five upcoming books by Asian authors you should add to your tbr and preorder

I don’t really know how to start this post. This has been in the drafts for so long because I didn’t know how to possibly express the depths of horror. The Asian-American community has had to face such indescribable, revolting, inhuman treatment for absolutely no reason other than that people can be horrific and hate-filled. No one should have to fear for their lives on account of what they look like. No one should have to face prejudice and injustice simply for existing. Here’s a list of resources on the exact nature of some of the situations across the country, and ways to help. With that in mind, I wanted to reference five of my personal most anticipated reads by Asian authors that you can (and should!) add to your tbr and preorder!

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

This is a Korean historical mystery following a girl named Hwani whose father goes missing investigating the case of thirteen missing girls. I liked Hur’s debut, The Silence of Bones, so I’m personally even more excited to see what I’ll think of this one! I believe that this is OwnVoices for the Korean representation, and this comes out on April 20th.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

This is a historical fiction novel following a girl named Valora Luck, who boards the Titanic in search of her brother Jamie so they can do their acrobat act, impress the ringleader of a circus, and get to America. The story is actually inspired by the fact that eight Chinese passengers boarded the doomed ship, and six made it out. I just finished this one and it made me cry. The portrayals of racism and family and friendship and prejudice were so well-done. This comes out May 4.

Sisters of the Snake by Sarena and Sasha Nanua

I believe that this follows an orphan and a royal who switch places to save their kingdom. The blurb also mentions a dark puppet master and a race against time so I’m super intrigued?! This is Indian-inspired, if not OwnVoices! Sisters of the Snake comes out on June 15.

Jade Fire Gold by June C.L. Tan

A lost heir and a commoner meet, and devise a plan to take back the throne. There’s apparently Chinese mythology, slow-burn romance, and forbidden magic. I want all of those things! This comes out October 12.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

This follows a girl named Shiori who has forbidden magic and one day when she loses control, her stepmother curses her brothers to turn into cranes. So Shiori goes out to find them! I wasn’t the biggest fan of the author’s debut novel but Six Crimson Cranes sounds like it’ll be one of the most lush, creative, beautiful books written this year. It comes out July 6th!

So that’s it! I wanted to highlight five books that are coming out, but there are so, so many more. The wonderful May @ Forever and Everly did an incredibly comprehensive list of all different genres of books by Asian authors, and she lists both upcoming releases and her own recommendations. I believe she’s also making a part 2 as well! Please share with me one of your most anticipated or favorite reads by Asian authors below!

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