Asian authors have penned countless captivating fantasy tales, introducing fresh perspectives, inspirations, and voices to the genre. Some of their stories feature shadowy assassins, fierce princesses, and determined warriors. Others shine the spotlight on dragons, shape-shifters, or other mythical beings.
But at the end of the day, if you’re searching for fantasy books written by Asian authors, this list is for you!
Here are 15 absolutely amazing fantasy books by Asian authors to read:
- The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
- The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
- The Girl King by Mini Lu
- The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
- Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
- The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
- The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
- The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow by Fuyumi Ono
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
- The Young Elites by Marie Lu
- The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
- Huntress by Malinda Lo
- Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
- Talon by Julie Kagawa
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below. For a quick comparison, here’s a handy chart.
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Description
Two men rebel together against tyranny — and then become rivals — in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.
Wily, charming Kuni Garu, a bandit, and stern, fearless Mata Zyndu, the son of a deposed duke, seem like polar opposites. Yet, in the uprising against the emperor, the two quickly become the best of friends after a series of adventures fighting against vast conscripted armies, silk-draped airships, and shapeshifting gods.
Once the emperor has been overthrown, however, they each find themselves the leader of separate factions — two sides with very different ideas about how the world should be run and the meaning of justice.
Fans of intrigue, intimate plots, and action will find a new series to embrace in the Dandelion Dynasty.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
First on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Grace of Kings. This East Asian-inspired epic novel dazzled fans with its rich world, grandeur and character cast.
Several praised the book for its non-European influence, which stood out to them as refreshing and different in the fantasy genre. Inspired by legends and mythology, The Grace of Kings blended its world with steampunk technology, action and historicism. Many fans described it as complex, philosophical and just plain epic.
In addition to that, these readers were delighted by the character cast. Bristling with warriors, politicians, family members and more, each one came across to fans as adding new depth, dimension and impact to the story. Fans describe themselves as feeling a wide range of emotions for the cast, whether that be anger, affection or anything in between.
All in all, these readers loved following these characters and eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to them.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including The Grace of Kings. If readers didn’t enjoy it, what did they say?
Overall, critics pointed to a lack of character connection for their main reason for disliking the book. For some, there were so many characters that they could neither keep up nor bond with them. Regardless of what happened in to the characters, they felt apathetic, whether that was during their triumphs, losses or deaths.
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Description
To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city.
By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them — the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle.
Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.
Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend — a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike.
And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for again.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Immortal Rules. Readers who enjoyed this novel said that they enjoyed this new, dystopian spin on vampires and a post-apocalyptic world.
While technically The Immortal Rules is a Young Adult Fantasy novel, its tone leans toward adult Fantasy with a teenage protagonist. Along those lines, Kagawa commits to portraying vampires as predators and her world as brutal. She doesn’t spare Allie from pain and loss, but neither does she make Allison’s struggle to adapt self-pitying or melodramatic.
Readers also mentioned that there were great action scenes throughout the story. Kanin, Allison’s ancient vampire mentor, also intrigued them in every scene he was part of.
Negative Comments
Readers who didn’t rate The Immortal Rules highly mentioned that the story starts off fast-paced, but slows down in the middle before picking up speed again.
On the other hand, other readers said that they didn’t find the romantic sub-plot – a light presence in the story – particularly compelling.
The Girl King by Mini Lu
Description
Two sisters become unwitting rivals in a war to claim the title of Emperor in this sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice and betrayal for readers of Sabaa Tahir and Alwyn Hamilton.
All hail the Girl King.
Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty’s first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow.
Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead — a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.
Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally — and an army — if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…
Alone in the volatile court, Min’s hidden power awakens — a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set’s reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself.
But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters’ greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.60
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Third on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Girl King. This story’s fans greatly appreciated its Asian-inspired setting, but also said that they also found novel’s plot captivating. Full of twists and turns, it kept them racing through its pages.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? In general, those who didn’t rate The Girl King highly said that apart from the Asian-inspired setting, the novel wasn’t much different from other Young Adult Fantasy stories. In particular, the main characters came across as standard to them.
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
Description
In an empire controlled by bone shard magic, Lin, the former heir to the emperor will fight to reclaim her magic and her place on the throne. The Bone Shard Daughter marks the debut of a major new voice in epic fantasy.
The emperor’s reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.
Lin is the emperor’s daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.
Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright – and save her people.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.31
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Fourth on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Bone Shard Daughter. Fans praised this novel for its refreshing and intriguing mix of story elements, as well as its likeable characters.
