Books Like...

Unravel the Dusk is a captivating conclusion to the duology The Blood of Stars by Elizabeth Lim. The book follows Maia Tamarin as she navigates her inner demons and the imminent danger threatening her kingdom. The story is filled with magical elements, unique world-building, and strong character growth. Lim's writing style is described as smooth, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to an Asian backdrop filled with rich cultural heritage. The book explores themes of mythology, romance, and moral greyness, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

'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.

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 Dragon's Promise, the sequel to Six Crimson Cranes, continues the enchanting journey of Shiori as she navigates thrilling battles, heartwarming love stories, and epic sacrifices in a world filled with dragons, ghouls, demons, and more. Readers are taken on an adventure through realms that showcase the growth of relationships, the importance of balance, and the ultimate sacrifices made for family, love, and country. Elizabeth Lim's writing style beautifully weaves together action, romance, and magic, creating a fantasy realm that captivates readers from beginning to end.

Nightwatch on the Hinterlands, the first book in The Weep series by K. Eason, follows Lieutenant Iari, a Templar tasked with maintaining peace in her town. When a Riev is found to have committed murder, Iari suspects a connection to The Weep, a phenomenon causing breaches in reality. Joined by Gaer, a vakari ambassador and arithmancer, the unlikely duo sets out to unravel the mystery. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with intricate world-building, alien races, and a compelling investigative mystery.

The narrative is alive with wit and features flamboyant action scenes, while also delving into the concept of arithmancy that straddles the line between math and magic. The characters, including Lieutenant Iari, Gaer, and Corso, are non-human yet relatable, with their friendships and acts of bravery at the core of the story. The book combines elements of space opera, mystery, and sci-fi, creating an atmospheric and engaging read that keeps readers hooked from the first page.

'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.

"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.

'Foul Lady Fortune' by Chloe Gong is a historical fiction fantasy set in 1930's Shanghai, following the characters Rosalind and Orion who are spies pretending to be married to infiltrate a newspaper company. The story involves political intrigue, spies, agents, Communists, and Nationalists, as they try to uncover information about a serial killer. is praised for its well-written, complex characters and the fascinating Oriental history during the 1930s that the author explores. The plot is described as engaging, with a mix of mystery, suspense, and fantasy elements.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a noir pulp fiction set in 1971 Mexico during the student protests. The story follows Maite, a bored legal secretary, and Elvis, a member of the Hawks, a group involved in brutalizing protesters. When Maite's neighbor disappears, she gets entangled in a dangerous search for the truth, leading her to cross paths with Elvis, as they both uncover a web of intrigue and corruption.

The novel delves into the historical context of Mexico's Dirty War, exploring themes of government corruption, student activism, and personal struggles. Through the intertwining narratives of Maite and Elvis, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with complex characters, gritty realism, and a slow burn plot that keeps them engaged till the end.

'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.