The Golden Enclaves

Fans of El Higgins's snarky, powerful, and morally complex nature will adore Gideon Nav. This book offers a similarly intense, dark, and witty narrative set in a gothic, space-necromancy world with a unique magic system, high stakes, and a compelling found family dynamic amidst deadly political intrigue.

For those who loved the dark academia setting and the gritty, dangerous magic of Scholomance, "Ninth House" delivers a similar punch. It features a protagonist with a unique, burdensome magical ability navigating the secret societies and dark rituals of Yale, facing moral ambiguities and uncovering deep-seated conspiracies.

If you appreciated "The Golden Enclaves" for its deconstruction of magical school tropes and its exploration of the darker, more cynical side of magic and power, "The Magicians" is a perfect fit. It follows a disillusioned protagonist at a secret magic university, grappling with existential angst, moral ambiguity, and the harsh realities of a magical world.

Readers drawn to the intensely challenging, psychological, and claustrophobic academic setting of Scholomance will find a powerful resonance in "Vita Nostra." This surreal and philosophical novel plunges its protagonist into a bizarre and demanding institute where the nature of reality and self are constantly questioned, demanding a unique kind of survival.

For fans who admired El's resilience, immense power, and moral compromises in a brutal academic environment, "The Poppy War" offers a similarly intense and dark journey. It follows a strong female lead through a grueling military academy and into a devastating war, exploring themes of power, survival, and the cost of rebellion with unflinching honesty.

If the morally ambiguous characters, complex power dynamics, and intense, fast-paced narrative of "The Golden Enclaves" appealed to you, "Vicious" will be a thrilling read. This story delves into the lives of individuals with extraordinary abilities, exploring the blurred lines between hero and villain and the consequences of wielding immense power.

While different in pacing, "Piranesi" shares "The Golden Enclaves'" unique sense of a mysterious, isolated, and dangerous world with hidden truths. Readers who enjoyed the atmospheric tension and the gradual unveiling of a complex reality will be captivated by this introspective and philosophical journey through an enigmatic, labyrinthine House.

If you were fascinated by the intricate and dangerous magic system of Scholomance and enjoyed El's analytical approach to survival, "Sufficiently Advanced Magic" offers a similar appeal. It features a protagonist who meticulously studies a complex, rule-based magic system within a magical academy, facing challenges and uncovering conspiracies with a logical, problem-solving mindset.

For those who appreciated the cleverness, intricate world-building, and high-stakes action surrounding a unique magic system in "The Golden Enclaves," "Foundryside" delivers. It follows a resourceful protagonist who can magically "re-scribe" reality, challenging established power structures in a vibrant, dangerous city filled with ingenious magical constructs and thrilling heists.

If the concept of a hidden, dangerous, and magical world existing just beneath the mundane resonated with you, "Neverwhere" will be a captivating read. It features a reluctant hero thrust into the perilous London Below, a gritty, atmospheric realm filled with unique characters, dark magic, and a desperate quest for survival and a way home.