If you were drawn to Severian’s ambiguous ethics and the way his actions often blur the line between heroism and villainy in The Citadel of the Autarch, you’ll find similar moral complexity in The Scar by China Miéville. Bellis Coldwine’s journey is fraught with difficult choices and shifting loyalties, and the characters around her are just as morally ambiguous. The book’s world is as intricate and unpredictable as Severian’s, making you question who, if anyone, is truly ‘good.’

If you loved the lush, layered setting of Urth and its mysterious history in The Citadel of the Autarch, you’ll be captivated by the world of Arrakis in Dune. Herbert’s universe is equally intricate, with its own unique culture, religion, and politics, immersing you in a world that feels ancient, lived-in, and endlessly complex.

If the deep philosophical questions about memory, selfhood, and destiny in The Citadel of the Autarch appealed to you, The Left Hand of Darkness is a must-read. Le Guin’s novel delves into themes of gender, loyalty, and the nature of humanity, all set against the harsh, alien landscape of Gethen. Like Wolfe, Le Guin challenges you to think beyond the surface of her story.

If you appreciated the non-linear, memory-tinged structure of The Citadel of the Autarch, you’ll enjoy The Dispossessed. Le Guin’s narrative leaps between the past and present of physicist Shevek, mirroring the layered, puzzle-like chronology that makes Wolfe’s storytelling so rewarding.

If you found yourself drawn to the symbolism and allegorical underpinnings in The Citadel of the Autarch—the way Severian’s journey hints at larger truths and mysteries—Little, Big offers a similarly rich tapestry of meaning. Crowley’s novel weaves together myth, magic, and family history, inviting you to uncover hidden layers beneath its enchanting surface.