8 Must-Read Books Releasing in October 2023 by Asian Authors
October is finally here! We've rounded up eight must-read books by Asian authors that are set to be released soon. Whether you're a devoted bookworm or simply looking for your next great read, these titles are worth adding to your TBR pile.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
The heart is a battlefield.
All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire's shadows.
Prince Alaric, the emperor's only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire's rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.
Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion--one that could save their world...or destroy it.
An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Fiction
Why should you read it? "The Hurricane Wars" offers a captivating fantasy filled with compelling characters, an intense enemies-to-lovers romance, and a richly crafted world. The story follows Talasyn, who possesses a forbidden light magic, and Prince Alaric, who wields formidable Shadow magic. Their powers clash in a world torn by war, and as they form an uneasy alliance, they must confront secrets that could change the course of the conflict. With a unique blend of magic, love, and intrigue, this debut novel promises an enthralling and unforgettable reading experience.
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. But for now, she’s trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, practicing an illegal form of alchemy to keep food on the table—resurrecting the dead, for a price.
When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country in tasks she’ll be lucky to survive, let alone pass. On top of that, her reputation for raising the dead has followed her to the capital, and the Crown Prince himself seeks out her help, suspecting a coming assassination attempt.
The more Zilan succeeds in her alchemy, the more she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. There are monsters lurking within the palace walls, and it’s only a matter of time before they—and secrets of Zilan’s past—catch up with her.
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Why should you read it? "The Scarlet Alchemist" offers a captivating blend of alchemy, intrigue, and a young protagonist's quest for success in a richly woven world. Zilan's journey from an impoverished village to the imperial capital, where she must compete in life-threatening challenges and navigate political conspiracies, makes for a thrilling and suspenseful narrative. As her alchemical talents draw her deeper into the palace's mysteries, readers will be gripped by the story's twists and secrets, making it an engaging and intriguing read.
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
An evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women--from the New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation.
Jasmine Yang arrives in New York City from her rural Chinese village without money or family support, fleeing a controlling husband, on a desperate search for the daughter who was taken from her at birth--another female casualty of China's controversial One Child Policy. But with her husband on her trail, the clock is ticking, and she's forced to make increasingly desperate decisions if she ever hopes to be reunited with her daughter.
Meanwhile, publishing executive Rebecca Whitney seems to have it all: a prestigious family name and the wealth that comes with it, a high-powered career, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and an adopted Chinese daughter she adores. She's even hired a Chinese nanny to help her balance the demands of being a working wife and mother. But when an industry scandal threatens to jeopardize not only Rebecca's job but her marriage, this perfect world begins to crumble and her role in her own family is called into question.
The Leftover Woman finds these two unforgettable women on a shocking collision course. Twisting and suspenseful and surprisingly poignant, it's a profound exploration of identity and belonging, motherhood and family. It is a story of two women in a divided city--separated by severe economic and cultural differences yet bound by a deep emotional connection to a child.
Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Adult
Why should you read it? "The Leftover Woman" weaves a compelling narrative of family drama and mystery, exploring the powerful maternal instincts of two vastly different women. Jasmine Yang's desperate journey to find her daughter, taken from her due to China's One Child Policy, intersects with the life of Rebecca Whitney, a seemingly privileged publishing executive whose perfect world begins to unravel. This book delves into themes of identity, motherhood, and belonging, offering a suspenseful and emotionally charged exploration of the bonds that connect these women in a divided city.
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
From the bestselling, Booker Prize-shortlisted author of The Garden of Evening Mists, a spellbinding novel about love and betrayal, colonialism and revolution, storytelling and redemption.
The year is 1921. Lesley Hamlyn and her husband, Robert, a lawyer and war veteran, are living at Cassowary House on the Straits Settlement of Penang. When “Willie” Somerset Maugham, a famed writer and old friend of Robert's, arrives for an extended visit with his secretary Gerald, the pair threatens a rift that could alter more lives than one.
Maugham, one of the great novelists of his day, is Having long hidden his homosexuality, his unhappy and expensive marriage of convenience becomes unbearable after he loses his savings-and the freedom to travel with Gerald. His career deflating, his health failing, Maugham arrives at Cassowary House in desperate need of a subject for his next book. Lesley, too, is enduring a marriage more duplicitous than it first appears. Maugham suspects an affair, and, learning of Lesley's past connection to the Chinese revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, decides to probe deeper. But as their friendship grows and Lesley confides in him about life in the Straits, Maugham discovers a far more surprising tale than he imagined, one that involves not only war and scandal but the trial of an Englishwoman charged with murder. It is, to Maugham, a story worthy of fiction.
A mesmerizingly beautiful novel based on real events, The House of Doors traces the fault lines of race, gender, sexuality, and power under empire, and dives deep into the complicated nature of love and friendship in its shadow.
Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical, LGBT
Why should you read it? "The House of Doors" is a spellbinding novel set in 1921, exploring themes of love, betrayal, colonialism, and revolution. The story revolves around Lesley Hamlyn, her husband Robert, and their complex relationships with the famed writer W. Somerset Maugham and his secretary Gerald. As secrets unravel, the narrative delves into hidden identities, unexpected connections, and a trial that blurs the lines of fiction and reality. It's a mesmerizing tale that delves into the intricacies of race, gender, sexuality, and power under empire, all while portraying the complexities of love and friendship.
