10 Fantasy Books Inspired By South Asian Folklore
South Asian folklore is a treasure trove of mesmerizing stories, filled with fierce goddesses, enchanted forests, and epic quests for love and justice. The vibrant cultural tapestry of this region inspires fantastical worlds that brim with ancient legends, complex characters, and unforgettable magic.
1. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
🌺 A princess imprisoned, a maid with hidden powers, and a burning empire.
Princess Malini has been cast into exile by her tyrannical brother, while Priya, a maidservant hiding forbidden magic, harbors a dangerous secret. As their fates intertwine, a slow-burn romance blossoms against the backdrop of a crumbling empire.
💭 Why it captivates: Suri crafts a lush, evocative world with fierce women determined to break free from oppression. The romance? Simmering and beautifully intense.
2. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
🌌 A cursed princess, a mysterious kingdom, and a love that defies death.
Maya’s horoscope foretells a marriage of death and destruction, marking her as a pariah in her father’s court. But when she becomes queen of a magical realm, she discovers love, secrets, and betrayal beyond her wildest dreams.
💭 Why it enchants: Chokshi’s lyrical prose sweeps you into a mesmerizing world filled with starry magic and heart-wrenching romance.
3. Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri
⏳ A powerful ritual dancer, a cruel empire, and an impossible love.
Mehr, the daughter of an imperial governor and an exiled Amrithi mother, must navigate a world where her heritage is both a curse and a gift. When she’s forced into a marriage bound by dark magic, she must fight for her freedom and her heart.
💭 Why it resonates: The rich cultural textures and forbidden love story will tug at your heartstrings. Suri masterfully blends political intrigue with searing romance.
4. The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
🌙 A deadly curse, a vengeful bride, and a love worth risking everything for.
Each night, Khalid marries a new bride, only for her to be executed by dawn. When Shahrzad volunteers to marry him, she’s determined to end the cycle of death. But as she unravels Khalid’s secrets, their connection becomes undeniable.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: This retelling of One Thousand and One Nights is filled with sultry tension, high-stakes danger, and a swoon-worthy slow-burn romance.
5. Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
👑 The untold story of a queen who reshaped destiny.
Kaikeyi, often painted as the villain in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, takes center stage in this gripping retelling. With fierce determination and divine magic, she challenges societal norms and fights for her family’s future.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Patel’s reimagining of Kaikeyi as a complex, feminist heroine will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.
6. The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
🔥 A city of djinn, a resilient heroine, and a flame that refuses to be extinguished.
Fatima lives in Noor, a city caught between the ancient forces of djinn and mortal politics. When tragedy strikes, she becomes entangled in a battle for power and must embrace the flame within her.
💭 Why it dazzles: The richly detailed world, fierce heroines, and themes of resilience and identity make this novel an empowering and magical read.
7. Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena
⭐ A prophecy, a hidden identity, and a kingdom on the brink of chaos.
Gul has a star-shaped birthmark that foretells a powerful destiny, making her a target for the kingdom’s ruthless soldiers. Alongside a group of rebels, she fights for survival and love in a land filled with magic and secrets.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Bhathena’s fierce heroine and the beautifully woven themes of rebellion and identity make this a thrilling adventure.
8. The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi (translated by Cathy Hirano)
🐉 A girl who communicates with mythical beasts and a kingdom divided by war.
Elin’s rare ability to connect with the majestic water serpents places her at the center of a kingdom teetering on the brink of war. As she navigates political intrigue, she must also grapple with the burden of power.
💭 Why it’s mesmerizing: Uehashi’s elegant storytelling and complex characters create a tale as powerful as it is poignant.
9. The Archer at Dawn by Swati Teerdhala
🏹 A rebel archer, a deadly palace game, and forbidden love.
Kunal and Esha are torn between their love for each other and their duty to their people. As a deadly tournament unfolds in the palace, betrayal and intrigue threaten to tear them apart.
💭 Why it’s gripping: The fierce chemistry and pulse-pounding action make this book an unputdownable read.
10. A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna
🌠 A cosmic saga filled with gods, secrets, and interstellar battles.
Inspired by the Indian epic Mahabharata, this space opera follows Esmae, a princess hidden at birth who seeks to reclaim her rightful throne. But in a universe where gods meddle and secrets abound, nothing is as it seems.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Mandanna’s imaginative world-building and the fierce, complex relationships between characters make this book an absolute gem.
Which South Asian-Inspired Fantasy Will You Read Next? 🌺
These books transport readers to enchanting realms filled with magic, myth, and unforgettable love stories. Which one will you dive into first? And if you’ve already been swept away by one of these tales, share your favorite — we’re always eager for a magical new adventure! ✨
