8 Must-Read Books Releasing in January 2024 By Asian Authors
January is almost over, and we were blessed with some incredible new releases! If your TBR wasn’t long enough, don’t forget to add these books to the list. Get ready for an exciting literary adventure with eight must-read books by Asian authors hitting shelves in January 2024.
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
A spellbinding, sweeping novel about a Malayan mother who becomes an unlikely spy for the invading Japanese forces during WWII—and the shocking consequences that rain upon her community and family.
Malaya, 1945. Cecily Alcantara’s family is in terrible danger: her fifteen-year-old son, Abel, has disappeared, and her youngest daughter, Jasmin, is confined in a basement to prevent being pressed into service at the comfort stations. Her eldest daughter Jujube, who works at a tea house frequented by drunk Japanese soldiers, becomes angrier by the day.
Cecily knows two things: that this is all her fault; and that her family must never learn the truth.
A decade prior, Cecily had been desperate to be more than a housewife to a low-level bureaucrat in British-colonized Malaya. A chance meeting with the charismatic General Fuijwara lured her into a life of espionage, pursuing dreams of an “Asia for Asians.” Instead, Cecily helped usher in an even more brutal occupation by the Japanese. Ten years later as the war reaches its apex, her actions have caught up with her. Now her family is on the brink of destruction—and she will do anything to save them.
Spanning years of pain and triumph, told from the perspectives of four unforgettable characters, The Storm We Made is a dazzling saga about the horrors of war; the fraught relationships between the colonized and their oppressors, and the ambiguity of right and wrong when survival is at stake.
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 352
Why should you read it? In "The Storm We Made," a spellbinding novel set in 1945 Malaya during WWII, Cecily Alcantara, a mother entangled in espionage for the invading Japanese forces, faces dire consequences that threaten her family's safety. With her son missing, her daughter at risk, and a past filled with desperate choices, Cecily grapples with guilt and a determination to shield her family from the truth. Spanning years of pain and triumph, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of four unforgettable characters, exploring the horrors of war, complex relationships between the colonized and oppressors, and the blurred lines of morality when survival is on the line. This gripping saga promises an emotionally charged journey through a tumultuous period in history.
The Atlas Complex (The Atlas #3) by Olivie Blake
The Atlas Complex marks the much-anticipated, heart-shattering conclusion in Olivie Blake's trilogy that began with the New York Times bestselling phenomenon, The Atlas Six .
Only the extraordinary are chosen.
Only the cunning survive.
An explosive return to the library leaves the six Alexandrians vulnerable to the lethal terms of their recruitment.
Old alliances quickly fracture as the initiates take opposing strategies as to how to deal with the deadly bargain they have so far failed to uphold. Those who remain with the archives wrestle with the ethics of their astronomical abilities, while elsewhere, an unlikely pair from the Society cohort partner to influence politics on a global stage.
And still the outside world mobilizes to destroy them, while the Caretaker himself, Atlas Blakely, may yet succeed with a plan foreseen to have world-ending stakes. It’s a race to survive as the six Society recruits are faced with the question of what they're willing to betray for limitless power―and who will be destroyed along the way.
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction
Pages: 496
Why should you read it? In this heart-shattering finale, the six Alexandrians face lethal consequences, testing their alliances and strategies in a high-stakes battle. As the initiates grapple with the ethics of their extraordinary abilities, an unlikely pair from the Society cohort influences global politics. With the outside world closing in and world-ending stakes in play, the six recruits must confront the question of what they're willing to betray for limitless power, sparking a race for survival and raising the stakes of destruction along the way. This explosive conclusion promises a riveting exploration of power, betrayal, and the consequences of wielding extraordinary abilities.
Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen
This charming fated-love rom-com about two star-crossed lovers will appeal to readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams.
Just a date . . . or a twist of fate?
When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. And that belief has inspired her career as an artist, as well as the large art installations she makes with ( obviously ) red string. That is until artist’s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy . . . Jack Liu is perfect. He’s absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night—under icy February skies and fueled by fried dumplings—all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn’t believe. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they’re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant skeptic to take a leap of fate?
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult
Pages: 352
Why should you read it? In this delightful fated-love rom-com of two star-crossed lovers, Rooney Gao, a firm believer in the Chinese legend of the red string of fate, finds her artistic inspiration in signs until artist's block challenges her convictions. Enter Jack Liu, seemingly perfect and the result of a fateful encounter. Despite a magical New York night, Jack remains a skeptic, casting doubt on their connection. The story unfolds as Rooney strives to convince this reluctant skeptic to embrace the leap of fate, offering readers a heartwarming exploration of love, destiny, and the power of belief.
Valley Verified by Kyla Zhao
When a fashion writer dives headfirst into the cutthroat Silicon Valley tech world, her future threatens to unravel in this addictive novel by Kyla Zhao, author of The Fraud Squad.
