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26 Asian-Inspired Fantasy Books to Read While You Wait for Disney’s Mulan

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26 Asian-Inspired Fantasy Books to Read if You Love Mulan

Disney’s Mulan… and the New Release Date

By now you’ve probably already heard the news that the release date for Disney’s Mulan is getting pushed back indefinitely. I’m so bummed about this! I don’t go to the movies all that often, but this one has been at the top of my must-see list.

So here’s a thing that I’m pretty embarrassed about: I grew up as a Disney girl, and Mulan is one of my favorite movies they’ve made, but it wasn’t until I started to hear buzz about a new live-action remake that I learned that Disney’s inspiration for the story of Mulan actually comes from a Chinese folk song from the North Wei Dynasty.

I shouldn’t have been surprised– Disney didn’t make up The Little Mermaid or Cinderella, either, you know? I guess I just never really thought about the origin of the story until I heard about the live-action remake and the controversy surrounding who was writing Mulan retellings– and whether white writers should be the ones telling this Asian-inspired fantasy story or whether it should be told by Chinese writers instead.

UPDATE: I wrote this post before the movie came out and before I learned of some of the controversy over its filming. It has been bothering me for a long time that I haven’t acknowledged that here. Here’s some information about why people have decided to boycott the movie because of the filming location and China’s treatment of Chinese Uighur Muslims.

So…. Perhaps instead of watching the movie, check out and buy these books inspired by Asian myth, folklore, and legend that were written by Asian authors.

Reading Asian-Inspired Fantasy by Asian Authors

All of that started me thinking about books by Asian authors and as I started reading, I began to fall in love with books inspired by Asian history, folklore, and mythology that are written by Asian authors.

The good news is this: there are some amazing books that, like Mulan, are inspired by Asian history and folklore and are just waiting for us to snatch them off the shelves and read them.

I’ve broken the list into two sections: series and stand-alone books. Check them out, let me know what you’ve read, and please tell me if I’ve missed any titles that should be included! I searched quite a bit before making my list, but I’m sure there are a few I’ve missed and I would love to add them.

Asian-Inspired Fantasy Series

Some of the series listed here (such as Shadow of the Fox) require you to read the books in order, but others (like The Star-Touched Queen) are much more loosely connected and allow you to read whatever appeals to you in whatever order. Check them out and see what meets your preferences. Also– for the books I’ve reviewed, you’ll find detailed content at the bottom of my review post, so be sure to click over to the review and look for that if it interests you.

Note: Many of the links below are affiliate links, which don’t cost you anything to use, but when used, help support this blog.

The Blood of Stars Series by Elizabeth Lim

Spin the Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hailed as Mulan meets Project Runway. The series is also set in the Silk Road era and full of Chinese culture. It’s got magic, forbidden love, and unforgettable characters. One of my favorite books of 2019. Read my full review.

Unravel the Dusk

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Forbidden romance, political intrigue, magic gone awry. A girl touched by a demon and forced into an engagement with the emperor to keep the peace for her people. This is at the top of my To-Be-Read list.

The Girl King Series by Mimi Yu

The Girl King

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two sisters with very different preferred weapons: one uses a sword, the other, words. Loads of political intrigue, battles, strong heroines. It’s beautiful. Read my full review.

The Empress of Flames

What you need to know: I’m pretty sure the release date for this book was originally early this year, but it’s since been pushed back to March of next year, which is super sad! I wanted to at least mention it in this list, since I’m really excited to read it. You can add it to your reading list and learn more on Goodreads.

The Tiger at Midnight Series by Swati Teerdhala

The Tiger at Midnight

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Inspired by Indian folklore. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. A female rebel assassin. Forbidden magic. Adorable romance. Read my full review.

The Archer at Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Rebels in disguise, political intrigue, and adorable romance. Just a warning, this one will make you really want to read book three! Read my full review.

Girls of Paper and Fire Series by Natasha Ngan

Note: I haven’t read this series yet, but I have heard the content needs some trigger warnings for sexual abuse, violence, and animal cruelty.

Girls of Paper and Fire

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: F/F romance. Hope and recovery from trauma. Fierce girls refusing to accept a society that treats them as less-than. Beautifully rendered Asian mythology.

Girls of Storm and Shadow

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores themes about morality during war. Continues the journey of healing for women who’ve experienced trauma. Features strong, warrior women. F/F romance. Asian mythology.

Sands of Arawiya Series by Hafsa Faizal

We Hunt the Flame

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as a “richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia” on Goodreads. Enemies to lovers. Witty banter. Read my full review.

We Free the Stars

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Final book in the duology. Packed with magic, danger, and romance, and set in a lush landscape inspired by ancient Arabia.

The Star-Touched Queen Series by Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A cursed princess who turns out to be the only one who can save everyone. Steeped in Indian folklore and mythology. Total must-read. Read my full review.

