If you were captivated by how The Actual Star weaves together narratives across different eras and geographies—from ancient Maya civilization to a far-future utopia—then Cloud Atlas will be a mesmerizing next read. Mitchell’s novel interlocks six vastly different stories, from the 19th-century Pacific to a dystopian future Korea, creating a breathtaking tapestry of interconnected lives and destinies.

Did the exploration of utopian and dystopian philosophies in The Actual Star leave you wanting more? The Dispossessed will satisfy your craving for thought-provoking worldbuilding. Le Guin crafts two contrasting societies—one anarchist, one capitalist—and follows Shevek, a physicist whose journey between them raises profound questions about freedom, community, and the nature of progress.

If you loved being immersed in the layered cultures, belief systems, and environments of The Actual Star, you’ll relish Red Mars. Robinson’s work delves into the terraforming of Mars, building a believable and intricately detailed society from the ground up, where science, politics, and personal motives are entwined.

Did you enjoy how The Actual Star unfolds its story through different voices and times? The Fifth Season is structured through multiple, deeply developed characters—Essun, Damaya, and Syenite—each providing a unique lens on a world in collapse. Their intertwined journeys create a rich, multifaceted narrative that’s both gripping and emotionally resonant.

If the mythic resonance and spiritual quests of The Actual Star—especially its ties to ancient Maya cosmology—struck a chord, Gods of Jade and Shadow will enchant you. This novel follows Casiopea Tun as she embarks on a magical odyssey through 1920s Mexico, accompanied by a Mayan death god, blending mythology, history, and personal transformation.