If you were fascinated by how The Years of Rice and Salt traverses different eras and civilizations, you'll be swept away by Cloud Atlas. Its six interlinked stories move from the 19th century Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future, echoing the epic journey of humanity. Each section features new characters and voices, but together they weave a grand tapestry of human connection, fate, and the cycles of history.

If you loved how The Years of Rice and Salt challenges ideas about history, identity, and belief, you'll find The Dispossessed profoundly rewarding. Following the physicist Shevek as he grapples with the ideals and flaws of two radically different societies, Le Guin’s novel dives into questions of utopia, revolution, and the nature of progress, prompting deep reflection much like Robinson’s work.

If the intricate cultures, religions, and histories in The Years of Rice and Salt drew you in, River of Stars will enchant you. Kay crafts an alternate Song Dynasty China, immersing you in a world shaped by politics, poetry, and war. From the strategist Ren Daiyan to the poet Lin Shan, every detail evokes the depth and complexity of real civilizations, mirroring Robinson’s immersive approach.

If you enjoyed following B, Kyu, and their reincarnated companions through centuries of change, The Long Earth offers another rich ensemble adventure. As characters like Joshua Valienté and Lobsang explore infinite alternate Earths, their intersecting paths and evolving relationships echo the camaraderie and complexity of Robinson’s cast, all set against a backdrop of societal transformation.

If you admired how The Years of Rice and Salt centers on cultural exchange, social structures, and the human heart, The Left Hand of Darkness is a must-read. Genly Ai’s journey across the icy world of Gethen, and his relationship with Estravan, explores themes of identity, gender, and trust in a richly imagined setting—delivering that thoughtful, character-driven science fiction you loved.