YA Fantasy Books by Asian Authors
The world of YA fantasy is richer than ever, especially when told through the lens of Asian authors. From fierce warriors to forbidden magic, these stories draw inspiration from diverse cultures, weaving in everything from Filipino folklore to Korean history and Chinese mythology. The result? A fresh wave of adventures where tradition meets rebellion, monsters lurk in the dark of night, and magic is both dangerous and the key to saving a kingdom. Whether you’re craving a fairytale retelling with a fresh twist or a slow-burn romance with a cursed prince, these young adult fantasy books by Asian authors deserve a spot on your TBR list.
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Add to BookshelfThe Last Tiger
by Julia Riew and Brad Riew
Inspired by one of the darkest periods in Korean history, this epic romantasy tells the tale of two star-crossed teens — Lee Seung, a servant yearning for freedom, and Choi Eunji, a noble girl defying tradition. They battle over the last tiger, a symbol of their people’s lost freedom and key to the liberation of their country, but it isn’t long before their personal feelings get in the way. Beautiful and emotional, this powerful read captures colonial oppression and its consequences during a poignant historical period.
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$21.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)
by Xiran Jay Zhao
The long-awaited sequel to the award-winning New York Times bestseller Iron Widow has finally arrived! Through their masterfully crafted prose, Zhao delivers a high-stakes modern sci-fi that explores themes of capitalism, militarism, and patriarchal oppression. Bold, inventive, and utterly gripping, this beautifully crafted novel fuses elements of Chinese history, mythology, futuristic warfare, and human struggles into a story that will follow readers long after they turn the final page.
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$20.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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A Forgery of Fate
by Elizabeth Lim
From the New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes comes a new romantasy that’s Beauty and the Beast meets The Little Mermaid. Tru is a con artist with the unique ability to paint the future. To save her family from her mother’s debt, she agrees to marry Elang, an enigmatic dragon lord, and help infiltrate the Dragon King’s inner circle. She entered the marriage of convenience with reluctance, but there’s no denying the unshakable bond forming between her and Elang. This East-Asian-inspired novel puts a fresh spin on a much-loved tale full of magic, lush world-building, and a slow-burn romance with endearing characters.
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$20.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
by Amélie Wen Zhao
Fans of The Hunger Games and Throne of Glass series will fall in love with this sweeping Xianxia-inspired romantasy. Demons have invaded Ă€n’yÄ«ng’s world, leaving her father dead and her mother sick. To save her mom, she enters the Immortality Trials, which promise a pill of immortality to the winner. As Ă€n’yÄ«ng’s struggles to stay alive, she receives unexpected help from YĂą’chĂ©n, a half-demon boy who’s also a rival contestant. With themes of familial devotion and personal growth, this richly imaginative and captivating novel promises readers an immersive experience, complete with an enemies-to-lovers romance with a hint of spice.
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$13.99Preorder from:
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The Blood Phoenix
by Amber Chen
Inspired by the Qing dynasty, this silkpunk fantasy is the second installment of the Of Jade and Dragons duology. Two years after Ying leaves the Engineer’s Guild to seek a normal life, her new home is attacked, forcing her back into the political turmoil of the Nine Isles. With captivating world-building, brimming with action, and full of plot twists, this is one fantasy read that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
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$20.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Lost Souls of Benzaiten
by Kelly Murashige
Named one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Teens 2024, this moving, heartfelt, and quirky novel puts a new twist on Japanese mythology. Machi is struggling and doesn’t see the point of being human. When she prays at the altar of the Japanese goddess Benzaiten, she wishes to become one of those round vacuum cleaner robots. Emotional, poignant, and thought-provoking, this unique debut novel takes a deep dive into mental health and friendship trauma, offering a light of hope in times of darkness.
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$11.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Encanto’s Curse (The Encanto’s Daughter, 2)
by Melissa de la Cruz
Named a Forbes Most Anticipated Young Adult Book of 2025, this epic fantasy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz weaves a rich tapestry of Filipino mythology, political intrigue, personal transformation, and romance. Fans of Wicked Fox and Belladonna will swoon for this irresistible tale.
Before diving in, catch up on all the adventures from the first book, The Encanto’s Daughter!
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Nightblood Prince: A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick
by Molly X. Chang
Fei was prophesied to become the “Empress of Empresses” when she was born. Raised in isolation and bound by duty, she’s arranged to marry Crown Prince Siwang. Determined to live her own life, she sets out on a dangerous quest to hunt a legendary tiger and crosses paths with Yexue, the prince from a rival kingdom that commands an army of vampires. Combining inspiration from Chinese mythology and vampire lore, this thrilling romantasy from the author of the national bestseller, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods, is perfect for Chloe Gong and Tricia Levenseller fans.
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$20.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Off With Their Heads
by Zoe Hana Mikuta
A Korean-inspired retelling of Alice in Wonderland? Yes, please! Iccadora Alice Sickles, a ruthless hunter, wants revenge against Carousel Rabbit, her former friend who betrayed her. But the real danger lies with the Red Queen and the secrets she’s guarding. Viciously brutal and jam-packed with action, this fairytale retelling has so many twists and turns, it feels like you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole.
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$10.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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These Deadly Prophecies
by Andrea Tang
Tabatha Zeng has a problem — her boss, the infamous fortuneteller Sorcerer Solomon, suddenly dies, and she’s a prime suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, she teams up with Callum, Solomon’s son. Can the two untangle the complicated web of deceit Solomon left behind before it’s too late? Fans of A Deadly Education and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love this magic-filled murder mystery for its clever plot and witty characters.
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