I’ve never been more excited for the new year because it just means we’re that much closer to the releases of tons of wonderful books. 🎉 Ever since I’ve started blogging, I’ve become much more aware of new releases, and this is my first year where I’ve had an actual list of books I can’t wait to read and am not-so-patiently waiting to be published! These books, specifically, hold a special place in my heart because they’re written by Asian authors, and I will always support these diverse reads until the end of time. Therefore, I present to you my most highly anticipated 2019 Asian Fantasy releases AKA books that I would sell my soul to read 💘:
1. The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
First off, let me start off by saying that Katie is the sweetest and most amazing person, and I’m looking forward to her book more than anything in the world. 😍 Every time she posts a snippet of her book on Twitter, my heart swells and the anticipation grows. The Dragon Warrior is Percy Jackson (AKA the book that defined my childhood and put me on the path to become a reader) meets Asian badassery. This is a book that will inspire young children and touch the hearts of older readers, and I already have a master plan to gift it to all my younger cousins in the upcoming year.
2. Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
I have heard so many great things about this book around the book community—from endless tears to survivor pins. Every person that has read it only had wonderful things to say. I already know that this is a book that will break my heart…but I am all here for it. 😭 Descendant of the Crane is crafted as a Chinese historical Game of Thrones. (Do you hear that? It’s me screaming) I’m so excited to learn more about Princess Hesina and all the politics of the court! Plus, LOOK AT THAT COVER!! It’s honestly too beautiful for words!!
3. Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
Amélie’s “Dear Reader” letter was so wonderfully touching—it made me tear up. Blood Heir is a dark retelling of Anastasia, but it’s also a story of self-acceptance. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities and consequences of demonizing the Other, yet it also ignites a spark of hope by inspiring children of color to fight against oppression. ASDFGHJKL I could gush on and on about this book!
The main character, Anastacya, has the ability to control blood which1) is so freaking badass and 2) reminds me of Katara’s bloodbending ability in Avatar: The Last Airbender. In other words, she’s the coolest character ever. ✨ Also, I’m making it a personal mission to watch Anastasia before the release of this book!
4. The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
Every review that I’ve read about this book gushes endlessly about how devastatingly emotional it is. ☁ It has OCD and anxiety representation which I am so excited to see and read, and it tackles violence and cruelty head-on. At the same time, this is a book where I know I’ll learn a lot just by reading. I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know a lot about Malaysia and, more specifically, about the race riots in 1969. This book is shedding light and awareness to these important historical events and, truthfully, is more important than ever.
5. The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
I absolutely loved The Poppy War with all my heart, and I cannot wait to continue the series with The Dragon Republic when it’s released next year! R.F Kuang’s writing is absolutely mesmerizing. 🌟 The Poppy War was filled with twists and turns that constantly kept me on my toes, and I desperately need to know what has been going on with Rin.
#Project14Lists is a project Shealea from That Bookshelf Bitch started, with a goal to write and post a bookish list every day from December 18th to December 31st. Participating bloggers are tasked to come up with creative list ideas, and on each day until December 31st, write a list and post it on their respective blogs. Check out who else has accepted this blogging challenge here.
If you’re interested in joining the fun as well as entering an exclusive giveaway for participating bloggers, By the way, there is an exclusive giveaway for participating bloggers! Learn how you can join in on the fun by reading this.
all of these books are on my list too, except for the dragon republic because i’ve not read the poppy wars. i’m getting excited for what 2019 has to bring for asian books.
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Ahh please read Poppy War!! It was a wonderful read (although also pretty dark). I hope we get to read these books in the new year ❤
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These all look so interesting!! I’m so excited for 2019, we have some amazing Asian titles to look out for ❤ ❤ Loved this post 😀
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Yes!! I’m so glad that we had crossover books on your “Ten 2019 YA Debut Novels” post too ❤ 2019 is going to be great!
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All of these are on my TBR and I can’t wait to read them all
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I’m sooo excited!! I want to read these so badly 😭
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Awesome list! I especially can’t wait for the dragon warrior and Descendent of the crane!! 🤗
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RIGHT?! There are just too many wonderful releases ❤ I can't wait 🙂
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Ahh this is such an awesome list! I am really, really excited about Blood Heir, it sounds like such a great story and I also love that cover SO much. I can’t wait!! 😀
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The cover is soooo cool 😭 I can’t wait to read it, and I definitely agree that it sounds amazing. The plot line is truly going to be spectacular! Thanks for the support Marie!!
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The Dragon Warrior is going on my to-read list immediately because it sounds like everything I’ve ever needed in a book. Blood Heir and Descendant of the Crane are on my to-read list too! Ah, these all sound so exciting. I need them NOW! 😀
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“Everything I’ve ever needed in a book” is the perfect description for it 😂I seriously need them now!! If only I could get my hands on a copy 😭
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This entire list has me screaming, no lie.
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I just want to read them so badly 😭😭😭
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Incredible list! I’m excited for Descendant of the Crane and The Dragon Republic!!!!
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I really wish I can get an ARC of Descendant of the Crane, so fingers crossed 😭 I’m so excited to pick up where The Poppy War left off too!
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All of these books are on my TBR except for the last but that’s because I haven’t had a chance to read The Poppy War yet. 2019 is going to be a blessing on the book front and I cannot wait. ❤
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Definitely agree! You should give Poppy War a try if you ever get the chance 🙂 It was a wonderful read ❤
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Wonderful list, Tiffany! Though I’m not a huge fantasy reader, I’m excited for Wicked Fox by Kat Cho (I’m a bit disappointed they changed the title because I prefer it Gumiho) because I remember one of my favorite KDramas My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. haha
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Aww thanks Beatrice!! I’ve heard a lot of great things about Wicked Fox, so I’ll definitely check that out too 🙂 I’ve heard of that Kdrama before too!!
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If you haven’t watched My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, I definitely recommend it. 😉
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I’ll add it to my list! I’m currently watching “While You Were Sleeping”
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I haven’t watch that one. I’ll add it on my list as well 🙂
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Yas! Yas! To all of these books. I am most excited for Descendant of the Crane. Awesome list Tiffany and happy holidays ❤.
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Happy Holidays Justine!!! I hope you’ve been well ❤ I feel like we haven't talked in forever, but life is super busy too 🙈 Miss you girlie!! I hope we both get to read Descendant of the Crane sometime soon!!
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I’m completely out of the loop when it comes to new releases, so finding out about all of these is so exciting??? I need them all?? It makes me so happy how diverse fantasy is finally becoming!
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AHHH!! That makes me so happy to hear Michelle ❤ This is going to be an amazing year for books. I can't wait to read them all! Happy New Year~
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