Books matching: asian cultural influences
22 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu is an epic fantasy novel that takes inspiration from ancient Chinese history while incorporating elements of Polynesian and Japanese culture. The story follows the lives of two main characters as they navigate through a world filled with political intrigue, battles, and complex relationships. The narrative style of the book has been described as quasi-historical, allowing the author to cover large events over vast distances and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of a world.
Kuni Garu decided to take his band deep into the Er-Mé Mountains to minimize the risk of encountering Imperial patrols. The trail, winding slowly up the side of the mountain, was not steep, and the fa... - #2
Save:'Conservation of Shadows' by Yoon Ha Lee is a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories that explore unique concepts such as origami spaceships, linguistic combat, and books drained of words to create monsters. The stories are influenced by Korean culture and traditional stories, featuring Asian settings, characters, and cultural symbols. Lee's writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and imaginative, blending themes of math, magic, war, and mythology in an unconventional and dreamlike manner.
- #3
Save:Monstress Book One in the series 'Monstress' by Sana Takeda and Marjorie M. Liu is a graphic novel that follows the story of Maika Halfwolf, a sympathetic lead character who struggles to contain the beast within her. As Maika embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of her late mother, she finds herself on a sea voyage to the mysterious Island of Bones, where she hopes to gain a better understanding of the creature inside her. The book is filled with stunning artwork and gorgeous coloring, bringing to life a beautifully designed and original world filled with diverse characters and intricate world-building. The story is compelling, complex, and emotionally engaging, supported by the exquisite illustrations that enhance the overall narrative.
- #4
Save:"Range of Ghosts" by Elizabeth Bear is a fantasy novel that intricately weaves together elements from Mongol, Turkic, and Tibetan traditions. The story follows two main characters, one resembling a Mongol and the other a Tibetan, as they navigate a world filled with politics, magic, and fantastic beasts. The book is praised for its unique world-building, engaging characters, and complex plot that sets the stage for a promising fantasy trilogy.
Ragged vultures spiraled up a cherry sky. Their sooty wings so thick against the sunset could have been the column of ash from a volcano, the pall of smoke from a tremendous fire. Except the fire was ... - #5
Save:A Shadow in Summer is the first book in the Long Price Quartet series by Daniel Abraham. The story is set in a world where poets can bring their poetry to life in the form of enslaved beings called andat, who serve as powerful assets to the ruling city states. The plot revolves around the city state of Saraykeht, which relies on the andat named Seedless for its prosperity. When a threat from the Galts empire endangers Saraykeht, a laborer named Otah becomes the city's only hope. The book delves into themes of power, politics, and morality, with a complex web of characters and intriguing world-building that keeps readers engaged.
The narrative style of A Shadow in Summer is characterized by intricate world-building, detailed character development, and a plot filled with political intrigue and moral dilemmas. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, weaving together the lives of poets, laborers, and traders in a society where the use of andat shapes the balance of power and influences the course of events. Abraham's writing is praised for its depth, exploring themes of love, responsibility, loyalty, and the consequences of wielding power in a world where magic and politics intersect.
As the stone towers of Machi dominated the cold cities of the north, so the seafront of Saraykeht dominated the summer cities in the south. The wharves stood out into the clear waters of the bay, ship... - #6
Save:'Girls of Paper and Fire' by Natasha Ngan is a dark fantasy novel set in the world of Ikhara, where a caste system divides society into three groups: Paper, Steel, and Moon. The story follows Lei, a member of the oppressed Paper caste, who is taken to become a concubine to the Demon King. As Lei navigates her dangerous new reality, she forms deep relationships with other Paper girls and faces forbidden love, intense violence, and the struggle for freedom. The book explores themes of oppression, female empowerment, and the complexities of relationships in a vividly imagined world filled with intricate world-building and a compelling plot.
OUR SHOP IS BUSY THIS MORNING. Not even noon yet and it’s already packed with customers, the room bright with chatter, Tien’s brusque voice cutting through the thick summer air. Sunlight streams in th... - #7
Save:Trickster's Choice follows the journey of Alianne, daughter of the legendary Alanna the Lioness, as she navigates the world of espionage and politics in the Copper Isles. Kidnapped and sold into slavery, Aly finds herself entangled in a web of political intrigue orchestrated by the Trickster god, Kyprioth. As she uses her spy skills to protect the family she serves and ensure the safety of the children of prophecy, Aly grapples with themes of imperialism, race relations, and necessary war in a world created by author Tamora Pierce. The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the exploration of complex societal issues within a high fantasy setting.
George Cooper, Baron of Pirate’s Swoop, second in command of his realm’s spies, put his documents aside and surveyed his only daughter as she paused by his study door. Alianne—known as Aly to her fami... - #8
Save:Twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are tasked with special gifts - Moria as the Keeper and Ashyn as the Seeker. Each year, they journey to the Forest of the Dead to help departed spirits. However, their trip goes wrong, leading to a series of events that force them to make uncomfortable decisions while trying to stay true to their calling.
The story is set in a high fantasy world where Moria and Ashyn, as twins, have been destined to serve their village as keeper and seeker. The plot revolves around their journey to find each other after their village is destroyed, uncovering sinister forces at play and facing challenges that test their abilities and convictions.
After three days of tramping across endless lava fields, Ronan quickened his steps at the sight of the forest. He swore he could feel soft earth under his feet, hear birds in the treetops, even smell ... - #9
Save:Gatherer of Clouds is the sequel to Sean Russell's The Initiate Brother, focusing on the Shonto household's struggles against an insecure emperor and a looming barbarian invasion. The story delves into themes of sacrifice, duty, love, and loyalty, as the characters face hard choices and inner struggles. Russell's writing style is praised for its vivid portrayal of characters, realistic dialogue, and the exploration of tough moral questions within an oriental setting.
(Also, see 34 recommendations for the series Initiate Brother ) - #10
Save:The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang is a fantasy novella set in a world where people get to choose their gender and don't have one until they do. The story follows two siblings and their diverging paths in a magical kingdom ruled by a tyrannical queen. The book explores themes of gender identity, family dynamics, and societal structures in a unique and engrossing manner. The writing style is described as rich and powerful, with a focus on character development and world-building.
He stood at the foot of the staircase leading to the Great High Palace of the Protectorate: that sprawling, magnificent edifice that few across the land would ever gain the privilege of seeing up clos...
