Books matching: chinese mythology
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Save:A bold, harrowing, and unforgettable debut - The Poppy War is perfect for fans of grimdark fantasy and history-inspired epics, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Check content warnings before diving in!
'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.
Rin crossed her arms tightly across her chest and walked toward the second proctor. She was led behind a screen, patted thoroughly to make sure she hadn’t packed test materials up any orifices, and th...May 2018•544 pages - #2
Save:A truly unique, funny, and heartwarming adventure that’s as much fairy tale as detective story - well worth the journey if you love clever, original fantasy.
In "Bridge of Birds," the author Barry Hughart weaves a tale set in ancient China, following the journey of a young man named Number Ten Ox and the sage Li Kao. The duo embarks on a quest to find the Great Root of Power to cure the children of Ku Fu village, encountering a mix of mythology, mystery, and humor along the way. The book is described as a blend of folk tale, fantasy, and comedy, with elements of ghosts, monsters, puzzles, and adventures intertwined in a quest that unfolds through various cities and folklore segments.
My surname is Lu and my personal name is Yu, but I am not to be confused with the eminent author of The Classic of Tea. My family is quite undistinguished, and since I am the tenth of my father’s sons...1984•284 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, mythology-inspired fantasy with heart, dazzling world-building, and a relatable heroine - ideal for anyone craving lush, romantic adventure, though seasoned fantasy readers may crave a bit more edge or novelty.
'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' by Sue Lynn Tan is a rich fantasy novel inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, particularly the legend of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. The story follows Xingyin, the daughter of the Moon Goddess, as she navigates a world of immortal celestial beings, power struggles, romance, and betrayal in her quest to free her mother from eternal imprisonment on the moon. The writing style is described as lyrical, highly descriptive, and captivating, transporting readers to a mythical land filled with dragons, demons, and intricate world-building. The plot unfolds with a blend of action, romance, and intrigue, keeping readers engaged from the first page to the last.
There are many legends about my mother. Some say she betrayed her husband, a great mortal warrior, stealing his Elixir of Immortality to become a goddess. Others depict her as an innocent victim who s...January 2022•508 pages - #4
Save:A wildly entertaining mix of myth, humor, and girl-power that grabs you from page one. Come for the demon-slaying, stay for the unforgettable heroine!
The Epic Crush of Genie Lo follows the story of Genie, a high-achieving Chinese American high school student aiming for an Ivy League college. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Quentin Sun, who claims to be the Monkey King Sun Wukong, reveals to her that she is the reincarnation of his magical staff. Despite Genie's initial disbelief, she soon finds herself embroiled in a battle against demons from Chinese mythology, discovering hidden talents and a deeper connection to her cultural heritage along the way. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of Chinese mythology with the challenges of high school life, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a fast-paced and humorous fantasy adventure.
The narrative is filled with vibrant fight scenes, relatable high school characters, and a touch of humor that keeps readers engaged. As Genie and Quentin navigate their newfound roles as demon fighters, the story explores themes of identity, ambition, and the complexities of balancing everyday life with extraordinary responsibilities. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo offers a fresh take on mythology, blending ancient legends with modern-day dilemmas in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening.
Maybe she was right. It was easy to forget in the bubble of Santa Firenza Prep that our town wasn’t affluent. A competitive school was really the only thing it had going for it. We were hardly Anderto...August 2017•341 pages - #5
Save:A lush blend of history, myth, and heart. Worth picking up for anyone who loves magical storytelling set against real-world events.
"The Library of Legends" by Janie Chang is a historical fiction novel set in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937. It follows a group of university students and faculty as they evacuate their school and embark on a dangerous journey to relocate the university to a safer location in the interior of China. The main focus is on a student named Lian, who is tasked with protecting the 'Library of Legends', a collection of Chinese myths and folklore, as they travel through wartorn China. The story incorporates elements of fantasy, with mystical guardian spirits and gods awakening along their journey.
The narrative weaves together historical events with fantastical elements, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. explores themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice against the backdrop of war, while also delving into Chinese mythology and cultural beliefs. The plot unfolds through the eyes of well-developed characters, particularly focusing on Lian's journey and her interactions with fellow students and the mystical beings they encounter along the way.
The approaching aircraft were too far away for Lian to tell whether they were Chinese or Japanese. A moment later, she didn’t need to guess. The spiraling wail of sirens churned the air. Then the bomb...May 2020•400 pages Equal parts spooky, charming, and quirky - Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio is a treasure trove for fans of folk tales and surreal stories, though its cultural depth really shines with a dash of curiosity and a patient approach.