On paper, Zoe Zeng has made it in New York’s fashion world. After a string of unpaid internships, she’s now a fashion columnist at Chic, lives in a quaint apartment in Manhattan, and gets invited to exclusive industry events.
But life in New York City isn’t as chic as Zoe imagined. Her editor wants her to censor her opinions to please the big brands; she shares her “quaint” ( small) apartment with two roommates who never let her store kimchi in the fridge; and how is she supposed to afford the designer clothes expected for those parties on her meager salary?
Then one day, Zoe receives a job offer at FitPick, an app startup based in Silicon Valley. The tech salary and office perks are sweet, but moving across the country and switching to a totally new industry? Not so much. However, with her current career at a dead end, Zoe accepts the offer and swaps high fashion for high tech, haute couture for HTML. But she soon realizes that in an industry claiming to change the world for the better, not everyone’s intentions are pure. With an eight-figure investment on the line, Zoe must find a way to revamp FitPick's image despite Silicon Valley’s elitism and her icy colleagues. Or the company’s future will go up in smoke—and hers with it.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Adult
Pages: 384
Why should you read this? Delve into the riveting world of fashion and Silicon Valley tech with Kyla Zhao's addictive novel, promising a rollercoaster ride as Zoe Zeng, a New York fashion columnist, takes a leap into the cutthroat tech industry. Despite her seemingly glamorous life in Manhattan, Zoe faces challenges in the fashion world that lead her to accept a job offer at FitPick in Silicon Valley. The tech salary and perks are enticing, but Zoe soon discovers the complexities of an industry claiming to change the world. With an eight-figure investment on the line, she must navigate Silicon Valley's elitism and her icy colleagues to revamp FitPick's image, offering readers a compelling tale of career transitions, corporate intrigue, and the pursuit of success in a high-stakes environment.
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel
Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.
All monsters and heroes have beginnings. This is mine.
Sixteen-year-old Manisha is no stranger to monsters—she’s been running from them for years, from beasts who roam the jungle to the King’s army, who forced her people, the naga, to scatter to the ends of the earth. You might think that the kingdom’s famed holy temples atop the floating mountains, where Manisha is now a priestess, would be safe—but you would be wrong.
Seventeen-year-old Pratyush is a famed slayer of monsters, one of the King’s most prized warriors and a frequent visitor to the floating temples. For every monster the slayer kills, years are added to his life. You might think such a powerful warrior could do whatever he wants, but true power lies with the King. Tired after years of fighting, Pratyush wants nothing more than a peaceful, respectable life.
When Pratyush and Manisha meet, each sees in the other the possibility to chart a new path. Unfortunately, the kingdom’s powerful have other plans. A temple visitor sexually assaults Manisha and pushes her off the mountain into a pit of vipers. A month later, the King sends Pratyush off to kill one last monster (a powerful nagin who has been turning men to stone) before he’ll consider granting his freedom.
Except Manisha doesn’t die, despite the hundreds of snake bites covering her body and the venom running through her veins. She rises from the pit more powerful than ever before, with heightened senses, armor-like skin, and blood that can turn people to stone. And Pratyush doesn’t know it, but the “monster” he’s been sent to kill is none other than the girl he wants to marry.
Alternating between Manisha’s and Pratyush’s perspectives, Sajni Patel weaves together lush language, high stakes, and page-turning suspense, demanding an answer to the question “What does it truly mean to be a monster?”
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Retelling
Pages: 416
Why should you read it? In this riveting YA epic fantasy, “A Drop of Venom” paints a fresh and feminist retelling of the Medusa myth set against the backdrop of Indian mythology. Sajni Patel's addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint introduces us to Manisha and Pratyush, both navigating a world of monsters, power struggles, and self-discovery. With lush language, high stakes, and page-turning suspense, Patel weaves a tale of resilience and empowerment. As the story alternates between Manisha's and Pratyush's perspectives, it explores profound themes while posing the compelling question: "What does it truly mean to be a monster?"
Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar
In this utterly charming debut romance, a teacher with big dreams joins forces with a no-nonsense engineer to survive an ex's wedding and escape matchmaking pressure from their Indian families. Their plan? Faking an engagement, of course.
Meghna Raman’s parents wanted her to be an engineer, but instead she’s followed her passion, becoming a theater teacher and aspiring playwright. But when she discovers that her beloved writing partner, best friend, and secret crush, Seth, is suddenly engaged—and not to her—she realizes he’s about to become the one-that-got-away. Even worse, he’s asked her to be his best man. And worse than that, she’s agreed. Determined to try and move on and relieve a bit of the pressure she feels, Meghna agrees to let her parents introduce her to a potential match. Maybe she’ll even find the engineer her family wishes she became. . . .
