring their conflicts, alliances, and ambitions against a backdrop of political intrigue and social change.

If you were drawn to the internal struggles and growth of characters like Mary Vaughan and Caine in Humans, The Dispossessed will resonate with you. Le Guin’s protagonist, Shevek, challenges the norms of two radically different societies as he seeks to bridge worlds—both external and internal—undergoing profound personal change along the way.