These readers said that the story featured multiple points of view, each of which had a captivating character. While the book was full of plot twists and emotions, the characters kept them glued to The Bone Shard Daughter’s pages. Each had their own distinct personality, moving struggles and authentic relationships. Fans were eager to stay with them through their triumphs and struggles, wanting to find out what would happen.
Negative Comments
What did critics of The Bone Shard Daughter say?
In general, these readers didn’t feel an emotional investment in the characters. Some of them said this was because of the multiple points of view. Since there were several, these readers didn’t feel they had enough time to get to know the cast.
Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
Description
The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.
So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.
The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back.
Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love — a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Fifth on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is Flame in the Mist. Inspired by Mulan, this novel delighted fans with its immersive atmosphere and likable protagonist, Mariko.
Many readers described the book’s world and scenery as lushly realized. Not only did they find themselves quickly absorbed into the story, but they also mentioned that its Japanese cultural elements were rich and well-researched.
As for Mariko, fans praised her as a brave, intelligent heroine with a moving character arc. Seeing her discover her abilities and what she learns – particularly around finding strength in her femininity – gripped them.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? Overall, critics had to comments about Flame in the Mist.
First, they said that the story’s pace was slow. The second was that Mariko didn’t strike them as an authentically ‘strong female character’. Instead, they thought she either acted spoiled or mouthy without facing consequences.
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
Description
A broken bond. A dying land. A cat-and-mouse game that can only end in bloodshed.
Esha is a legend, but no one knows. It’s only in the shadows that she moonlights as the Viper, the rebels’ highly skilled assassin. She’s devoted her life to avenging what she lost in the royal coup, and now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha.
Kunal has been a soldier since childhood, training morning and night to uphold the power of King Vardaan. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path — even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has been growing only more volatile.
Then Esha’s and Kunal’s paths cross — and an unimaginable chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces.
As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both rebel and soldier must make unforgivable choices.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology, the first book in Swati Teerdhala’s debut fantasy trilogy captivates with electric romance, stunning action, and the fierce bonds that hold people together — and drive them apart.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Tiger at Midnight. What did fans love about this novel? Overall, they described it as an adrenaline-infused story that captivated them through its cat-and-mouse plot and exquisite romance.
Readers loved that the book’s pages flew by at a breathless pace. As the characters fought to outdo each other, The Tiger at Midnight took twists and turns that enthralled them.
In addition, fans said that the romantic suspense between Esha and Kunal felt electric. As a welcome bonus, the two protagonists learned and grew through knowing one another. Their relationship forced them to challenge their beliefs, make difficult decisions, and become better people. Seeing this dynamic delighted fans.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about The Tiger at Midnight?
For the most part, these readers had two criticisms. The first was that they thought that the characters, described in the book description as fearsome and tough, didn’t live up to their reputations. Ultimately, these critics came in expecting a grittier and darker story and came away disappointed.
The second was that the story wasn’t as tense as they expected to be. As an explanation, some described the story as one that didn’t build, event after event, to a climactic point. They instead thought that the plot started to feel repetitive.
The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
Description
It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation — or so she’s been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm.
It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother’s visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane.
But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission — and her life.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.91
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
The Burning Sky is another story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors. Readers said that this fantasy novel takes a variety of beloved Young Adult fantasy tropes and blends them together for an entirely unique and exciting experience.
The story world features elemental powers, mythological creatures and elite boarding school drama.
As for the romance, The Burning Sky pairs the powerful mage protagonist, Iolanthe, with the agenda-driven Prince Titus. Readers frequently remarked that Iolanthe delighted them with her backbone, but also through her cleverness and back-and-forth banter with Titus. She adapts well to her difficult circumstances and refuses to self-pity.
In the past, YA fantasy readers have voiced their frustrations with protagonists who let their romantic feelings cloud their judgement – especially when something as serious as the fate of a kingdom is at stake.
Because of this, readers often made a point of saying that both Iolanthe and Titus didn’t follow this pattern. While their attraction grew, they didn’t let it derail them from their greater missions.
Negative Comments
What did readers who didn’t enjoy The Burning Sky say?
Generally, readers expressed similar sentiments: they disliked both Iolanthe and Titus as characters. Because of this, they couldn’t get invested in their romance.
Why was this? Well, critics of The Burning Sky characterized Iolanthe as a Mary Sue: a character so perfect at all she does and in her attributes that it’s unbelievable.
These readers said that Iolanthe’s ‘Chosen One’ status defined her. She was strong in the sense of being highly competent. However, she didn’t have dreams, hopes or fears of her own that were unrelated to her foretold destiny.
