Apple TV+ has become a sanctuary for science fiction lovers, with hits like Severance, Foundation, and Silo proving that the streamer knows its genre. Silo, based on Hugh Howey's Wool trilogy, returned for a third season on July 3, and its signature cliffhangers are already leaving fans desperate for more. But instead of counting down the days between episodes, why not explore other literary sci-fi series that share the same spirit of discovery, survival, and world-building?
From rogue AI and interspecies colonization to a country that simply vanishes, these three book series will keep you turning pages long after the credits roll. They're perfect for anyone who loved the claustrophobic mystery of Silo and wants to dive deeper into speculative fiction that challenges our understanding of humanity.
1. 'Children of Time' by Adrian Tchaikovsky
This epic hard sci-fi series begins with a brilliant but narcissistic scientist's plan to terraform a distant exoplanet by accelerating evolution. But when a war over the ethics of her work renders Earth uninhabitable, human survivors flee to that very planet—only to find it's already home to a highly intelligent civilization of evolved jumping spiders. The clash between the two species is both thrilling and thought-provoking, exploring themes of communication, empathy, and unity. Over four books, Tchaikovsky crafts a narrative that spans generations, showing how even the most alien beings can find common ground. It's a must-read for fans of Silo's layered mysteries.
2. 'Scattered All Over the Earth' by Yoko Tawada
Described as "cheerfully dystopian," this trilogy imagines a near-future where climate change has caused Japan to disappear. A refugee in Denmark, searching for others from her lost homeland, invents a new language called Panska to connect with the pan-Scandinavian people she meets. Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, weaving a tapestry of friendship and resilience. The quest becomes less about finding other refugees and more about building a new community rooted in shared language and belonging. Tawada's optimistic take on the climate and refugee crises is utterly original and unforgettable—perfect for those who appreciate Silo's focus on community under pressure.
3. 'Wanderers' by Chuck Wendig
This two-book duology (spanning over 1,600 pages) is a vivid sociopolitical portrait of an apocalyptic America. It begins with a sleepwalking epidemic: people become gripped by a trance, forming a flock that marches toward an unknown destination. As the narrative expands, a second pandemic, an extremist group, and a predictive AI all converge. The first book tracks the collapse, while the second explores what comes after. Like Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven, it's a story of survival, trauma, and the strength of the human spirit. For fans of Silo's slow-burn tension and societal breakdown, this is a perfect next read.
If you're looking for more quick sci-fi fixes, check out our list of Binge-Worthy Sci-Fi: 8 Short Series That Pack a Punch. And for more on Silo's clever details, read How Silo Season 3 Turned a Name Change into a Brilliant Easter Egg.
