If the meticulously detailed setting of Lion’s Blood—with its alternate history where Africa dominates the world—captivated you, you'll be enthralled by The Book of Phoenix. Okorafor crafts a future America shaped by African and African-diasporic influences, with protagonist Phoenix fighting for freedom in a world where science, myth, and history intertwine. The worldbuilding is lush and original, offering a fresh perspective on both the familiar and the speculative.

If you appreciated how characters like Aidan and Kai evolve in Lion’s Blood—wrestling with questions of identity, freedom, and belonging—Kindred will resonate with you. Butler’s protagonist, Dana, is transported from modern America to the antebellum South, and her harrowing experiences force her to confront her own beliefs, courage, and adaptability. The personal growth is raw and unforgettable.

If you were drawn in by the layers of power, betrayal, and shifting alliances in Lion’s Blood’s court and slave society, you’ll be gripped by The Traitor Baru Cormorant. Baru’s quest to dismantle an empire from within is packed with devious plots, hard choices, and the kind of high-stakes intrigue that will keep you turning pages and second-guessing every alliance.

If the blend of cultures, ethnicities, and worldviews in Lion’s Blood—from Islamic Africa to Norse Europe—was a highlight for you, Children of Blood and Bone will offer a similarly vibrant tapestry. Adeyemi’s tale draws from West African mythology and features a cast of characters from different backgrounds, each with their own struggles and voices, creating a world as diverse as it is magical.

If you found yourself moved and rewarded by the emotional journeys in Lion’s Blood, A Song for a New Day will strike a similar chord. Pinsker’s story of musicians striving to connect in a future where public gatherings are outlawed is both poignant and uplifting, delivering emotional payoffs through characters who must choose hope and human connection in a fractured world.