Books Like Babel

If Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang left you reeling, you’re not alone. This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience. With its sharp critique of empire, immersive dark academia setting, and ingenious use of language as magic, Babel lingers long after the last page. But what do you pick up when you’re craving something just as intellectually daring and emotionally intense?

Here’s a list of books that, like Babel, combine big ideas with immersive storytelling—novels that challenge as much as they entertain.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Dark academia steeped in secret societies, occult bargains, and the haunted halls of Yale. Bardugo weaves together magic, privilege, and corruption in a way that will scratch that scholarly itch.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Step into multiple Londons, each with its own relationship to magic and power. For readers who loved Babel’s blend of history and fantasy, Schwab offers a high-stakes tale of politics, ambition, and dangerous magic.

The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

A chilling and original story about a secret society who literally consume books to survive. Dean takes the metaphor of words as sustenance and makes it flesh, perfect if you were fascinated by Babel’s obsession with language.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Mysterious, dreamlike, and unforgettable. Clarke’s labyrinthine world is both enchanting and unsettling, exploring themes of knowledge, isolation, and memory. If you admired the atmosphere and intellectual depth of Babel, this is a natural next step.

Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee

Set in an occupied land where art and magic collide, this novel examines colonialism, identity, and resistance through an inventive fantasy lens. Like Babel, it refuses to shy away from difficult truths while spinning a compelling story.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

An intricate and lyrical love-letter to stories and language. Morgenstern builds a layered world of secret libraries, hidden doors, and narrative puzzles, ideal if what you loved about Babel was its reverence for words themselves.

Ready for Your Next Read?

At The Book Boxes, we love pairing readers with novels that spark both thought and wonder. If you enjoyed Babel and want more stories that challenge, enchant, and linger long after the last page, our Contemporary Literary Fiction Book Subscription is the perfect way to keep discovering your next favourite book.