3 Adult Fantasy Novels Inspired by Chinese History and Myths
These fantastical stories will keep you hooked until the end
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States and Asian Heritage Month in Canada. If you’re looking for more ways to learn about API history, culture, and achievements, you might turn to fiction and non-fiction books. There are many great lists out there if you want to learn more. I’m sharing three of my recent fantasy reads to help you find fantasy books written by authors in the API community.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Shelley Parker-Chan’s novel is historical fantasy and falls into the category of alternate history. It retells the story of the Hongwu Emperor’s rise to power in 14th century China. Zhu Chongba is foretold in a prophecy to achieve greatness, but he dies. His sister assumes his identity and goes to study at a Buddhist monastery, where she begins to plot the path to her greatness. The other storyline follows Ouyang, the eunuch general trying to avenge his family. The novel explores the themes of who gets to be a hero and a villain, diasporic identity, and gender.
“However tired I am, however hard it is: I know I can keep going, because I’m alive.”