As for Titus, critics said that ultimately, he bothered them as a romantic prospect. He’s set up as a good person who only feigns a spoiled and manipulative persona.
However, these readers said that after a while, this didn’t seem like a mask. Instead, it seemed like his true face. As such, they thought that the story used the characters’ physical attraction to each other to avoid addressing important relational issues.
The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow by Fuyumi Ono
Description
For high-schooler Yoko Nakajima, life has been fairly ordinary – that is until Keiki, a young man with golden hair, tells Yoko they must return to their kingdom.
Once confronted by this mysterious being and whisked away to an unearthly realm, Yoko is left with only a magical sword; a gem; and a million questions about her destiny, the world she’s trapped in, and the world she desperately wants to return to.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.20
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow is next on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors. This fantasy novel stunned readers with its impressive portrayal of its protagonist’s growth.
Over the course of the story, Yoko changes from vulnerable and dependent to a brave, confident hero. Readers described this as both convincing and inspiring.
Negative Comments
Not everyone thought that The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow was for them, though. These readers typically said that while Yoko grew by the end of the book, her weak character lasted too long. As a protagonist, she grated on them.
Others said that the story itself became repetitive. Yoko goes through many battles, but readers suggested that they seemed too frequent and similar. As a result, instead of grabbing readers, they slowed the book down.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Descriptions
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Iron King. This fantasy novel delighted fans with its adrenaline-packed adventure plot, imaginative world and relatable protagonist, Meghan.
Meghan, these readers said, came across to them as extremely relatable. While she began the story uncertain and insecure, she grew into a brave character. Seeing her overcome her fears in order to save her brother made these readers cheer for and admire her.
Aside from that, fans commented on The Iron King’s intriguing world. Jam-packed with magical creatures and enchanting new places, this novel transported readers into its pages. Many said that this, paired with exciting action, kept them eager to know what would happen next.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about The Iron King?
Overall, if critics didn’t enjoy this novel, they cited Meghan as the reason. Several described her as either a passive protagonist or a ‘damsel in distress‘. For instance, the two main supporting characters, both of whom were men, frequently had to rescue her.
This frustrated critics, who thought too much of the book’s plot relied on this setup.
Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
Description
Zoe Ardelay receives astonishing and unwelcome news: she has been chosen to become the king’s fifth wife. Forced to go to the royal city, she manages to slip away and hide on the shores of the mighty river.
It’s there that Zoe realizes she is a coru prime ruled by the elemental sign of water. She must return to the palace, not as an unwilling bride for the king, but a woman with power in her own right.
But as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood and the secrets of the royal family she must decide how to use her great power to rise above the deceptions and intrigue of the royal court.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is Troubled Waters. This novel enchanted readers primarily through Zoe, it’s protagonist, and the authentic romance between her and her love interest.
Fans described Zoe as a refreshing heroine, one that starts off in a vulnerable state but grows into a strong and self-possessed individual. Her journey moved these readers, who found her relatable and appreciated that she wasn’t the hyper-competent protagonist type.
In addition, others said that Troubled Water’s romance caught their attention. They contrasted it with romances in other fantasy books, which they said tended to say relied on ‘love at first sight’ with little substance behind it. Not so with this novel, which fans praised as having two strong characters who have gain trust and mutual respect for each other. These readers praised it as heartwarming.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Troubled Waters? Well, they tended to focus on either Zoe as a protagonist or the story’s means of characterizing its cast.
For the former, these readers described Zoe as overly favored by the story. For example, some of them said she adapted too easily to the changes around her while others said she’d make frustrating decisions but face no consequences for it. As a result, these readers found her unlikeable.
In terms of the latter, critics said that the book tended to characterize its cast by astrology descriptions rather than showing those traits in action.
On the other hand, other readers didn’t mind being told about a character’s traits, but didn’t like how frequently those traits were attributed to the character’s astrological sign. This group of readers started to feel that the astrological signs dominated characters instead of informing about them.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Description
I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever.
A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was.
Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars — they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king.
As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society.
This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle.
But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next up on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Young Elites. Fans praised the novel for giving them Adelina, this story’s teen protagonist. She may battle a sense of worthlessness, but she’s ultimately a determined, ambitious and formidable character.
In addition, others mentioned that they liked the fascinating cast and appreciated that the romantic sub-plot was kept light.
Negative Comments
As for critics, those who didn’t rate The Young Elites highly said that they found it difficult to connect to Adelina.
They mentioned that the ‘dark’ aspect of her character came across to them as meanness rather than moral weaknesses or complexity. As such, it was hard for them to get invested in her story.