A Crown of Wishes

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Less a sequel and more a companion novel. Filled with the same gorgeous writing and world-building as the Star-Touched Queen. Enemies to lovers. Witty banter. Filled with eerie mythological creatures. Read my full review.

Shadow of the Fox Series by Julie Kagawa

Shadow of the Fox

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on Japanese folklore. Enemies to lovers. Unlikely allies embarking on an impossible quest. Absolutely charming characters. Read my full review.

Soul of the Sword

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Japanese folklore. Fierce heroine. Terrifying villains. Witty banter. Forbidden love. Read my full review.

Night of the Dragon

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Read the other books in the series before this one– lots of it focuses on the final battle, so it won’t be as easy to follow or understand if you haven’t read earlier books. Based on Japanese mythology. Fierce heroine who never gives up and refuses to sacrifice her friends. Fantastic conclusion to an incredible series. Read my full review.

Gumiho Series by Kat Cho

Wicked Fox

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on Korean folklore but told in modern-day Seoul. An opposites-attract love story about a fierce girl and a cheery, charming boy. Fantastic grandma/grandson relationship.

Vicious Spirits

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Expected publication in August 2020. Promises new dangers and romance. Based on Korean folklore but told in a contemporary setting.

Rise of the Empress Series by Julie C. Dao

The Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A dark, Asian-inspired fantasy origin story of the Wicked Queen in the Snow White fairytale. Desperate, creepy magic. Compelling anti-heroine. Read my full review.

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Asian-inspired retelling of Snow White. Lush world-building. A heroine with a good heart, committed to saving her friends.

Song of the Crimson Flower

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: I’m not sure if this book is part of the series exactly– Goodreads lists it as book 2.5, so it takes place between the other two books and maybe more of a companion novel? Same beautiful Asian-inspired fantasy story-world.

The Dragon Warrior Series by Katie Zhao

The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Think Percy Jackson, but with Chinese mythology. High energy, super fun. For readers 10 to 12. Read my full review.

The Fallen Hero

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: The adventure continues in this fast-paced, wild ride featuring gods and goddesses from Chinese mythology. Read my full review.

Shamanborn Series by Lori M. Lee

Forest of Souls

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Features the creepiest trees you’ve ever read. Seriously spooky! Celebrates the bonds of sisterhood/friendship. Packed with fantastic banter and sarcasm. High energy plot that will keep you turning pages. Read my full review.

Books two and three are currently untitled, but expected to follow. I can’t wait!

Standalone Asian-Inspired Fantasy

Sometimes a series feels like a big commitment, especially when the books are so closely tied together that you can’t read one without reading the others first. These are two standalone novels inspired by Chinese history, culture and mythology that are a perfect choice for readers who aren’t up for the commitment of a whole series.

The Crystal Ribbon by Celeste Lim

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Coming-of-age story about a child bride in medieval China. Based on history, culture, and mythology. Haunting and unusual. Reminded me a little bit of the story of Mulan in that it features a a strong heroine in a time period and culture where she feels entirely out of place for her strength. Read my review.

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

What you need to know: Chinese-inspired fantasy. Features a strong heroine willing to risk everything in the pursuit of justice. Thrilling courtroom drama. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s uncertain whether there will be a follow-up novel.

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set on the Silk Road and featuring Middle-Eastern mythology. Brilliant characters– especially the female characters. Might be better classified as new adult than young adult.

What are your favorite Asian-inspired fantasy books?

Have you read any of the books on the list? If you’ve thought of other Asian-inspired fantasy that I should add, please leave me a comment with the title and author. I would love to add to my list!

Review: Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi

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Star-Touched Stories
Roshani Chokshi
St. Martin’s Press
Published on August 7, 2018

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Star-Touched Stories
Three lush and adventurous stories in the Star-Touched world.

Death and Night

He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes.

Poison and Gold

Now that her wish for a choice has come true, Aasha struggles to control her powers. But when an opportunity to help Queen Gauri and King Vikram’s new reign presents itself, she is thrown into the path of the fearsome yet enchanting Spy Mistress. To help her friends, Aasha will have to battle her insecurities and perhaps, along the way, find love.

Rose and Sword

There is a tale whispered in the dark of the Empire of Bharat-Jain. A tale of a bride who loses her bridegroom on the eve of her wedding. But is it a tale or a truth?

My Review
You know that feeling when you finish an amazing book, and you just wish for one more scene to revisit that favorite character or that awesome story world? That’s pretty much what Star-Touched Stories is. Every time I ran into a character I remembered from The Star-Touched Queen (my review here) or A Crown of Wishes (my review here), I got so excited. There’s a story about Aasha! And Kamala appears in another one! Yay! And more Gauri and Vikram! I couldn’t have been happier.

