A Magic Steeped in Poison

English-language fantasy novels inspired by various Asian cultures have become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to an explosion of series and standalone novels in this vein. In the 1990s and early 2000s, this subgenre of fantasy was dominated by white/Anglo-American authors who interpreted the chosen cultures through a biased Western lens, as in the case of the popular Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn (the pseudonym for British author Gillian Rubinstein), which depicts a fictional world based on feudal Japan. In more recent years, however, readers and publishers alike have given more weight to Asian and Asian American authors who are writing about their own diasporic cultures.

Fantasy inspired by Asian cultures and folklore often uses fictionalized countries to avoid issues of historical anachronism, frequently depicting ancient or feudal eras rather than contemporary culture. (A notable exception to this trend is Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga trilogy). Although different works depict magic in diverse ways, they tend to include common characteristics, often featuring gods based on Asian mythologies and religions, main characters inspired by folk heroes and historical figures, and an array of mythical creatures such as dragons and spirits.