If you admired how The Initiate Brother evokes a richly textured, Asian-inspired world with deep cultural nuance and political undercurrents—mirroring the rise of Brother Shuyun in a land shaped by ritual and tradition—you’ll be swept away by Under Heaven. Kay’s novel immerses you in a re-imagined Tang Dynasty China, with poetic prose, meticulously crafted societies, and the same deliberate attention to worldbuilding detail that makes every custom and landscape feel alive.

If you were drawn to Brother Shuyun’s journey through a society ruled by monastic orders, spiritual vows, and philosophical codes, The Curse of Chalion will resonate deeply. Bujold’s protagonist, Cazaril, embarks on a path guided by faith, fate, and divine intervention, exploring the intersection of personal growth and spiritual duty in a world where religion shapes destiny.

If you enjoyed the careful web of courtly intrigue, shifting alliances, and intellectual gamesmanship that define the palace politics in The Initiate Brother, you’ll find A Song for Arbonne just as compelling. The novel’s power struggles, betrayals, and nuanced negotiations immerse you in a world where every word and gesture can tip the balance of kingdoms.

If watching Brother Shuyun grow from a quiet initiate into a force navigating the complexities of power and self-awareness was your favorite part, you’ll love Maia’s journey in The Goblin Emperor. Addison’s gentle, introspective protagonist is thrust into imperial intrigue, and his steady, believable personal growth is at the heart of this moving, character-driven story.

If you were captivated by the vast scope of The Initiate Brother, with its grand sweep of history, cultures, and destinies colliding, The Lions of Al-Rassan will enthrall you. Kay’s novel follows multiple characters across intersecting fates, weaving an epic tapestry of love, conflict, and faith set against a backdrop inspired by medieval Spain.