Books Like...

"The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" by Axie Oh is a captivating retelling of a Korean folktale, where a young girl named Mina sacrifices herself to the sea to save her brother's love. As Mina enters the land of the spirits, she discovers a connection to the Sea God and realizes her ability to save both humans and the sea god. The book intricately weaves Korean mythology and folklore into a beautiful narrative, exploring themes of sacrifice, fate, and love.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Mina, offering a fresh perspective on the original folktale. The lush descriptions of the spirit world, the emotional depth of the characters, and the exploration of themes like family, sacrifice, and love make this a compelling and enchanting read. With elements reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films and fairytales, "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" is a poignant and evocative tale that delves into the complexities of destiny and the power of storytelling.

'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.

'Six Crimson Cranes' by Elizabeth Lim is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves together elements of Western fairy tales and East Asian folklore. The story follows Shiori, the princess of Kiata, who possesses magical abilities in a kingdom where magic is forbidden. When her stepmother discovers her powers, she curses Shiori and her six brothers, turning the brothers into cranes and silencing Shiori under a deadly curse. Determined to break the curse and save her family, Shiori embarks on a quest filled with adventure, magic, romance, and self-discovery. Lim's writing style is described as magical, immersive, and beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the fantastical world and characters she has created.

The plot of 'Six Crimson Cranes' is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers enthralled from beginning to end. The story is based on the fairy tale of 'The Six Swans' by Hans Christian Andersen, with a unique and fresh twist that integrates Asian culture and mythology. The character of Shiori undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the narrative, navigating challenges, sacrifices, and personal development as she strives to break the curse and protect her loved ones. The book is praised for its worldbuilding, character development, romantic elements, and the infusion of magical elements that add depth and complexity to the story.

'Song of Silver, Flame Like Night' by Amelie Wen Zhao is a Chinese fantasy novel based on Ancient Chinese mythology. The story follows a girl named Lan who is suffering under a terrible invader group along with her people. As the plot progresses, Lan meets Zen, and together they navigate through various challenges, including learning cultivation, escaping from dangerous situations, and fulfilling Lan's mother's last wish. is known for its complex magical systems, detailed world-building, and the theme of a small group of misfits students trying to save themselves and prevent colonizers from gaining power. The writing style is described as phenomenal, with a beautiful and emotional narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys.

'Spin the Dawn' by Elizabeth Lim is a YA fantasy novel that follows the journey of Maia, a talented tailor who disguises herself as a boy to compete to become the Emperor's tailor. The book is described as a blend of Mulan and Project Runway, incorporating elements of mythology and fantasy into a cohesive and original story. The plot revolves around Maia's challenges in the competition, her quest to create magical gowns, and her interactions with a mysterious sorcerer named Edan.

The writing style of 'Spin the Dawn' is praised for its beautiful prose, engaging storytelling, and the incorporation of diverse cultures and mythologies. The book features a mix of East Asian and Middle Eastern folklore, creating a vibrant and richly detailed setting. Readers appreciate the strong character development, particularly Maia's passion for tailoring, the vivid descriptions of her designs, and the slow-burn romance between Maia and Edan.

'Heart of the Sun Warrior' in 'The Celestial Kingdom Duology' by Sue Lynn Tan is a captivating fantasy novel that transports readers to a world filled with magic, vibrant characters, tumultuous romances, and epic battles. The story follows the protagonist, Xingyin, the daughter of the Moon Goddess, as she navigates through challenges to save her family and the future of the Celestial realm. The book is praised for its intricate storyline, emotional depth, unexpected twists, and the author's ability to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin is a beautifully crafted fantasy tale that immerses readers in a world of magic and music. The plot follows Xue, a gifted young musician raised by her uncle, who is thrust into a perilous journey after his untimely death. When she is offered a chance for freedom by the mysterious Duke Meng, she must navigate the dangers of both the Celestial Realm and her own heart, while uncovering the secrets behind the memory stones that connect her world.

Lin's writing style is lyrical and evocative, with vivid imagery that transports readers into the enchanting settings and emotional landscapes of the story. While some aspects may feel slow, the rich descriptions of music and poetry enhance the narrative. The book effectively blends elements of fantasy and mythology, creating a unique experience that captivates the imagination. Despite some initial struggles with pacing, the enchanting world and well-developed characters offer a rewarding reading journey.

A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee is a Japanese-inspired fantasy novel that follows the journey of Miuko, a girl who is cursed and slowly transforming into a demon with dangerous abilities. As Miuko navigates through a world filled with spirits, gods, and demons, she grapples with questions of identity, power, and the societal constraints placed upon her as a girl from the servant class. Through her adventures and friendships, Miuko learns about the complexities of good and evil, the importance of choices, and the true meaning of humanity in a lushly constructed world filled with mythology and fantasy elements.

Traci Chee's writing style in A Thousand Steps Into Night is described as beautiful, artistically done, and seamlessly written. The book incorporates footnotes to aid in understanding Japanese-inspired words and provides a rich worldbuilding experience that draws comparisons to beloved Miyazaki films. The narrative is character-driven, focusing on Miuko's growth as she faces challenges, makes choices with real consequences, and learns to navigate a world where power structures and personal agency intersect.

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker is a YA Fantasy novel set in an alternate historical China with elements of alchemy and magic. The story follows Zilan, a talented young girl from a poor province, as she navigates the challenges of becoming a Royal Alchemist and gets entangled in the dark world of the royal family. Alongside her cousins, Zilan practices illegal resurrections to make ends meet, but her life takes a drastic turn when she encounters the Crown Prince, Li Hong, who involves her in dangerous royal intrigues. The book is filled with twists and turns, a mix of romance and adventure, and a well-developed alchemy system that adds depth to the narrative. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions of settings and characters that immerse the reader in this captivating world.

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.