Books Like...

In The Jasmine Throne, readers are introduced to a richly woven fantasy world where Princess Malini, exiled to the treacherous Hirana temple by her despotic brother, and Priya, a maidservant with forbidden temple magic, must work together to keep Ahiranya safe and overthrow the emperor. The story delves into complex political machinations, betrayal, mystery, and magic, all set against a backdrop of intricate worldbuilding and compelling storytelling. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a depth of character development and exploring themes of strength, love, revenge, and the blurred lines between them.

The writing style of Tasha Suri in The Jasmine Throne is described as evocative and beautiful, incorporating elements from South Asian myths and motifs to create a unique and immersive reading experience. The world she has crafted is reminiscent of ancient to medieval South Asia, filled with symbols, cultural items, and fantastical elements that set it apart from traditional fantasy settings. The book expertly weaves together themes of imperialism, zealotry, and decolonization, all while showcasing morally grey female characters and a slow-burn romance that captivates readers from start to finish.

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo is a fantasy novella that follows a non-binary cleric named Chih as they visit a house where a former empress was exiled. The story unfolds as Rabbit, the empress's old servant, gradually reveals the true story behind the empress's rise to power, fall from grace, and eventual resurgence. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day interactions, the novella delves into themes of memory, storytelling, female empowerment, and the overlooked voices of women in historical records. The narrative is rich in world-building, with a unique storytelling style that weaves together the past and present, creating a poignant and thought-provoking tale.

The Unbroken is a dark and brutal fantasy novel that tackles colonialism, French imperialism, racism, religion, war, and identity. The story follows Touraine, a conflicted soldier, and Luca, a princess, as they navigate a complicated colonial relationship between two countries. The book is heavy on politics and worldbuilding, with a focus on alliances, loyalty, ambition, and trust, set against the backdrop of revolution and declining empires. The narrative explores tough concepts of identity and belonging through the eyes of the main characters, who are complex, morally gray, and driven by conflicting motivations.

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.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho is a contemporary fantasy novel set in Malaysia, following the story of Jess, a reluctant lesbian medium who moves back to Malaysia with her parents. Upon her return, she starts hearing the voice of her dead grandmother, Ah Ma, and gets entangled in a world of gods, ghosts, and vengeance. The book explores themes of displacement, family dynamics, cultural identity, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a compelling narrative with elements of horror and humor. Cho's writing style is described as beautifully written, with depth of character, intricate world-building, and dynamic conflict resolution.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant follows the journey of Baru, a brilliant and complex protagonist, who is plucked from her native family to be educated by an empire that is taking over her homeland. As she rises through the ranks of the empire, she navigates a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and difficult choices. Baru's ultimate goal is to gain enough power to potentially liberate her home, but the central question remains: is she a traitor, and to what exactly? The book delves into themes of morality, sacrifice, and the cost of trying to change a system from within, all while exploring a society undergoing colonization, economic manipulation, and cultural suppression.

The writing style of The Traitor Baru Cormorant is described as intellectually devastating and emotionally rigorous, blending elements reminiscent of authors like Guy Gavriel Kay and KJ Parker. The story unfolds with intricate plot twists, deep character studies, and a focus on political and economic intrigue. Despite being a fantasy novel without traditional magic elements, the book captivates readers with its complex characters, well-built world, and a narrative that challenges readers to question the boundaries of power and loyalty.

Ryka Aoki's 'Light From Uncommon Stars' is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, following the intersecting lives of characters like Katrina, a transgender runaway violinist seeking refuge, and Shizuka Satomi, a legendary violin teacher known as the Queen of Hell. The narrative weaves together elements of demonic curses, violin competitions, and interstellar travel, creating a unique and diverse story that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the transformative power of music. Aoki's writing style is praised for its richly imaginative world-building, sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences, and skillful balance of profound themes with moments of warmth and humor.

In the book 'Black Sun', readers are immersed in a fantasy world inspired by pre-Columbian American cultures, following the intertwining lives of characters like Serapio, a young man destined to become a god; Xiala, a Teek sailor with unique powers; and Narapa, a Sun Priest determined to elevate his priesthood's standing. The narrative is a mix of magic, political intrigues, and everyday life set against a dark and violent backdrop. The story unfolds with a blend of diverse characters, rich world-building, and a cliffhanger ending, promising an epic fantasy tale with unique cultural influences.

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.

'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.