The same rich-as-ripened-fruit, delicious writing fills every single page of all three stories. There’s plenty of peppery banter between characters and deep, heart-wrenching emotions. Grab a spoon and eat up every page. (I know… that’s a metaphor which would make Zahril scoff.)

While the stories would stand on their own as interesting tales, it’s hard for me to imagine reading them without first reading The Star-Touched Queen or A Crown of Wishes. I think you could. But I’m pretty sure it’ll make you want more of the story world.

As with Chokshi’s other two books, these are based on Indian legend and folklore. It adds a richness to the story world and also gives it a spiritual feeling as well. See content information below for additional notes.

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Cultural Elements
Stories are woven with Indian mythology and folklore.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very infrequently. (One mild curse and a few references to hell as a place.)

Romance/Sexual Content
All three stories show some kissing between young men and young women. “Poison and Gold” also includes kissing between two women. “Rose and Sword” includes some vague hints at sex.

Spiritual Content
Several references to reincarnation. The god of Death appears as a character in “Death and Night” (Night is a goddess.). Other mythical creatures, such as a woman who is half-snake, and an immortal woman immune to poison appear in the stories. Death’s messengers appear in “Rose and Sword.”

Violent Content
A woman begs death to delay her husband’s passing in “Death and Night.” In “Poison and Gold,” Aasha battles a rock monster and a giant rat. Gauri journeys to hell to save one she loves in “Rose and Sword,” and meets a half-skeletal horse who seems interested in eating her.

Drug Content
One reference to a water pipe smoked by adults.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 

Review: A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

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Crown of Wishes
Rokshani Chokshi
St. Martin’s Griffin
Available March 28, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

From Goodreads
Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.

Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.

Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.

My Review
Author Roshani Chokshi described this novel as more a sister or companion novel to her THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN, and it definitely is. You can start with this story and follow every bit of it just fine. If you read THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN, you may remember Vikram as the boy from the tapestry Maya asks about. Gauri, of course, is Maya’s sister.

A CROWN OF WISHES contains the same mythical feel and style as her debut. I forgot how much I loved that until. If you liked BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS by Shannon Hale, you absolutely need to check out this series. I loved the characters and felt like they make a balanced team. Gauri is a warrior—both in her talent for battle and the fierceness of her heart. She will fight for those she loves any way she can. I liked that Vikram doesn’t challenge her head-to-head. He listens, analyzes, and then acts, often outwitting his opponent. As the two face challenges, both those strengths become necessary. I loved the balance they brought to one another.

Also, I can’t forget Aasha, whose courage totally stole the show. At first, I wasn’t sure I really cared enough about her story to follow it with much interest. Soon enough, though, I felt just as much for her as Gauri and Vikram. I loved that she had this dream so far outside what her desires were supposed to be. She became this sort of glaring exception to the rules, and I couldn’t help rooting for someone whose greatest desire was, at its heart, to have her humanity again. Her point-of-view and part of the story were another unexpected gem. I’m starting to think Roshani Chokshi’s superpower is to create characters who seem like they should be unlikeable and make you adore them.

If you’re a fan of fairytales or mythology, you definitely want to add this book to your shelves along with THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN.

Recommended for Ages 13 up.

Representation
Features Indian characters and creatures from Indian folklore and mythology.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used fewer than ten times.

Romance/Sexual Content
When Gauri and Vikram agree to partner in the tournament, they do not realize that to partner they must be lovers. They agree to pretend for others, but in their private lives, they maintain distance from one another.

The last night of the tournament is a celebration in which everyone is to pair up with a lover. We understand that Gauri and Vikram see others paired up and, er, celebrating, but no details. We do witness the exchange of some kisses.

Spiritual Content
The story contains magic and mythical creatures. On their journey to the tournament where they hope to win a wish, Gauri and Vikram meet a group of Vishakanya women, who feed on desires and whose touch will poison them to death. They form an agreement with a vetala, a being of incorporeal evil who steals bodies to continue to exist. The vetala promises to help them if they help him find his next body. At one point Gauri and Vikram listen to a story about a river who fell in love with a man.

They eventually learn that the tournament began the moment they accepted the invitation. They recognize the lord of the tournament as someone who they’ve met along the journey as well.

The story challenges Gauri and Vikram’s beliefs about good and evil. More than once, creatures they believed to be evil defy their expectations and turn out to be noble or good. Ultimately, A CROWN OF WISHES explores the meaning of love and how love—both in friendship and as lovers—affects our choices.

Violent Content
Gauri briefly remembers her time spent as a soldier. She carries special knives at all times, ready for a fight. At one point, a group of Vanara, monkey-like creatures capture them and threaten to have them executed. .

Drug Content
Gauri eats a golden apple, a fruit that gives her supernatural strength for a time.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.