Recs if you like The Poet Empress...

Fantasy novels where magic systems involve some sort of practiced craft (painting, baking, bookbinding, and beyond)

I'm sure some of these are already on your TBR, so might as well add some more! Let me know if I am missing any of your favorites!

For when your PB friends share the same name(s) as a book character! (See pinned comment for master list! Please feel free to chime in if you want to be added and/or if you want a different book assigned to you; I didn’t want to step on toes and add people I haven’t really talked to without their permission ❤️ also my brain is smooth and I forget book character names all the time lol)

it's all about the ✨ aesthetic ✨

(some other emojis that didn't make the cut: 🥡🥢🐲🧧🏮)

psa: this is not a list of books to avoid. i literally could not care less if you read these books. also, this only consists of books i've read, or that a trusted friend who's also chinese has read. i don't make it a habit to seek out chinese-inspired fantasy written by white authors these days, but feel free to leave any relevant titles in the comments and i'll check them out!

Books set in an Asian or Asian-inspired setting or incorporates elements of an Asian culture or mythology. Only the first book in a series is listed.

no dude bro fantasy books on this list

Just a list of books coming out in 2026 that I’m really excited for :) it will be updated as the months go by! It will be a mix of: high fantasy, romance fantasy, sci-fi, gothic, horror, lit fic, historical fiction, retellings, poetry, romance, & more!!

A masterlist of standalone adult fantasy novels (no novellas).

Always looking for recs!

Every single Aardvark Book Club book pick since its inception. Updated monthly!

This list is for stories about stories, including the more obvious "books-about-books", but also books about who gets to tell stories, what versions of stories become "truth", and other story-based themes. *While not intended to be strictly fantasy, this list does lean heavily into this genre due to my personal reading tastes. **Suggestions welcome!

Fantasy inspired by China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, and/or Taiwan (myths, setting, etc.)

Hii, everyone ♡ I am a very big fan of the booktuber @caricanread so I thought I would make a list of all the books she has read this year! ✰

secret plots, political moves, and pursuits of power all within imperial, royal, or noble courts.

Yes, we’re judging (and celebrating!) the most creative and interesting book covers released this year. Mostly featuring cool typography, stunning illustrations, and exciting colour palettes. Not limited by genre but sticking with young adult and adult books. (This is an anti AI cover list)

No I am not a white girl who ‘is newly Chinese’. But I am a white girl WHO LITERALLY WILL CONSUME ANY ASIAN FANTASY I CAN GET MY HANDS ON!!! Like literally fly me away because these authors and their worlds are SO GOOD!!!

Be the trend setter of your book club or bookish friend group by getting to know the authors of next year’s publication cycle. These books are all by new talent in the publishing world from both the Big 5 and small, traditional publishers.

Be sure to also check out these authors on social media for ARC opportunities, and show these authors some love by requesting a purchase with your local library, or pre-ordering a copy yourself!

a collection of books im interested in which are releasing this year (2026). no particular order

Romances and stories with K-drama, C-drama, and J-drama vibes.

Fantasy and sci-fi books where much of the plot is driven by politics