Books Like Persepolis Rising

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Jefferson Mays narrates James S.A. Corey's 21-hour Expanse entry with an ensemble-spanning range that makes the novel's multiple POVs feel like distinct people rather than variations on the same authorial voice — he gives the aging Holden a different weight from the sharper, younger characters, which matters in an installment built around time's passage and consequence. The political scope is vast and Mays keeps it human. One recommendation is another Mays , and nine are highly rated space opera titles in the same ambitious, politically serious tradition.

10 books for fans of Persepolis Rising

  1. 1
    The Mercy of Gods cover

    The Mercy of Gods

    The Captive's War • Book 1

    by James S.A. Corey

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    When alien conquerors treat humanity as experimental subjects in their ancient war, survival depends on proving we're worth keeping alive. Corey crafts cosmic horror with intimate stakes.

    4.16 Goodreads (38.5K ratings)
  2. 2
    Too Like the Lightning cover

    Too Like the Lightning

    Terra Ignota • Book 1

    by Ada Palmer

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    Set in a world where nation-states are replaced by philosophical tribes, this genre-defying novel follows a convict-narrator investigating crimes that could shatter utopian society.

    3.81 Goodreads (15.9K ratings)
  3. 3
    Morning Star cover

    Morning Star

    Red Rising • Book 3

    by Pierce Brown

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    Darrow leads the final rebellion against the Gold overlords who hanged his wife and enslaved his people in this devastating conclusion to his revolutionary war.

    4.55 Goodreads (414.3K ratings)
  4. 4
    Defiance of the Fall 2 cover

    Defiance of the Fall 2

    Defiance of the Fall • Book 2

    by TheFirstDefier, J.F. Brink

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    Zac has secured his island and grown incredibly powerful, but his strength attracts dangerous attention from natives, aliens, and the System itself. This LitRPG sequel balances character development with relentless progression mechanics.

    4.52 Goodreads (12.1K ratings)
  5. 5
    Golden Son cover

    Golden Son

    Red Rising • Book 2

    by Pierce Brown

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    Darrow must maintain his Gold disguise while orchestrating a rebellion that could free the enslaved Red caste. Brown's middle volume amplifies the stakes with space warfare and political betrayal.

    4.50 Goodreads (505.3K ratings)
  6. 6
    A Civil Campaign cover

    A Civil Campaign

    Vorkosigan Saga (Publication Order) • Book 12

    by Lois McMaster Bujold

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    Imperial Auditor Miles Vorkosigan faces his greatest challenge yet—winning the heart of widow Ekaterin Vorsoisson, who's developed a violent allergy to marriage.

    4.41 Goodreads (20.4K ratings)
  7. 7
    The Dark Forest cover

    The Dark Forest

    Remembrance of Earth's Past • Book 2

    by Liu Cixin, Joel Martinsen

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    If the universe is a dark forest full of hidden predators, humanity just revealed its location to the Trisolaran fleet.

    4.40 Goodreads (224.9K ratings)
  8. 8
    Zero Hour cover

    Zero Hour

    Expeditionary Force • Book 5

    by Craig Alanson

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    Alanson puts his space-faring humans in seemingly impossible straits: ship failing, AI companion apparently dead, and an alien civil war raging around them with no way home.

    4.37 Goodreads (14.8K ratings)
  9. 9
    Black Ops cover

    Black Ops

    Expeditionary Force • Book 4

    by Craig Alanson

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    Joe Bishop's crew thought they'd secured Earth's safety, but their ancient AI's ominous 'Not so much' response launches them into their most dangerous mission yet.

    4.34 Goodreads (16.5K ratings)
  10. 10
    Mirror Dance cover

    Mirror Dance

    Vorkosigan Saga (Publication Order) • Book 8

    by Lois McMaster Bujold

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    Miles Vorkosigan's clone-brother Mark steals his identity for a rescue mission that turns deadly, forcing both to confront what makes them truly themselves.

    4.32 Goodreads (23.4K ratings)