7 Books That Will Give You the Same Feels as Dune and Ender's Game

If you’re a fan of science fiction, chances are you’ve read (and loved) Dune and Ender’s Game. These two classics are some of the most beloved sci-fi novels of all time, and for good reason — they’re both incredibly well-written, with memorable characters, compelling stories, and deep themes about humanity and our place in the universe. But if you’ve finished these books and are looking for something new to dive into, don’t worry — there are plenty of other sci-fi novels out there that will give you similar feels. Here are seven of our favorites:

1. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Like Ender’s Game, The Forever War is a story about a young man who goes off to fight in an intergalactic war against an alien race. But whereas Ender’s Game is primarily a coming-of-age story about a boy becoming a hero, The Forever War is a more complex and mature book that explores the devastating effects of war on those who fight it.

2. Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Like Dune, Hyperion is a high-concept sci-fi epic that takes place in a universe filled with strange creatures and ancient mysteries. Set in a distant future where humanity has conquered the stars but lost touch with its own history, this novel follows a group of pilgrims on their journey to the mysterious planet of Hyperion. Along the way, they encounter strange creatures, ancient artifacts, and hidden agendas that threaten to unravel everything they thought they knew about their universe.

3. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card

If you loved Ender’s Game but were disappointed by its sequels, check out Speaker for the Dead — it’s widely regarded as one of Card’s best novels. Set years after the events of Ender’s Game, Speaker for the Dead follows Ender as he travels to a distant planet to investigate the death of an alien race. Along the way, he must confront his own past actions and come to terms with his role as a savior of humanity.

4. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

Like Dune, Ancillary Justice is a sprawling epic that takes place across multiple planets and cultures. Set in a universe where humans have conquered much of space but still cling to old prejudices and ways of life, this novel follows Breq, an exiled soldier who seeks revenge on her former leader for betraying her. But as she travels across space and uncovers new truths about her own existence, she realizes that her quest for revenge may be part of something much larger than herself.

5. Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke

Like both Dune and Ender’s Game, Childhood’s End is a novel that explores big ideas about humanity’s destiny in the universe. Set in the near future, this book tells the story of an alien race called the Overlords who come to Earth with promises of peace and prosperity. But as humans begin to question their new overlords’ motives, they realize that these aliens may have plans for them that go far beyond what they could have ever imagined.

6. Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey

Like Dune, Leviathan Wakes is a space opera that takes place across multiple planets and cultures. Set in a future where humanity has colonized much of space but still faces old problems like poverty and inequality, this novel follows two unlikely heroes — a washed-up detective and an ice hauler — as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to plunge the entire solar system into war.

7. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Like Ender’s Game (and many other sci-fi classics), The Left Hand of Darkness is primarily concerned with exploring big ideas about what it means to be human. Set on an icy planet where gender roles are fluid and constantly shifting, this novel follows an emissary from Earth as he tries to negotiate an alliance between his people and the inhabitants of this strange world. Along the way, he must confront his own biases and assumptions about what it means to be male or female — or even human at all.

Whether you’re looking for high-concept space opera or thoughtful explorations of what it means to be human in a changing universe, these seven books are sure to give you similar feels as Dune and Ender’s Game. Which one will you read next?