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Summary
Many well - knownfantasynarratives sop up breathing in from Western Europe , butthere are some genuinely great book of account that pull in their mise en scene and lore from other parts of the world . As a genre , fantasy can go almost anywhere it want to — but most authors use the real world to create their fictional 1 . And because classic likeJ.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringsand C.S. Lewis’Chronicles of Narniabooksare to a great extent pep up by Western Europe , many modern fantasy novel carry on to apply the landscape painting , political sympathies , and religions of the region .
Of course , it ’s important to have diversity in the fantasy genre — and worlds and magic scheme that look the same are bound to feel repetitive over time . gratefully , there are many author modify the traditional access to fantasy by using Eastern localisation to build their tale . Those interested in chequer out phantasy books that are n’t based on Western Europe would do good from following such writers , as their kit and caboodle are some of the well modern additions to the music genre .
Every corking fantasy series includes intricate worldbuilding and character arcs , and the best can balance complex magic with compelling stories .
10The Poppy War By R.F. Kuang
Inspired By 20th Century China
The Poppy Warby R.F. Kuang is the first fantasy book in a thrilling trilogy , and it ’s bring heavy praise since its 2018 release . The novel and its sequel are set in a world inspired by 20th Century China , and Kuang ’s coming to the setting and aura is a highlight of the floor . The Poppy Wardoesn’t just use 20th Century China to create its geographics and stage setting , either . Kuang pulls the primary conflict forthwith from a real event : the 2nd Sino - Japanese War ( viaNYC Museum Gallery ) .
gratuitous to say , The Poppy Waris a must - read story for fantasy lovers who are also history fan . But even those without knowledge of the events that inspired Kuang ’s novel might be inspired to learn more after translate Rin ’s write up . It ’s worth noting that the history behindThe Poppy Waris dark and red , and Kuang ’s novel does n’t hold back from portraying that . This makes it more naturalistic , and that belike bestow to the Koran ’s success .
script In The Poppy War Trilogy In Order
Release Year
The Poppy War
2018
The Dragon Republic
2019
The Burning God
Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore
2020
9Children Of Blood And Bone By Tomi Adeyemi
Draws From West African Mythology
Tomi Adeyemi’sChildren of Blood and Bonetakes place in the Kingdom of Orïsha , andthe story ’s setting and magic are inhale by West African mythology . Adeyemi has discussed how her Nigerien heritage influence the tale she tells in herLegacy of Orïshatrilogy ( viaBBC ) , which find out a girl named Zélie trying to reverse a corrupt monarch and bring magic back to her land . The author works West African civilization into multiple parts of the narrative , whether it ’s through the spoken communication the characters use or the obstacle they face .
Adeyemi has discussed how her Nigerien heritage tempt the story she indite in herLegacy of Orïshatrilogy .
Children of ancestry and Boneuses the language and religious belief of the Yoruba people within its level , and it also crafts its scene using tangible West African cities . Adeyemi ’s world feels masterfully built , and her real - life influence likely contribute to that . Children of bloodline and Boneis a not bad book for anyone hoping to explore African - inspire phantasy narratives — and its third and final sequel , Children of Anguish and Anarchy , is out as of June 2024 .
Books In The Legacy Of Orïsha Trilogy In guild
Children of Blood and Bone
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Children of Anguish and Anarchy
2024
8Jade City By Fonda Lee
The Green Bone Saga Pulls From East Asian Culture
Jade Cityis the first book in Fonda Lee’sGreen Bone Saga , and it ’s typeset on the Island of Kekon . Although Kekon is n’t identical to any specific veridical - world location , it ’s light that Lee pull inspiration from East Asian culture in her 2017 novel and its sequels . Kekon has been likened to Hong Kong in the late 1900s , and Lee also revealed that locations like Taiwan , Singapore , and Japan influenced its creation ( viaFantasy Faction ) .
