This post is all about the best Asian-inspired fantasy books written by Asian authors. As a young South Asian girl, growing up I never really read any books written by any Asian authors. Most of the time, it was because POC representation was not as prominent in the publishing industry, but over the last couple of years there has been a huge push for better representation in the book industry, and I’m glad to see more Asian authors get the recognition they deserve. Today, some of my favorite books are by Asian authors with Asian characters, plots and more. On this list you’ll find books inspired by East Asian cultures. The books on this list span from the young adult to adult age range.

Looking for short fantasy books to read? Here are some fantasy books under 300 pages to bring you closer to your reading goal! Fantasy is a genre that is known for two things: long books and long series. Sometimes, readers don’t want to read books over 300 pages just to come to an epic conclusion. If you’ve been reading long fantasy books that are part of a series with three, four, five, or more books, you might be feeling burnt out and looking for a quick, short fantasy book to read next. The best way to get out of a reading slump is to pick up a short yet magical read that keeps you at the edge of your seat. With that being said, let’s dive into a list of short fantasy reads.

South Asian stories are often tales rich in culture and folklore, encapsulating the nuances and intricacies of a long, rich, and complex history. Historical details peppered in with social commentary is often a common thread in many South Asian stories, and this list is no different. We see the impacts of colonialism, social hierarchy, and gender roles in many of these books. Here are 7 books that draw inspiration from the myths, lore, and history of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.