If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
“Incredibly charming . . . There’s joy, delight, and absolutely unrestrained romantic sweetness on every page. I love it to bits!” —TRUNG LE NGUYEN, author of the Eisner Award nominee The Magic Fish
Momo Gardner is the kind of friend who’s always ready to lend a helping hand. She’s introverted, sensitive, and maybe a little too trusting, but she likes to believe the best in people. PG, on the other hand, is a bit of a lone wolf, despite her reputation for being a flirt and a player. Underneath all that cool mystery, she’s actually quick to smile, and when she falls for someone, she falls hard. An unexpected meet-cute brings the two together, kicking off the beginning of an awkward yet endearing courtship—but with their drastically different personalities, Momo’s overprotective friend, and PG’s past coming back to haunt her, Momo and PG’s romance is put to the test.
Genres: Graphic Novels, Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT
Why should you read it? "If You'll Have Me" offers an incredibly charming and heartwarming story of two characters, Momo and PG, who have drastically different personalities but embark on an endearing and sometimes awkward romance. With its delightful and unrestrained romantic sweetness, the novel explores themes of trust, friendship, and the challenges of love amidst overprotective friends and past regrets. It's a tale that will leave you feeling joyous and immersed in the beauty of an evolving relationship.
Flower and Thorn by Rati Mehrotra
One girl. One boy.
A promise broken.
A magic stolen.
Irinya has wanted to be a flower hunter ever since her mother disappeared into the mysterious mist of the Rann salt flats one night. Now seventeen, Irinya uses her knowledge of magical flowers to help her caravan survive in the harsh desert. When her handsome hunting partner and childhood friend finds a priceless silver spider lily--said to be able to tear down kingdoms and defeat an entire army--Irinya knows this is their chance for a better life.
Until Irinya is tricked by an attractive imposter.
Irinya's fight to recover the priceless flower and to fix what she's done takes her on a dangerous journey, one she's not sure she'll survive. She has no choice but to endure it if she hopes to return home and mend the broken heart of the boy she's left behind.
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy
Why should you read it? "Flower and Thorn" offers a captivating story of adventure, betrayal, and redemption. Follow Irinya on her journey to recover a priceless, kingdom-threatening flower, as she confronts an attractive imposter and embarks on a perilous quest. With the promise of mending broken bonds and the allure of magical elements, this novel promises an engaging and thrilling narrative.
Organ Meats by K-Ming Chang
Two girls are bound by red string and canine heritage in this vivid tale about female companionship and loyalty, from the National Book Award "5 Under 35" honoree and author of Gods of Want
Best friends Anita and Rainie have made countless visits to their home base: an old sycamore tree and its neighboring lot of stray dogs who have a mysterious ability to communicate with humans. The girls learn that they are preceded by generations of dog-headed women and women-headed dogs whose bloodlines knot them together like thread. Anita convinces her best friend Rainie to become a dog with her, tying a collar of red string around each of their necks to preserve their kinship forever. But when the two girls are separated, Anita sinks into her dreams and lands herself in a coma that only Rainie knows how to rouse her from. As Anita’s body begins to rot, her mind straying farther and farther away from the waking world, it is up to Rainie to rebuild her friend’s body and keep Anita from being lost forever.* Tasked with gathering new organs from the mythical landscape of their shared childhood, Rainie must return to the past and ask herself how far she is willing to go to reunite with the girl who has haunted her and hunted her in equal measure.
In rhythmically poetic and visceral lore, K-Ming Chang veers away from the ordinary and into the macabre. Filled with ghosts and bodily entrails, this is a story about the horror and beauty of intimacy, being tethered to another person across time and space, and transforming our origins.
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Fiction, LGBT, Adult, Literary Fiction
Why should you read it? "Organ Meats" weaves a vivid and poetic tale of two girls bound by a mystical red string and their canine heritage, exploring themes of companionship, loyalty, and the macabre. As Anita and Rainie's story unfolds, they delve into a world where generations of dog-headed women and women-headed dogs are linked by bloodlines, tied together like threads. This haunting narrative delves into the realms of dreams, comas, and mythical landscapes, exploring the depths of intimacy, transformation, and the enduring connection between individuals across time and space. K-Ming Chang's storytelling is both rhythmic and visceral, offering a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
Jewel Box: Stories by E. Lily Yu
A luminous collection of short fiction by award-winning writer E. Lily Yu, Jewel Box showcases incandescent stories from a master of language that reflect and refract the sharp intimacies of our world, burning brilliant against the dark.
Angels, monsters, and bees. Birdwatchers, emperors, and prison wardens. These and more populate the twenty-two new and old stories from award-winning author E. Lily Yu, collected for the first time here in her debut short story collection. From her early innovative work that won her the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, such as “The Cartographer Wasps and the Anarchist Bees,” to recent short fiction such as “Small Monsters,” E. Lily Yu’s writing has continued to garner award nominations and recognition from the literary community for its faceted beauty, cutting edge, and uplifting heart.
Collecting award-winning stories from across her career alongside brand-new pieces, Jewel Box rings with stories of delight and tales of tremendous weight. At turns bittersweet and boundary-breaking, poignant and profound, this collection of stories sing, as the oldest stories do, of what it means to be alive in this strange, terrible, beautiful world.
Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Speculative Fiction, Fiction
Why should you read it? "Jewel Box" is a luminous collection of short fiction by award-winning writer E. Lily Yu, showcasing incandescent stories that reflect the sharp intimacies of our world. From angels and monsters to birdwatchers and emperors, these stories illuminate the human experience with faceted beauty, cutting-edge creativity, and uplifting heart. With a mix of award-winning classics and brand-new tales, "Jewel Box" offers bittersweet and boundary-breaking narratives that sing of the complexities of life in a strange, beautiful world, making it a must-read for those seeking profound and resonant storytelling.
What books are you excited to read this month?
Subtle Asian Book Club