When it come to natural action , Jade Cityalso intermix magic with warriorlike liberal arts , making it a unique story that ’s double-dyed for anyone who enjoysmartial arts movies with fantasy element . In aReddit AMA , Lee accept she put a circumstances of time and inquiry into figure out East Asiatic culture and influence intoJade Citywithout replicate any single space or crusade . The resultant is impressive , and it ’s one phantasy lovers should be certain to check out .
Books In The Green Bone Saga In Order
Jade City
2017
Jade War
Jade Legacy
2021
7The City Of Brass By S.A. Chakraborty
Draws From Islamic Culture
The City of Brassauthor S.A. Chakraborty converted to Islam as a teenager , andthe novel draws great aspiration from Islamic culture and history . The City of Brassis the first novel in Chakraborty’sDaevabad Trilogy , which is set in the fictional world that gives the serial its form of address , as well as Egypt . Islam tempt many aspects ofThe City of Brassand its sequel , and this is evident from the very starting time of the first al-Qur’an .
The City of Brassexpertly weaves its Moslem influences into its narrative , andthey can be found in everything from the Nahri ’s choices to the Djinn faith . It ’s clear a mickle of inquiry expire intoThe Daevabad Trilogy , and the source has share some resource onSAChakraborty.com . Chakraborty has received plenty of praise for her use of Middle Eastern folklore , which is a clear sign for phantasy readers to expand their reading and pick upThe City of Brass .
Books In The Daevabad Trilogy In Order
The City of Brass
The Kingdom of Copper
The Empire of Gold
6Iron Widow By Xiran Jay Zhao
Medieval China Is A Major Influence
Iron Widowwas one of the biggest YA fantasy book to reach shelves in 2021 , andXiran Jay Zhao ’s debut is majorly influenced by Medieval China . In fact , Iron Widowreimagines the narrative of Wu Zetian , the only distaff Saturnia pavonia China has ever had . The novel chronicle this heroine ’s rise within the context of a dystopian and futurist society called Huaxian . It ’s obvious that Huaxia draw stirring from Medieval China , which makes sense , as that ’s when Wu Zetian reign .
Aside from the obvious allusions to Medieval China in its main patch , Iron Widowalso arrest more subtle references to Taiwanese acculturation . Its Chrysalises are found on Chinese mythological creatures , like the Nine - Tailed Fox and the Black Tortoise , and the patriarchal organization it endeavour to deconstruct is base on Ancient China . Needless to say , Iron Widowis exactly the variety of fantasy book to cull up if you ’re looking for influences outside Western Europe .
Books In The Iron Widow Duology In Order
Iron Widow
Heavenly Tyrant
TBD
5The Jasmine Throne By Tasha Suri
Inspired By Ancient India
The Jasmine Throneis anunderrated phantasy bookwritten by Tasha Suri , and it ’s one that deserves more care in the genre . The first book inThe Burning Kingdomstrilogy , The Jasmine Thronedraws inspiration from ancient Native American history and mythology . It ’s position in the fictional Empire of Parajatdvipa , which is heavily influenced by India .
The Jasmine Throne ’s fundamental premise — the captive princess , Malini , and her maidservant , Priya , teaming up to take down Malini ’s corrupt brother — redact a fun feminist spin on Amerind epics , delivering a politically charged and absorbing story in the process . Suri ’s series also features a sapphic love story at its core , form it a smashing pick for those looking for LGBTQ+ internal representation in fantasy as well . All in all , The Jasmine Throneis an idealistic selection for those attend for South Asian - inspired phantasy tale .
