Hey everyone!
I’m working on something and looking to broaden my inspiration pool a bit. Specifically, I’d love recommendations for fantasy books that feature East Asian or broader Asian-inspired settings and worldbuilding, anything from mythology and religion to political structures, magical systems, or aesthetics.
I’m especially interested in stories that:
Build immersive, well-thought-out cultures inspired by Asian history/myth
Explore large-scale magical or technological systems in unique ways
Use art, religion, or craftsmanship as key parts of the world (bonus points!)
Some books I’ve already got on my radar:
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (wasn’t a huge fan)
Jade City by Fonda Lee (loved it!!)
Any recommendations you enjoyed, even if they’re a bit off the beaten path, would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
by Kirailove
3 Comments
It’s sci-fi instead of fantasy, but [*Iron Widow* by Xiran Jay Zhao](https://bookshop.org/p/books/iron-widow-book-1-xiran-jay-zhao/b6a8de694740bc7a?ean=9780735269934&next=t&next=t&affiliate=77955) might be up your alley! It’s a sci-fi based on a historical female emperor in China.
Cradle? A Thousand Li? Forge of Destiny?
So not entirely the brief, but you ever read Chung Kuo by David Wyngrove its set in a future where China has taken over and everything is Chinese culture and political systems