Joan He is a Chinese-American author known for young adult fantasy novels. Her notable works include Descendant of the Crane and The Ones We're Meant to Find, which blend captivating storytelling with rich world-building.
If you enjoy reading books by Joan He then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Joan He's thoughtful approach to storytelling, Chloe Gong might be an excellent choice for you. Gong skillfully blends historical settings with fantasy elements, often set in intriguing locations.
Her book, These Violent Delights, is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, featuring rival gangs and mysterious monsters lurking in the streets. It's atmospheric, intense, and full of suspense, while also exploring complex relationships and emotional depth.
Fans of Joan He's daring narratives and innovative stories may find Xiran Jay Zhao exciting and refreshing. Zhao creates vibrant worlds inspired by Chinese history and mythology, with strong, determined characters who challenge expectations.
Their novel, Iron Widow, blends science fiction, fantasy, and ancient culture into a fast-paced and empowering adventure about a brave young woman who challenges oppressive traditions in a futuristic China.
June C.L. Tan offers readers relationships, political intrigue, and hidden secrets, much like Joan He's compelling style. Tan's storytelling includes rich Asian-inspired fantasy settings, complex characters, and intricate plots.
Her debut novel, Jade Fire Gold, follows two characters whose fates intertwine through mysterious pasts, forbidden magic, and political struggles. Readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven fantasy should appreciate Tan's storytelling.
If you're captivated by Joan He's atmospheric stories and multi-layered characters, Judy I. Lin might be a perfect match. Lin writes rich and immersive fantasy worlds drawn from Asian cultures, featuring enchanting elements and deep personal journeys.
Her novel, A Magic Steeped in Poison, combines tea magic, palace intrigue, and an emotional quest to save a beloved sister. Lin's writing offers both charm and tension, with beautifully crafted settings readers will love.
If you enjoy Joan He's thoughtful exploration of identity and culture, Rebecca Roanhorse could be a rewarding author for you.
Roanhorse brings fresh perspectives through settings often influenced by Indigenous traditions and mythology, delivering fantasy stories rich in character and depth.
Her novel, Black Sun, introduces readers to a pre-Columbian-inspired fantasy world filled with unique characters, prophetic powers, complex politics, and vivid storytelling. Roanhorse's writing offers both action and meaningful exploration of diverse identities.
Elizabeth Lim writes imaginative fantasy stories full of dynamic worlds inspired by Asian culture and mythology. If you enjoy Joan He's vivid settings and complex characters, you'll likely find Lim's style appealing.
Her book Spin the Dawn combines magic, romance, and adventure, following Maia, a talented seamstress determined to succeed in a competition usually reserved for men.
Kendare Blake creates dark, intense fantasy narratives with complex relationships and high-stakes conflicts. Her approach to morally complex characters and unexpected twists will resonate with Joan He's readers.
Try Three Dark Crowns, a story about three sisters destined to fight to the death to rule their kingdom, filled with intrigue and shifting alliances.
Holly Black explores the danger and darkness lurking behind fantasy worlds, often focusing on morally ambiguous characters and faerie lore. Joan He fans might enjoy Black's ability to draw readers into vivid worlds with unpredictable characters.
Check out The Cruel Prince, where political intrigue and greed collide in a ruthless faerie world.
Leigh Bardugo's stories feature richly detailed settings, morally complex characters, and immersive storytelling. Fans of Joan He's intricate plots and character-driven narratives will enjoy Bardugo's powerful novels.
A great place to start is with Six of Crows, the story of a charismatic crew tasked with a daring heist in a thrilling world of magic and danger.
Sabaa Tahir crafts emotionally vivid fantasies dealing with themes of oppression, rebellion, and resilience. If you appreciate Joan He's thoughtful exploration of moral dilemmas and character-driven plots, you'll find much to love in Tahir's writing.
Try An Ember in the Ashes, following Laia and Elias, two characters on opposing sides of a brutal empire, striving for freedom amidst violence and upheaval.
Hafsah Faizal creates rich fantasy tales inspired by Middle Eastern mythology. She weaves engaging stories filled with strong, relatable characters and evocative settings.
Fans of Joan He will enjoy Faizal's We Hunt the Flame, a story about Zafira, a skilled hunter disguising herself as a man, who must venture into a cursed forest to save her people.
Roshani Chokshi crafts fantasy worlds inspired by mythology and folklore, filled with vibrant worlds, charismatic characters, and beautifully crafted writing.
Her novel The Gilded Wolves brings readers to a glamorous Paris in the late 1800s, following a band of charming misfits on a dangerous quest. If you appreciate Joan He's detailed storytelling and engaging characters, you'll definitely want to try Chokshi's work.
Amélie Wen Zhao is celebrated for creating vivid fantasy worlds filled with complex political intrigue, dynamic characters, and compelling moral questions.
Her debut novel, Blood Heir, reimagines the story of Anastasia in an immersive fantasy setting about magic, betrayal, and royal struggle. Joan He readers, who appreciate layered narratives and morally complex protagonists, will connect strongly with Zhao's storytelling.
Natasha Ngan explores themes of identity, power, and resilience in her fantasy tales. Her narratives tackle dark, complicated issues while emphasizing friendship and resistance against oppression.
Her standout novel, Girls of Paper and Fire, invites readers into a beautifully dark world where Lei, a girl forced into servitude, rises up against violence and tyranny. Like Joan He, Ngan writes strong, deeply felt stories that speak clearly about difficult realities.
Roseanne A. Brown captivates readers with her vivid storytelling style and West African-inspired fantasy settings. Her narratives blend adventure, romance, powerful character development, and deep cultural influences.
In A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, two protagonists, a grieving princess and a desperate refugee, navigate dangerous magic, high-stakes secrets, and a plot filled with suspense. If you're drawn to Joan He's complex characters and inventive worlds, you'll enjoy Brown's novel.