'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' by Pu Songling is a collection of over 100 short stories that delve into Chinese superstitions, beliefs, and folklore. The stories feature a variety of supernatural beings such as ghosts, fox spirits, and demons, often interacting with humans in unexpected ways. The writing style is described as elegant, vivid, and memorable, with stories that are subtle and require some thought to fully grasp their meanings.
Tan Jinxuan, a first-degree graduate of my home district of Zichuan, was a great believer in Taoist yoga. He practised it assiduously for several months, regardless of the weather, and seemed to be ma...1740•608 pages- #7
Save:A must-try for urban fantasy lovers craving myth-heavy adventures with a badass heroine - but be prepared for a bumpy ride later in the series.
'White Tiger' in the 'Dark Heavens' series by author Kylie Chan follows Emma, a nanny from Australia, who takes care of Simone, the daughter of John Chen, one of the Chinese Gods. Set in Hong Kong, the story unfolds with Emma discovering the true nature of her employer and falling in love with him amidst tension and otherworldly attacks. combines elements of action, martial arts, love, gods, demons, family dynamics, and friendship, creating a unique and engaging storyline that draws readers in.
The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, humorous, and filled with diverse characters with well-developed personalities and histories. The author's knowledge of Asian mythology shines through, adding depth to the story and making the characters come alive. Despite some repetitive elements and occasional editing issues, the book is praised for its compelling plot, immersive setting, and the blend of Chinese mythology and fantasy elements.
‘Emma, this is your final warning. If you do not wear a suit to my kindergarten, I will dock your pay.’ Miss Kwok glared at me over her expensive reading glasses. ‘Jeans are not acceptable at any of m...2006•546 pages - #8
Save:A charming, richly illustrated fairy tale adventure that celebrates storytelling, family, and courage - ideal for young readers and anyone who loves magical journeys.
'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon' by Grace Lin is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventurous journey of a young girl named Minli as she sets out to find fortune for her impoverished family. Along the way, Minli encounters mythical creatures, magical characters, and Chinese folklore that help her in her quest to seek answers from the Old Man of the Moon. The book weaves together a series of interconnected folktales, highlighting themes of family, courage, and the true meaning of fortune. Through rich imagery and storytelling, the author creates a world that immerses readers in Chinese culture and tradition, offering a delightful and empowering reading experience.
Of course, that meant despair for the people on earth. As the sun beat overhead and the rain never came, drought and famine spread over the land. Animals and trees withered and died and the people beg...May 2009•300 pages - #9
Save:Richly atmospheric and culturally fascinating, 'The Ghost Bride' is perfect for readers who love historical fiction with a generous dose of myth and the supernatural. Not a fast-paced thriller, but a beautifully told folkloric adventure that blends ghostly intrigue, history, and romance.
"The Ghost Bride" by Yangsze Choo is a historical fantasy novel set in 19th-century Malaysian society. The story follows Li Lan, a young woman who is asked to become a ghost bride for the deceased son of a wealthy family. As Li Lan delves into the supernatural world to uncover the truth behind her potential groom's death, she navigates through Chinese folklore, ghost cities, vengeful spirits, and the mysterious Chinese afterlife. The narrative blends elements of romance, mystery, and cultural traditions, offering readers a unique and immersive reading experience.
The book is praised for its rich and intricate storytelling, blending historical fiction with urban fantasy elements seamlessly. Yangsze Choo's writing style is described as hauntingly beautiful, drawing readers in with its vivid descriptions and engaging narration. The novel explores themes of family, tradition, and the supernatural, providing a captivating glimpse into Chinese culture and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.
One evening, my father asked me whether I would like to become a ghost bride. Asked is perhaps not the right word. We were in his study. I was leafing through a newspaper, my father lying on his ratta...August 2013•455 pages - #10
Save:A wild, rage-fueled ride that arms its heroine with unapologetic fury, explosive action, and a few stunning plot twists - definitely worth picking up if you love angry girls toppling the patriarchy (giant robots included).
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is a dark fantasy novel set in a historically Chinese-inspired futuristic world where fighter mechas are piloted by young men and women wielding spirit energy. The protagonist, Zetian, offers herself up as a concubine pilot to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. However, she surprises everyone by killing him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges unscathed, earning the title of Iron Widow. The book delves into themes of revenge, rage, power, and patriarchy, with epic battles and a polyamorous love triangle adding to the intrigue of the story.
Well, I’m not doing it. Yizhi is the one manning the tweezers my sister left behind. Kneeling on the bamboo mat spread beneath us over the damp forest soil, he lifts my chin while ripping out bristle...May 2019•414 pages
