If you were drawn to The Shockwave Rider for its in-depth examination of how society shapes its citizens and the consequences of systemic control, you'll find The Dispossessed equally compelling. Follow Shevek, a physicist from an anarchist society, as he navigates the complexities of two very different worlds—one driven by collectivism and the other by capitalist ambition—in his quest to bridge their divides. Le Guin’s worldbuilding is meticulous, immersing you in contrasting cultures and ideologies just as Brunner did.

If you enjoyed Nick Haflinger’s intense struggle against a dystopian future controlled by data and power, Snow Crash offers a similarly electrifying ride. Hiro Protagonist's quest to unravel the mystery behind a brain-hacking computer virus pulls you into a world of corporate intrigue, cybernetic adventure, and relentless action. Stephenson matches Brunner’s momentum with a goal-driven narrative that never lets up.

If you were fascinated by the ethically gray choices and internal struggles of Nick Haflinger as he manipulates systems for survival, Neuromancer will captivate you. Follow Case, a washed-up hacker, as he gets pulled into a high-stakes corporate heist, working with shadowy figures whose motives are anything but pure. Gibson’s antiheroes, shifting allegiances, and noir atmosphere mirror Brunner’s ambiguous characters.

If the intricate, multi-layered plot and panoramic view of a fractured society in The Shockwave Rider drew you in, Stand on Zanzibar—another masterwork by Brunner—offers an even broader tapestry of interconnected stories. Witness disparate lives collide in a world overwhelmed by overpopulation and media saturation, where every character’s arc weaves into a powerful critique of modern civilization.

If you appreciated the sharp social commentary and satirical edge of The Shockwave Rider’s depiction of a future manipulated by information and authority, The Space Merchants is a perfect next step. Follow Mitchell Courtenay, an advertising executive, as he learns the true price of progress in a world ruled by corporations who shape reality itself. The book’s biting wit and allegorical world will resonate with Brunner fans.