If you enjoyed the intricate power struggles and political tensions between Earth’s factions and alien cultures in Jem, you’ll be captivated by The Dispossessed. Follow Shevek as he navigates the fraught relationship between the anarchist society of Anarres and the hierarchical world of Urras, exposing the subtle machinations and ideological battles that underpin both worlds.

If the shifting alliances between characters like Nilsson, Greico, and the representatives of different human factions in Jem appealed to you, you’ll love the sweeping cast in Downbelow Station. Cherryh masterfully juggles soldiers, refugees, station administrators, and alien contacts as they struggle for survival and power in the midst of war, offering a rich, multi-perspective narrative.

If you found yourself fascinated by the ethically dubious actions of Jem’s protagonists as they vie for advantage on the alien world, you’ll enjoy the razor-sharp satire in The Space Merchants. Follow Mitch Courtenay as he navigates the cutthroat world of interplanetary advertising, making compromises and tough decisions that blur the line between hero and anti-hero.

If you were intrigued by the depiction of Jem’s native species and the fraught dynamics between human colonists and alien civilizations, The Word for World Is Forest will resonate with you. Le Guin explores the perspectives of both the colonizing humans and the indigenous Athsheans, delving deep into cultural misunderstandings and the consequences of exploitation.

If you appreciated Jem’s intricate, interwoven storylines—balancing personal ambitions, global politics, and the fate of an entire planet—Stand on Zanzibar will draw you in. Brunner’s novel masterfully connects dozens of plot threads, characters, and news snippets to build a panoramic vision of a future society under immense strain.