If you loved the lush and detailed world of the Elflands and the intricate court etiquette in The Goblin Emperor, you'll be swept away by A Stranger in Olondria. Samatar's novel immerses you in a vibrant, fully realized culture with its own languages, customs, and histories, following Jevick as he navigates a foreign land and its haunting mysteries. Like Maia's journey, Jevick's story is deeply shaped by the world around him and the weight of tradition.

If Maia's struggle to survive the treacherous politics of court life in The Goblin Emperor kept you turning pages, you'll be fascinated by Palace of Dreams. This novel follows Mark-Alem as he rises through the ranks of the mysterious Tabir Sarrail, the Ottoman Empire's dream-collecting bureaucracy, where every decision is fraught with danger and power games abound. The atmosphere of suspicion and maneuvering is just as taut and absorbing.

If you admired Maia's journey from uncertain outsider to a wise and compassionate Emperor in The Goblin Emperor, you'll be drawn to Cazaril's transformation in The Curse of Chalion. Scarred and beaten down by life, Cazaril finds himself thrust into court politics and spiritual mysteries, ultimately discovering strength and purpose he never imagined. Both novels offer a rewarding exploration of resilience and self-discovery.

If you cherished the gentle, uplifting spirit of The Goblin Emperor—where kindness and hope prevail amidst adversity—The Hands of the Emperor will warm your heart. It follows Cliopher, a bureaucrat whose compassion and dedication quietly reshape the world around him. The narrative radiates optimism, celebrating the power of kindness and friendship in transforming even the most daunting circumstances.

If you were captivated by Maia's outsider status and his struggle to understand and survive the cutthroat world of imperial politics in The Goblin Emperor, you'll find The Traitor Baru Cormorant both thrilling and thought-provoking. Baru, a brilliant outsider, must use her wits to ascend within a hostile empire’s bureaucracy—facing conspiracies, betrayals, and impossible choices. The novel provides a gripping depiction of power and adaptation.