“Grief was a cruel, heavy boot pressed so hard against his chest that he could not breathe.”
If you found yourself captivated by Babel by R.F. Kuang, with its rich blend of historical fantasy, linguistic magic and dark academia themes, you’re certainly not the only one. This critically acclaimed bestseller delves into translation, colonialism and power, making it one of the most thought-provoking recent fantasy novels. Today at What We Reading, we’re paying homage to Kuang’s work with the best books like Babel – stories that feature dark academia, historical fantasy and the magic of language. Whether you’re drawn to books about translation, empire or the academic world, or you’re a fan of immersive historical fiction with a fantastical twist, these books are sure to whisk you to some equally mesmerising worlds.
The Atlas Six (The Atlas #1) – Olivie Blake
First up on our list of books like Babel is Olivie Blake’s The Atlas Six. The story hones in on six of the world’s most talented magicians, each chosen to compete for a spot in the Alexandrian Society, an exclusive and mysterious organisation preserving lost knowledge. Each decade, only five initiates are granted access to the society’s power, whilst one is eliminated – permanently.
As the scholars delve into esoteric magic, illusions, and the mystical study of language and knowledge, alliances shift, secrets unravel and unchecked ambition soon leads to deadly consequences. With magic set in academia, morally complex characters and philosophical debates on power and knowledge, The Atlas Six is one of the best follow-ups for fans of Babel for another read that blends scholarly intrigue, fantasy and high-stakes intellectual competition.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant (The Masquerade #1) – Seth Dickinson
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson is a gripping historical fantasy novel that, like Babel, explores themes of colonialism, empire and power through knowledge and strategy. Baru Cormorant grows up in a free island nation, but when the expansionist Masquerade empire colonises her home, she sees firsthand the devastating effects of imperial rule – erasing cultures, enforcing economic control and rewriting histories.
Hellbent on destroying the empire from within, Baru enters its elite political system, using her brilliance in economics, manipulation and strategy to quickly rise through the ranks. Yet, as she gains power and prestige, she is soon confronted with impossible decisions: How much of herself must she betray to dismantle the system from within?
The Dictionary Of Lost Words – Pip Williams
Esme is a young girl in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century growing up in the scriptorium where scholars hastily compile the first Oxford English Dictionary. As she observes how words are selected and discarded, Esme realises that many terms used by women and the working classes are excluded.
Determined to preserve these ‘lost’ words, she starts collecting them, discovering how language shapes power, identity and history. Similar to Babel, Pip Williams’ The Dictionary of Lost Words explores the influence of language, academia and the erasure of marginalised voices. With its lyrical prose and feminist themes, it is undoubtedly one of the best books for anyone who loves books about translation, words and the impact of language on society.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (Strange & Norrell #1) – Susanna Clarke
Set in nineteenth-century England during the Napoleonic Wars, Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell follows two scholars of magic – Mr Norrell, a reclusive, bookish magician determined to restore English magic through careful study, and Jonathan Strange, his bold and impulsive apprentice with a natural talent for the arcane.
As the two magicians uncover the lost history of magic, they soon become ensnared in ancient myths, forgotten knowledge and the dangerous realm of fate. Their contrasting philosophies on magic lead to rivalry, ambition and increasingly dark consequences, echoing a book like Babel’s exploration of academic power and the true costs of knowledge.
She Who Became The Sun (The Radiant Emperor #1) – Shelley Parker-Chan
Like Babel, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan is a historical fantasy novel that explores empire, destiny and resistance against oppressive power. Set in China during the rise of the Ming Dynasty during the fourteenth century, the story centres on Zhu Chongba, a girl who defies fate itself. After her family is wiped out by famine and war, she takes on her deceased brother’s identity and his prophesied destiny of greatness, joining a monastery and later rising through the ranks of his rebel army.
As Zhu navigates the brutal world of politics, war and ambition, she is forced to choose how far she is willing to go – and who she is willing to become – to claim the mandate of heaven. With its rich historical setting, and themes of identity, power and fate, She Who Became the Sun is perfect for fans of books like Babel that blend historical fantasy with deep political intrigue and empire-building.
The Cloisters – Katy Hays
Katy Hays’ The Cloisters is another one of the best dark academia novels like Babel that explores hidden knowledge, the power of language and the academic world’s obsessions with the arcane. Set in the mysterious world of New York’s elite art historians, the novel orbits around Ann Stillwell, a young scholar who lands a heavily sought-after position at The Cloisters, a gothic museum specialising in medieval history and divination.
As Ann becomes immersed in the study of ancient tarot decks and esoteric knowledge, she soon begins to uncover a dangerous secret – one that suggests the ability to predict the future may be real. Nevertheless, as ambition, deception and fate all collide, she is forced to reckon with how far she’s willing to go for power.
The Golem And The Jinni (The Golem And The Jinni #1) – Helene Wecker
Set in the turn-of-the-century New York, The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker follows two mythical beings – a golem, created from clay and bound to serve her master, and a jinni, a fiery spirit freed from centuries of imprisonment.
As the two creatures wrestle with their new lives in the human world, they form an unexpected and unlikely friendship. They both grapple with their identities, desires and past secrets. With its exploration of immigration, identity and language – and a magical system steeped in Jewish folklore and Middle Eastern mythology – The Golem and the Jinni is sure to captivate any fans of books like Babel that delves into the intersection of magic, culture and language.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy #1) – Marlon James
Marlon James’ Black Leopard, Red Wolf is a fantasy epic that, similar to Babel, explores empire, power and identity against a richly detailed world. Set in a fantastical African-inspired land, the story follows Tracker, a mercenary with a unique ability to track people, as he sets out on a mission to find a missing child. Along the way, Tracker forms an uneasy alliance with an eccentric and diverse group of warriors, magic-users and shapeshifters, including the mysterious Red Wolf.
As Tracker’s journey plays out, the group encounters dangerous enemies, political intrigue and the forces of empire. Through its exploration of colonialism, cultural conflict and the blurred lines between myth and reality, Black Leopard, Red Wolf offers a gripping narrative that is sure to resonate with anyone who loves R.F. Kuang’s books.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