Other said that while they found the story’s premise interesting, they found it difficult to get emotionally invested in it.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
Description
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish: to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she’ll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in eighteenth-century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age — her tyrannical father has made that much clear.
As Nannerl’s hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true — but his help may cost her everything.
In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is The Kingdom of Back.
This novel blends Fantasy and Historical fiction, something that delighted fans. Many described it as a beautiful melding of both genres, one that was unique and full of atmosphere, both magical and historical. Fans were easily absorbed into The Kingdom of Back‘s world.
Along with that, they also connected deeply with Nannerl. Fans described her as immensely easy to empathize with: fighting for recognition in a world set again her, she struck them as very human.
Moreover, they often said that her mixture of love and rivalry with Wolfgang was sweet and heartwarming.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy The Kingdom of Back, what did they say? In general, critics had two reasons.
The first had to do with the story’s genre. Those who preferred it be more Historical were bothered by the Fantasy elements, while whose who preferred the Fantasy genre thought it wasn’t fantastical enough.
Apart from that, some described the plot as episodic rather than growing organically. Critics thought that this made it seem like the story was more a series of events rather than building in a clear direction.
Huntress by Malinda Lo
Description
Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn’t shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people’s survival hangs in the balance.
To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly.
And yet the two girls’ destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.
The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo’s highly acclaimed novel Ash is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by the I Ching, and is filled with action and romance.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.80
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
What did fans of the next story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors, Huntress, have to say? Describing this story as a heart-pounding adventure lead by two LGBTQ protagonists, these readers prasied it for having plenty of action.
Both Kaede and Taisin came across as well-fleshed out and strong in their own ways, and the lack of stigma in Huntress’ world about their romance delighted fans. through their attraction toward each other is a forbidden love story, what keeps them apart revolves around social class and circumstance. Banter-filled and sweet, their relationship made these readers smile.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Huntress, what did they say? For the most part, critics had two reasons for disliking the novels. The first was that Kaede and Taisin’s romance struck them as an artificial, love-at-first-sight relationship. The second was that the story’s point of view confused them, since it switched from character to character within the same scene.
Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
Description
One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish — and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.
Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.
Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure — one part of the ancient scroll.
There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost.
Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.
With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is Shadow of the Fox. What about this novel enchanted readers? Overall, it was the mixture of a fascinating world and great character cast.
Fans enthused over the enigmatic creatures, beautiful forests, cities and more that this book’s pages introduced to them. With vivid imagery and intricate world-building, this Japanese-inspired setting captured readers’ imaginations. Many said they were completely transported into Shadow of the Fox’s settings.
Others also mentioned how much they enjoyed the characters. They described them as likable, interesting and overall great protagonists to lead this fast-paced story.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, not even Shadow of the Fox. If readers didn’t enjoy this novel, what did they point to as reasons?
In general, they tended to say the story was predictable. Some of them said this was because the main characters came across as recognizable types (aloof warrior and naïve girl), while others said they thought the romance and quest developed and ended exactly as they expected.
Talon by Julie Kagawa
Description
The Dragons of Talon:
Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world.
The Order of St. George:
The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth.
These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.
To take her rightful place in the Talon organization, young dragon Ember Hill must prove she can hide her true nature and blend in with humans.
Her delight at the prospect of a summer of “normal” teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she’s also expected to train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.
As Ember struggles to accept her future, St. George soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian is tasked with hunting her down.
But when faced with Ember’s bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything the Order has ingrained in him – and what he might be willing to give up to uncover the truth about dragons.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Last on our list of fantasy books by Asian authors is Talon by Julie Kagawa. Packed with action and adventure, this novel delighted readers with its combination of excitement, dragons and romance.
The characters themselves also captivated these readers, who often said that there wasn’t a single character they didn’t like. Even Ember, who some readers said initially came across as immature, won them over.
Furthermore, they said that experiencing the story from all three main character’s point of views was a wonderful treat.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Talon, what did they say?
Critics commonly cited Ember herself as well as the story’s familiarity as the culprits. For instance, they said that Ember didn’t come across as a person yearning for freedom for sympathetic reasons. Instead, she came across to them as childish and self-centered.
Ember speaks contemptuously of Talon and its members, who thwart her from doing what she wants. However, these readers pointed out that what Ember rails against are minor inconveniences. Either that or the logical actions of people who take keeping her alive seriously.
Other readers said that they wished the story would deviate more from standard YA fantasy. The story promises dragons and dragon slayers. It delivers. However, readers said that the story’s execution of these concepts was too predictable for their taste.
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