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The Mule by Isaac Asimov

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In The Mule, did you enjoy ...

... a cunning, manipulative figure who upends an empire?

Dune by Frank Herbert

If you were fascinated by the mysterious rise and far-reaching influence of the Mule, you’ll be drawn into Dune’s tale of Paul Atreides. Like the Mule, Paul is a disruptive force who challenges massive political structures and wields abilities that make him nearly unstoppable. The desert world of Arrakis becomes the stage for a power struggle filled with intrigue, unpredictability, and the emergence of an extraordinary leader whose motives and impact are as mesmerizing as they are unsettling.

... far-reaching psychological insight and internal struggles of pivotal characters?

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

If you enjoyed the nuanced exploration of the Mule’s psyche and the tension between personal ambition and societal forces, you’ll appreciate The Dispossessed. Follow Shevek, a brilliant physicist navigating the clash of worlds and ideologies, wrestling with isolation, motivation, and the cost of change. Le Guin’s novel delves deeply into the minds of its characters, providing the kind of psychological complexity that made the Mule so compelling.

... a grand, multi-threaded story with complex, interlocking plotlines?

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

If you loved how the Foundation universe’s fate twists around the Mule’s unpredictable rise, you’ll be enthralled by Hyperion’s intricate narrative. The novel weaves together the stories of seven pilgrims, each with their own secrets and motives, all converging on a common destination. This multi-layered plot structure keeps you guessing, much like the unexpected turns in the Mule’s campaign.

... the high-stakes manipulation and power struggles between societies?

The Player Of Games by Iain Banks

If the strategic battles and subtle machinations between the Mule and the Foundation gripped you, you’ll find The Player of Games equally compelling. Watch as Jernau Morat Gurgeh is drawn into the intricate politics of an alien empire, where maneuvering and psychology are as crucial as skill. The shifting alliances and political chess matches will remind you of the Mule’s own brand of subterfuge.

... a protagonist with extraordinary abilities who disrupts the established order?

The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester

If you were captivated by the Mule’s unique powers and the way he outmaneuvers a galaxy-spanning order, The Demolished Man offers a similar thrill. Follow Ben Reich, whose mind-bending abilities and relentless ambition make him a disruptive force in a future society where psychic powers change the rules. The cat-and-mouse dynamic and reality-bending twists will keep you hooked.

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