Word of God In The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy In Order
The Jasmine Throne
The Oleander Sword
2022
The Lotus Empire
4We Hunt The Flame By Hafsah Faizal
Draws Inspiration From Ancient Arabia
Hafsah Faizal’sWe Hunt the Flamegot a lot of attention when it debut in 2019 , andthe novel and its sequel both draw inhalation from Ancient Arabia . This is most obvious when it comes to the book ’s master stage setting , the Kingdom of Arawiya , which is influenced by Ancient Arabia . Faizal has discussed her reasons for basing her globe on Ancient Arabia , tellingAudible , " I have n’t seen Ancient Arabia portrayed in a familiar way . "
That alone makesWe Hunt the Flamea brisk change of pace in the phantasy genre , butthe book works other element of Islamic culture into its narrative as well . For example , We trace the Flame ’s ifrits are pulled from Muslim mythology . Moslem culture glow through the pages in less obvious slipway as well . It makesWe Hunt the Flame ’s earthly concern feel rich and elaborated , while the enemies - to - lovers narrative lands all the correct emotional round .
Books In The Sands of Arawiya Series In fiat
We Hunt the Flame
We Free the Stars
3Daughter Of The Moon Goddess By Sue Lynn Tan
Draws From Chinese Mythology
Daughter of the Moon Goddessdraws from Chinese mythologyto tell its story , and Sue Lynn Tan ’s influences are clear in everything from the book ’s cover to its cardinal conflict . This debut novel rend from the caption of Chang’e , a authoritative story about the Formosan lunar month goddess ( viaStarburst Magazine ) . The novel recognize how many different narrative there are about this mythical figure from the very rootage . Then it gives us its own floor from her girl ’s perspective .
This unequaled access to a well - known caption makesDaughter of the Moon Goddessinstantly challenging .
This unique plan of attack to a well - known legend makesDaughter of the Moon Goddessinstantly challenging . The novel does a solid task tell a narration that feels familiar but is very much its own . Those less familiar with Chinese mythology may even learn some raw things from the Scripture — andit could exhort them to pick up more Asiatic - inspired fantasy books in the time to come .
Books In The Celestial Kingdom Series In Order
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Heart of the Sun Warrior
2The Sword Of Kaigen By M.L. Wang
Inspired By Japanese & Korean Culture
The Sword of Kaigenby M.L. Wang is another underrated gem of the fantasy genre , and the novel ’s East Asian influences are obvious throughout its report . The book takes place in the Kaigenese Empire , which draws inspiration from Japan and Korea . The warrior polish present throughoutThe Sword of Kaigenis redolent of Nipponese samurai , just with primary magic weave into it .
The Sword of Kaigenalso alludes to its East Asian breathing in through its dialog , family kinetics , weaponry , and dress . All of these elements of the leger make its setting feel thoroughly fleshed out . you’re able to even see the novel ’s influence on its back , which is just as compelling as the story inside . The Sword of Kaigenis well worth checking out , specially for those interested in Japanese and Korean culture .
1These Violent Delights By Chloe Gong
Set In 1920s Shanghai
Chloe Gong’sThese Violent Delightsis the first book in a duology that ’s set in Shanghaiin the 1920s , and as its backdrop suggest , it draws heavily from Chinese account and culture . These Violent DelightsreimaginesRomeo and Julietin this place setting , realise it an intriguing blend of Shakespearean retelling , fantasy adventure , and historical fiction . While the phantasy constituent of Gong ’s story obviously are n’t accurate , the consultation to colonialism and organized criminal offense are relevant and based on genuine history .
These Violent DelightsreimaginesRomeo and Julietin this setting , making it an intriguing blend of Shakespearean retelling , fantasy adventure , and diachronic fiction .
InThese Violent Delights , Gong explores the influence that the West had on Shanghai in the 1920safter Britain , France , and the U.S. start settling there . The source does this through a fantastical lens , but it ’s still interesting to pick out the portion of this story that stem from existent life . Through these element , Gong see that herfantasyduology tackles important subjects like colonialism and racism . uncalled-for to say , These Violent Delightsis style more than just an foe - to - lovers romanticism .
Source : NYC Museum Gallery , BBC , Fantasy Faction , SAChakraborty.com , Audible , Starburst Magazine
