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. Some such narratives also draw inspiration from romance tropes such as the ever-popular “enemies to lovers” and “forbidden romance” plot lines, combining these plot elements with aspects of the bildungsroman and depicting teen protagonists who leave home to make a name for themselves.

Recent popular adult fantasy examples include Simon Jimenez’s The Spear Cuts Through Water, with world-building inspired by Filipino culture; M.L. Wang’s The Sword of Kaigen, which is primarily inspired by Japanese culture; and R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War, which is based on the Chinese opium wars. Relevant young adult fantasy titles include Shadow of the Fox, by Julie Kagawa, and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, by Sue Lynn Tan.