Grumpy, handsome engineer Karthik Murthy has seen enough of his parents’ marriage to know that it isn’t for him. He only agreed to his mother’s matchmaking attempts to make her happy, never dreaming he would meet someone as vibrant as Meghna. Though he can’t offer her a real marriage, a fake engagement could help Meghna soothe the sting of planning Seth’s wedding festivities and Karthik avoid the absurd number of set-ups his mother has planned for the next year.
But as they find common ground, grow protective of one another’s hearts, and learn to fall for the flaws they thought they hated, an undeniable chemistry takes shape. Soon, Meghna and Karthik’s expectations and insecurities threaten to risk something that’s become a lot more real than they hoped.
Say You’ll Be Mine is a delightful trip back to the heyday of swoony romantic comedies from the nineties, but with a deep and poignant look at the effects of culture and family in our most intimate relationships.
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction
Pages: 352
Why should you read it? In this heartwarming and witty tale of unexpected love and self-discovery. Meghna, a passionate theater teacher and aspiring playwright, teams up with the grumpy yet handsome engineer, Karthik, to navigate the pressures of an ex's wedding and family matchmaking. Faced with the unexpected engagement of her secret crush, Meghna agrees to a fake engagement with Karthik as a way to ease the matchmaking burden from their Indian families. As they embark on this pretend engagement, sparks fly, and they discover a genuine connection. The novel is a delightful journey reminiscent of swoony romantic comedies from the nineties, offering a deep and poignant exploration of the impact of culture and family on our most intimate relationships.
These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang
A teenage sorcerer’s apprentice must solve her boss’s murder in order to prove her innocence in this twisty, magic-infused murder mystery perfect for fans of Knives Out and The Inheritance Games .
Being an apprentice for one of the world's most famous sorcerers has its challenges; Tabatha Zeng just didn’t think they would include solving crime. But when her boss, the infamous fortuneteller Sorcerer Solomon, predicts his own brutal death—and worse, it comes true—Tabatha finds herself caught in the crosshairs.
The police have their sights set on her and Callum Solomon, her murdered boss’s youngest son. With suspicion swirling around them, the two decide to team up to find the real killer and clear their own names once and for all.
But solving a murder isn’t as easy as it seems, especially when the suspect list is mostly the rich, connected, and magical members of Sorcerer Solomon’s family. And Tabatha can’t quite escape the nagging voice in her head just how much can she really trust Callum Solomon?
Nothing is as it seems in this quick-witted and fantastical murder mystery.
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery
Pages: 256
Why you should read it? In this captivating magic-infused murder mystery with "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," a teenage sorcerer's apprentice, Tabatha Zeng, is thrust into a world of crime-solving after her boss, the renowned fortuneteller Sorcerer Solomon, predicts and falls victim to his own brutal death. With the police eyeing her and Sorcerer Solomon's youngest son, Callum, as suspects, the two join forces to uncover the truth and clear their names. Set in a world of rich, connected, and magical characters, the novel offers a twisty and quick-witted narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Sons of Darkness (The Raag of Rta #1) by Gourav Mohanty
Some ballads are inked in blood.
Bled dry by violent confrontations with the Magadhan Empire, the Mathuran Republic simmers on the brink of oblivion. Krishna and Satyabhama have put their plans in motion within and beyond the Republic's blood-soaked borders to protect it from annihilation. But they will soon discover that neither gold nor alliances last forever.
They are however not alone in this game.
Mati, Pirate-Princess of Kalinga, has decided to mend her ways to be a good wife. But old habits die hard, especially when one habitually uses murder to settle old scores. Brooding but beautiful Karna hopes to bury his brutal past but finds that destiny is a miser when it comes to giving second chances. The crippled hero-turned-torturer Shakuni limps through the path of daggers that is politics only to find his foes multiply, leaving little time for vengeance.
Their lives are about to become very difficult for a cast of sinister queens, naive kings, pious assassins and ravenous priests are converging where the Son of Darkness is prophesied to rise, even as forgotten Gods prepare to play their hand.
Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Mythology
Pages: 636
Why should you read it? Prepare for a tale of destiny, revenge, and the rise of the Son of Darkness in a world where second chances are rare and allegiances are fickle. The Mathuran Republic, drained by violent clashes with the Magadhan Empire, faces imminent destruction. Krishna and Satyabhama, determined to save their homeland, find that alliances and gold have fleeting power. However, they are not alone in this perilous game, as characters like Mati, Pirate-Princess of Kalinga, and brooding Karna navigate a web of murder, revenge, and political intrigue. This captivating story weaves together the stories of sinister queens, naive kings, pious assassins, and ravenous priests, creating a complex tapestry where forgotten Gods and prophecies come to life.
