Summary
A lot of well-known fantasy fiction is inspired by Western Europe, but there are many great books that draw inspiration from elsewhere.
Books like
The Poppy War
,
Jade City
, and
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
offer perspectives based on Eastern history and culture.
These modern additions to the fantasy genre provide rich, detailed storytelling while incorporating elements of history and mythology into their world-building.
Many well-known fantasy narratives draw inspiration from Western Europe, but there are some truly great books that pull their settings and lore from other parts of the world. As a genre, fantasy can go almost anywhere it wants to — but most authors use the real world to create their fictional ones. And because classics like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books are heavily inspired by Western Europe, many modern fantasy novels continue to utilize the landscape, politics, and religions of the region.
Of course, it’s important to have diversity in the fantasy genre — and worlds and magic systems that look the same are bound to feel repetitive over time. Thankfully, there are many authors changing the traditional approach to fantasy by using Eastern locations to build their stories. Those interested in checking out fantasy books that aren’t based on Western Europe would benefit from following such writers, as their works are some of the best modern additions to the genre.
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10 The Poppy War By R.F. Kuang
Inspired By 20th Century China
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is the first fantasy book in a thrilling trilogy, and it’s gotten heavy praise since its 2018 release. The novel and its sequels are set in a world inspired by 20th Century China, and Kuang’s approach to the setting and atmosphere is a highlight of the story. The Poppy War doesn’t just use 20th Century China to create its geography and setting, either. Kuang pulls the main conflict directly from a real event: the Second Sino-Japanese War (via NYC Museum Gallery).
Needless to say, The Poppy War is a must-read story for fantasy lovers who are also history buffs. But even those without knowledge of the events that inspired Kuang’s novel might be inspired to learn more after reading Rin’s story. It’s worth noting that the history behind The Poppy War is dark and violent, and Kuang’s novel doesn’t hold back from portraying that. This makes it more realistic, and that likely contributes to the book’s success.
Books In The Poppy War Trilogy In Order
Release Year
The Poppy War
2018
The Dragon Republic
2019
The Burning God
2020
9 Children Of Blood And Bone By Tomi Adeyemi
Draws From West African Mythology
Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the Kingdom of Orïsha, and the story’s setting and magic are inspired by West African mythology. Adeyemi has discussed how her Nigerian heritage influenced the story she tells in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy (via BBC), which sees a girl named Zélie trying to overthrow a corrupt monarch and bring magic back to her kingdom. The author works West African culture into multiple parts of the narrative, whether it’s through the language the characters use or the obstacles they face.
Adeyemi has discussed how her Nigerian heritage influenced the story she wrote in her
Legacy of Orïsha
trilogy.
Children of Blood and Bone uses the language and religion of the Yoruba people within its story, and it also crafts its setting using real West African cities. Adeyemi’s world feels masterfully built, and her real-life influences likely contribute to that. Children of Blood and Bone is a great book for anyone hoping to explore African-inspired fantasy narratives — and its third and final sequel, Children of Anguish and Anarchy, is out as of June 2024.
Books In The Legacy Of Orïsha Trilogy In Order
Release Year
Children of Blood and Bone
2018
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
2019
Children of Anguish and Anarchy
2024
8 Jade City By Fonda Lee
The Green Bone Saga Pulls From East Asian Culture
Jade City is the first book in Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga, and it’s set on the Island of Kekon. Although Kekon isn’t identical to any specific real-world location, it’s clear that Lee draws inspiration from East Asian culture in her 2017 novel and its sequels. Kekon has been likened to Hong Kong in the late 1900s, and Lee also revealed that locations like Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan influenced its creation (via Fantasy Faction).
When it comes to action, Jade City also blends magic with martial arts, making it a unique story that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys martial arts movies with fantasy elements. In a Reddit AMA, Lee admitted she put a lot of time and research into working East Asian culture and influences into Jade City without copying any single place or movement. The result is impressive, and it’s one fantasy lovers should be sure to check out.
Books In The Green Bone Saga In Order
Release Year
Jade City
2017
Jade War
2019
Jade Legacy
2021
7 The City Of Brass By S.A. Chakraborty
Draws From Islamic Culture
The City of Brass author S.A. Chakraborty converted to Islam as a teenager, and the novel draws heavy inspiration from Islamic culture and history. The City of Brass is the first novel in Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy, which is set in the fictional world that gives the series its title, as well as Egypt. Islam influences many aspects of The City of Brass and its sequels, and this is evident from the very beginning of the first book.
Chakraborty has received plenty of praise for her use of Middle Eastern folklore, which is a clear sign for fantasy readers to expand their reading.
The City of Brass expertly weaves its Islamic influences into its narrative, and they can be found in everything from the Nahri’s choices to the Djinn faith. It’s clear a lot of research went into The Daevabad Trilogy, and the author has shared some resources on SAChakraborty.com. Chakraborty has received plenty of praise for her use of Middle Eastern folklore, which is a clear sign for fantasy readers to expand their reading and pick up The City of Brass.
Books In The Daevabad Trilogy In Order
Release Year
The City of Brass
2017
The Kingdom of Copper
2019
The Empire of Gold
2020
6 Iron Widow By Xiran Jay Zhao
Medieval China Is A Major Influence
Iron Widow was one of the biggest YA fantasy books to hit shelves in 2021, and Xiran Jay Zhao’s debut is majorly influenced by Medieval China. In fact, Iron Widow reimagines the story of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor China has ever had. The novel chronicles this heroine’s rise within the context of a dystopian and futuristic society called Huaxian. It’s obvious that Huaxia draws inspiration from Medieval China, which makes sense, as that’s when Wu Zetian reigned.
