Asian-inspired fantasies have been on the rise in recent days. This makes me happy for many reasons, five of which I share below.
- My first book love is and continues to be fantasy. I love how the fantasy genre demonstrates what it means to be human by putting people in impossible situations. Put more simply, fantasies take us on an adventure that, chances are, we wouldn’t go on if given the opportunity.
- I love asian mythology and folklore. While I’m not well-versed in it, I grew up hearing many stories as a child and enjoy reading stories reminiscent of the folktales my mother told me.
- I can relate to many of the cultural elements. I have a blast seeing words in print that my parents use at home.
- The characters look like me. While it matters more to me that the author makes me empathize with a character than having a character look like me, it’s fun when the author achieves this with a character that shares a similar cultural background. Because I not only understand the character—I know from experience where he or she is coming from.
- Most of my favorite books are written by white people. Nothing wrong with that—I love and respect these authors. It does make it all the cooler when I find an asian author whose work I love. Especially when this author writes fantasy (see reason #1).
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
When I was younger I wasn’t aware that Asian inspired fantasy books existed. Or that, I never really came across any. After getting into blogging & Twitter, I now have the opportunities to read so many Asian books that are fantasy, SciFi, historical, crime, and so on!
Crystal says
I wish I could say I read some asian-inspired fantasy books when I was younger, but I can’t think of any off the top of my head. I love how the blogging community exposes me to so many new kinds of reads! 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I love Asian-inspired fantasies as well. There’s such a rich culture there to be explored!
Crystal says
I agree. There’s so much to explore with asian culture!
Lindsi says
I haven’t heard of this one, but I just added it to my TBR! I recently read Descendent of the Crane and really enjoyed it! I’ve also read Shadow of the Fox (loved) and now I’m reading Soul of the Sword (loving) by Julie Kagawa.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy this one, Lindsi. I’ve heard wonderful things about Descendent of the Crane and Shadow of the Fox. I need to read them!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I enjoyed this book Crystal! I can see why it hit all the ticks for an enjoyable Asian read for you. I love when Asian words and mythology are used in stories. Just like this with the Chinese. We need more stories like this. ❤️
Crystal says
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this book, Dani. I agree. It’d be wonderful to get more stories like this in English (especially since I can’t read Mandarin Chinese lol)! <3
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
Love your five reasons and I’ve noticed a trend in this genre lately…which I am loving!
Crystal says
Glad to hear that, Kimberly! 🙂
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I don’t read much fantasy, and I don’t think I’ve ever read an Asian-inspired fantasy. It sounds like a genre I need to try!
Crystal says
If you get the chance to read an asian-inspired fantasy, I hope you enjoy it, Aj!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
There have been a lot more Asian inspired fantasies lately, and I love it! I can see why you would especially love being able to relate and read about characters like you and support Asian authors. For me, I love getting to experience a totally different culture from my own while I’m reading 🙂
Crystal says
Experiencing a different culture is one of the many things I love about fantasy. Happy to hear you’re enjoying more of this with asian-inspired fantasies! 🙂
Sophia Rose says
I have noticed and love the uptick of Asian fantasy stories. I recently snagged Julie Kagawa’s Shadow of the Fox and the Epic Crush of Genie Lo by FC Lee.
I’ll have to keep this one in mind, too. 🙂
Crystal says
Nice 🙂 I need to read Shadow of the Fox and The Epic Crush of Genie Lo. I’ve heard great things about both books! I look forward to reading your thoughts on them!