If you loved how The Book of the Long Sun envelops you in the labyrinthine world of the Whorl—with its mysterious technology, unique social orders, and religious customs—then Engine Summer will captivate you with its hauntingly detailed post-apocalyptic society. Crowley’s subtle, poetic prose and his careful evocation of lost civilizations and enigmatic customs create a world that feels as lived-in and mysterious as Wolfe’s.

If the philosophical undertones and the exploration of faith, identity, and society in The Book of the Long Sun drew you in, you’ll be enthralled by The Dispossessed. Le Guin’s novel follows Shevek, a physicist struggling with the ideals and realities of utopia and freedom, offering nuanced examinations of morality, community, and the search for meaning—much like Silk’s spiritual and ethical dilemmas.

If you were swept away by the epic journey across the Whorl’s cities and tunnels in The Book of the Long Sun, The Scar will pull you into the floating pirate city of Armada and across uncharted seas. The novel’s expansive scope, shifting alliances, and the search for the mythical Scar echo Wolfe’s panoramic world and grand ambitions.

If you appreciated the intricate political maneuverings and shifting alliances in Viron’s theocracy, you’ll find the feudal scheming and religious machinations of Dune irresistible. Paul Atreides’ navigation of the competing interests on Arrakis mirrors the complex, layered plots and subtle manipulations that define Wolfe’s narrative.

If the nuanced portrayal of Silk’s inner struggles and the ambiguous motives of those around him in The Book of the Long Sun resonated with you, The Left Hand of Darkness offers a profound dive into Genly Ai and Estravan’s shifting loyalties, trust, and self-discovery. Le Guin’s characters are as richly layered and psychologically complex as Wolfe’s.