Aside from the obvious allusions to Medieval China in its main plot, Iron Widow also contains more subtle references to Chinese culture. Its Chrysalises are based on Chinese mythological creatures, like the Nine-Tailed Fox and the Black Tortoise, and the patriarchal system it strives to deconstruct is based on Ancient China. Needless to say, Iron Widow is exactly the sort of fantasy book to pick up if you’re looking for influences outside Western Europe.
Books In The Iron Widow Duology In Order
Release Year
Iron Widow
2021
Heavenly Tyrant
TBD
5 The Jasmine Throne By Tasha Suri
Inspired By Ancient India
The Jasmine Throne is an underrated fantasy book written by Tasha Suri, and it’s one that deserves more attention in the genre. The first book in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy, The Jasmine Throne draws inspiration from ancient Indian history and mythology. It’s set in the fictional Empire of Parajatdvipa, which is heavily influenced by India.
The Jasmine Throne’s central premise — the captive princess, Malini, and her maidservant, Priya, teaming up to take down Malini’s corrupt brother — puts a fun feminist spin on Indian epics, delivering a politically charged and gripping story in the process. Suri’s series also features a lesbian romance at its core, making it a great pick for those looking for LGBTQ+ representation in fantasy as well. All in all, The Jasmine Throne is an ideal choice for those looking for South Asian-inspired fantasy stories.
Books In The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy In Order
Release Year
The Jasmine Throne
2021
The Oleander Sword
2022
The Lotus Empire
2024
4 We Hunt The Flame By Hafsah Faizal
Draws Inspiration From Ancient Arabia
Hafsah Faizal’s We Hunt the Flame got a lot of attention when it debuted in 2019, and the novel and its sequel both draw inspiration from Ancient Arabia. This is most obvious when it comes to the book’s main setting, the Kingdom of Arawiya, which is influenced by Ancient Arabia. Faizal has discussed her reasons for basing her world on Ancient Arabia, telling Audible, “I haven’t seen Ancient Arabia portrayed in a familiar way.”
That alone makes We Hunt the Flame a refreshing change of pace in the fantasy genre, but the book works other elements of Islamic culture into its narrative as well. For example, We Hunt the Flame’s ifrits are pulled from Islamic mythology. Islamic culture shines through the pages in less obvious ways as well. It makes We Hunt the Flame’s world feel rich and detailed, while the enemies-to-lovers narrative lands all the right emotional beats.
Books In The Sands of Arawiya Series In Order
Release Year
We Hunt the Flame
2019
We Free the Stars
2021
3 Daughter Of The Moon Goddess By Sue Lynn Tan
Draws From Chinese Mythology
Daughter of the Moon Goddess draws from Chinese mythology to tell its story, and Sue Lynn Tan’s influences are clear in everything from the book’s cover to its central conflict. This debut novel pulls from the legend of Chang’e, a classic story about the Chinese moon goddess (via Starburst Magazine). The novel acknowledges how many different narratives there are about this mythological figure from the very beginning. Then it gives us its own story from her daughter’s perspective.
This unique approach to a well-known legend makes
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
instantly intriguing.
This unique approach to a well-known legend makes Daughter of the Moon Goddess instantly intriguing. The novel does a solid job telling a story that feels familiar but is very much its own. Those less familiar with Chinese mythology may even learn some new things from the book — and it could inspire them to pick up more Asian-inspired fantasy books in the future.
Books In The Celestial Kingdom Series In Order
Release Year
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
2022
Heart of the Sun Warrior
2022
2 The Sword Of Kaigen By M.L. Wang
Inspired By Japanese & Korean Culture
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang is another underrated gem of the fantasy genre, and the novel’s East Asian influences are obvious throughout its story. The book takes place in the Kaigenese Empire, which draws inspiration from Japan and Korea. The warrior culture present throughout The Sword of Kaigen is reminiscent of Japanese samurai, just with elemental magic weaved into it.
The Sword of Kaigen also alludes to its East Asian inspirations through its dialogue, family dynamics, weaponry, and attire. All of these elements of the book make its setting feel thoroughly fleshed out. You can even see the novel’s influences on its cover, which is just as compelling as the story inside. The Sword of Kaigen is well worth checking out, especially for those interested in Japanese and Korean culture.
1 These Violent Delights By Chloe Gong
Set In 1920s Shanghai
Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights is the first book in a duology that’s set in Shanghai in the 1920s, and as its backdrop suggests, it draws heavily from Chinese history and culture. These Violent Delights reimagines Romeo and Juliet in this setting, making it an intriguing blend of Shakespearean retelling, fantasy adventure, and historical fiction. While the fantasy elements of Gong’s story obviously aren’t accurate, the references to colonialism and organized crime are relevant and based on real history.
These Violent Delights
reimagines
Romeo and Juliet
in this setting, making it an intriguing blend of Shakespearean retelling, fantasy adventure, and historical fiction.
In These Violent Delights, Gong explores the influence that the West had on Shanghai in the 1920s after Britain, France, and the U.S. began settling there. The author does this through a fantastical lens, but it’s still interesting to pick out the parts of this story that stem from real life. Through these elements, Gong ensures that her fantasy duology tackles important subjects like colonialism and racism. Needless to say, These Violent Delights is way more than just an enemies-to-lovers romance.
Source: NYC Museum Gallery, BBC, Fantasy Faction, SAChakraborty.com, Audible, Starburst Magazine
