The Best Authors to Read if You Love R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang has become a literary powerhouse, known for her searing critiques of colonialism, academia, and the brutal realities of history, all wrapped in brilliant speculative fiction. But whether you were drawn in by the grimdark military fantasy of The Poppy War, the dark academic setting of Babel, or the sharp literary satire of Yellowface, her work is multifaceted.
Because her books are so distinct, we've organized this list of author recommendations based on which of her works resonated with you the most. Find your favorite Kuang novel below to discover your next great read.
If you loved the grimdark military fantasy of The Poppy War...
You were captivated by the brutal portrayal of war, the exploration of trauma, and a protagonist's harrowing descent into immense power. These authors deliver similarly intense, character-driven stories set against epic conflicts.
Fonda Lee
Like Kuang, Fonda Lee blends Asian-inspired settings with modern sensibilities. Her Green Bone Saga, starting with Jade City, is an epic urban fantasy about two rival clans warring for control of a magical jade that grants superhuman abilities. If you appreciated the complex power dynamics and the visceral, high-stakes action of Rin's story, you will feel right at home in Lee's richly imagined world of honor, family, and brutal consequence.
Evan Winter
If the relentless pacing and themes of vengeance in The Poppy War were what gripped you, Evan Winter's The Burning series is an essential read. The first book, The Rage of Dragons, follows a young, low-caste man named Tau who, after suffering a great tragedy, dedicates his life to becoming the ultimate warrior in a rigidly stratified and brutal society. Winter's portrayal of relentless training and explosive combat is a perfect match for fans of Rin's journey at Sinegard.
Seth Dickinson
Kuang excels at writing characters who are forced to compromise their morals to fight an oppressive empire. Seth Dickinson’s The Traitor Baru Cormorant is the definitive novel for this theme. It follows a brilliant young woman whose island home is annexed by a powerful empire. To destroy them, she decides to join their civil service and tear them down from within. It is a heartbreaking and intellectually ruthless exploration of colonialism, identity, and the price of rebellion.
If you were fascinated by the dark academia and colonial critique of Babel...
You appreciate meticulous research, historical fantasy that interrogates the past, and stories about the power of language and the insidious nature of empire. These authors build intricate worlds grounded in sharp social and political commentary.
S.A. Chakraborty
While set in the 18th-century Middle East rather than 19th-century England, Chakraborty's Daevabad Trilogy, beginning with The City of Brass, shares Babel's deep engagement with history, colonialism, and identity. Her work explores the tensions between different cultures and religions with nuance and features a protagonist caught between worlds. The rich world-building and complex political maneuvering will deeply satisfy readers who loved the academic and historical depth of Babel.
Susanna Clarke
For a novel that shares Babel's reverence for academia and its slow-burn, intellectual magic system, look no further than Susanna Clarke's masterpiece, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Set in an alternate 19th-century England, the novel details the return of magic through the efforts of two rival magicians. Its witty, footnotes-heavy prose and meticulous historical detail create an immersive experience that will feel familiar to anyone who loved wandering the halls of Oxford's magical tower with Robin Swift.
Shelley Parker-Chan
Shelley Parker-Chan’s debut, She Who Became the Sun, is a historical fantasy that reimagines the founding of the Ming dynasty. Like Kuang, Parker-Chan masterfully weaves history and fantasy to explore themes of identity, ambition, and the right to exist. The novel’s intense focus on its protagonist's fierce desire to defy their fate and claim a place in a world that denies them echoes the revolutionary fervor and personal sacrifice at the heart of Babel.
If you were gripped by the sharp literary satire of Yellowface...
You enjoy biting, contemporary critiques of social structures—in this case, the publishing industry. You're looking for authors who tackle complex issues like cultural appropriation, tokenism, and ambition with unflinching honesty and dark humor.
Zakiya Dalila Harris
Harris's debut novel, The Other Black Girl, is the perfect companion piece to Yellowface. The book is a social thriller set in the predominantly white world of New York City publishing, where an editorial assistant is thrilled when another Black woman is hired—until a series of unsettling events makes her question her new colleague's motives. The novel brilliantly satirizes workplace politics and the insidious nature of corporate diversity initiatives, blending sharp commentary with genuine suspense.
Charles Yu
If the meta-commentary on stereotypes and representation in Yellowface appealed to you, then Charles Yu's National Book Award-winning Interior Chinatown is a must-read. Written in the format of a screenplay, the novel follows Willis Wu, who sees himself as "Generic Asian Man" and dreams of becoming "Kung Fu Guy." Yu uses this inventive structure to deconstruct Hollywood tropes and explore the complexities of Asian American identity with incredible wit and profound insight.
Conclusion
R.F. Kuang's work challenges, provokes, and entertains in equal measure. While her voice is unique, the authors listed here explore similar territory with their own distinct styles. Whether you seek brutal warfare, scholarly rebellion, or sharp-witted satire, your next favorite book is waiting.