Summary
Many well-knownfantasynarratives draw inspiration from Western Europe, butthere 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 likeJ.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringsand C.S. Lewis’Chronicles of Narniabooksare 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.
10 Ambitious Fantasy Book Series That Really Pay Off
Every great fantasy series includes intricate worldbuilding and character arcs, and the best can balance complex magic with compelling stories.
10The Poppy War By R.F. Kuang
Inspired By 20th Century China
The Poppy Warby 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 Wardoesn’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 (viaNYC Museum Gallery).
Needless to say,The Poppy Waris 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 behindThe Poppy Waris 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.
2018
2019
2020
9Children Of Blood And Bone By Tomi Adeyemi
Draws From West African Mythology
Tomi Adeyemi’sChildren of Blood and Bonetakes place in the Kingdom of Orïsha, andthe story’s setting and magic are inspired by West African mythology. Adeyemi has discussed how her Nigerian heritage influenced the story she tells in herLegacy of Orïshatrilogy (viaBBC), 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 herLegacy of Orïshatrilogy.
Children of Blood and Boneuses 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 Boneis 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.
Children of Blood and Bone
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Children of Anguish and Anarchy
2024
8Jade City By Fonda Lee
The Green Bone Saga Pulls From East Asian Culture
Jade Cityis the first book in Fonda Lee’sGreen 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 (viaFantasy Faction).
When it comes to action,Jade Cityalso blends magic with martial arts, making it a unique story that’s perfect for anyone who enjoysmartial arts movies with fantasy elements. In aReddit AMA, Lee admitted she put a lot of time and research into working East Asian culture and influences intoJade Citywithout copying any single place or movement. The result is impressive, and it’s one fantasy lovers should be sure to check out.
2017
2021
7The City Of Brass By S.A. Chakraborty
Draws From Islamic Culture
The City of Brassauthor S.A. Chakraborty converted to Islam as a teenager, andthe novel draws heavy inspiration from Islamic culture and history.The City of Brassis the first novel in Chakraborty’sDaevabad Trilogy, which is set in the fictional world that gives the series its title, as well as Egypt. Islam influences many aspects ofThe City of Brassand 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 Brassexpertly weaves its Islamic influences into its narrative, andthey can be found in everything from the Nahri’s choices to the Djinn faith. It’s clear a lot of research went intoThe Daevabad Trilogy,and the author has shared some resources onSAChakraborty.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 upThe City of Brass.
6Iron Widow By Xiran Jay Zhao
Medieval China Is A Major Influence
Iron Widowwas one of the biggest YA fantasy books to hit shelves in 2021, andXiran Jay Zhao’s debut is majorly influenced by Medieval China. In fact,Iron Widowreimagines 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 Widowalso 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 Widowis exactly the sort of fantasy book to pick up if you’re looking for influences outside Western Europe.
5The Jasmine Throne By Tasha Suri
Inspired By Ancient India
The Jasmine Throneis anunderrated fantasy bookwritten by Tasha Suri, and it’s one that deserves more attention in the genre. The first book inThe Burning Kingdomstrilogy,The Jasmine Thronedraws 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 Throneis an ideal choice for those looking for South Asian-inspired fantasy stories.
2022
4We Hunt The Flame By Hafsah Faizal
Draws Inspiration From Ancient Arabia
Hafsah Faizal’sWe Hunt the Flamegot a lot of attention when it debuted in 2019, andthe 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, tellingAudible, “I haven’t seen Ancient Arabia portrayed in a familiar way.”
That alone makesWe Hunt the Flamea refreshing change of pace in the fantasy genre, butthe 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 makesWe Hunt the Flame’s world feel rich and detailed, while the enemies-to-lovers narrative lands all the right emotional beats.
3Daughter Of The Moon Goddess By Sue Lynn Tan
Draws From Chinese Mythology
Daughter of the Moon Goddessdraws from Chinese mythologyto 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 (viaStarburst 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 makesDaughter of the Moon Goddessinstantly intriguing.
This unique approach to a well-known legend makesDaughter of the Moon Goddessinstantly 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 — andit could inspire them to pick up more Asian-inspired fantasy books in the future.
2The Sword Of Kaigen By M.L. Wang
Inspired By Japanese & Korean Culture
The Sword of Kaigenby 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 throughoutThe Sword of Kaigenis reminiscent of Japanese samurai, just with elemental magic weaved into it.
The Sword of Kaigenalso 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 Kaigenis well worth checking out, especially for those interested in Japanese and Korean culture.
1These Violent Delights By Chloe Gong
Set In 1920s Shanghai
Chloe Gong’sThese Violent Delightsis the first book in a duology that’s set in Shanghaiin the 1920s, and as its backdrop suggests, it draws heavily from Chinese history and culture.These Violent DelightsreimaginesRomeo and Julietin 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 DelightsreimaginesRomeo and Julietin this setting, making it an intriguing blend of Shakespearean retelling, fantasy adventure, and historical fiction.
InThese Violent Delights,Gong explores the influence that the West had on Shanghai in the 1920safter 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 herfantasyduology tackles important subjects like colonialism and racism. Needless to say,These Violent Delightsis way more than just an enemies-to-lovers romance.
