Plot Twists & Trope Flips: Meet the 5 NYT Asian Authors Rewriting the YA Fiction

Have you ever cried over fictional characters? Question real-world systems? Stay up past midnight?

If so, you might be one of us, gushing over Young Adult (YA) fiction. A genre initially geared toward teens and young adults, but beloved by readers of all ages for causing such a universal experience. 

TikTok Video by @elyriaah captioning “wdym this is only fantasy and not reality” with aesthetic photos from different fantasy movies and series.

And while we love a good chosen-one arc or slow-burn romance, if you're tired of the same recycled tropes, these New York Times bestselling Asian authors are here to push the genre even further. 

Because they’re not just telling stories. They're weaving in lived experiences, layered cultural perspectives, and genre-bending worldbuilding that challenge and transport readers. From Shanghai's gangster-filled streets to Arabian-inspired fantasy worlds, here are the Asian authors flipping familiar tropes and redefining what YA can be.

TikTok Video by @ellswhrr captioning “the world I chose💫” with a photo of the world map pages from different fantasy books. 

1. Chloe Gong (Chinese-New Zealander) - These Violent Delights (2020)

At just 21, Chloe Gong made history as the youngest author to debut on the NYT list with These Violent Delights, a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai. Born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, Gong's own experience navigating Chinese and Western cultures shines through her story of rival gangs, the Scarlet Gang and White Flowers. The sequel, Our Violent Ends (2021), and spinoff, Foul Lady Fortune (2022), further explore Chinese history through fantasy lenses.

Why Read:

• Rich 1920s Shanghai setting

• Star-crossed lovers with a twist

• Explores cultural identity

Photo of Chloe Gong from https://thechloegong.com/ and book cover of These Violent Delights 

2. R.F. Kuang (Chinese-American) - The Poppy War (2018)

Rebecca F. Kuang's dark fantasy debut shocked readers with its unflinching portrayal of war inspired by real 20th-century Chinese history. The Guangzhou-born, Texas-raised author, now a Yale PhD candidate, drew from her family's wartime experiences to create protagonist Rin's harrowing journey. The completed trilogy (The Dragon Republic 2019, The Burning God 2020) blends military fantasy with historical events like the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Why Read:

• Gripping military fantasy

• Based on real historical events

• Complex female protagonist

Photo of R.F. Kuang and book cover of The Poppy War f

3. Hafsah Faizal (Sri Lankan-Arab American) - We Hunt the Flame (2019)

Muslim American author Hafsah Faizal built her Arabian-inspired fantasy world in We Hunt the Flame, drawing from her Sri Lankan and Arab heritage. Before writing, Faizal ran a successful web design business, IceyDesigns, at 17. Her debut introduces Zafira, a hunter disguising herself as a man in a magical desert kingdom. The sequel, We Free the Stars (2021), completes this duology full of djinn, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance.

Why Read:

• Authentic Arabian mythology

• Enemies-to-lovers romance

• Stunning worldbuilding

Photo of Hafsah Faizal and book cover of We Hunt the Flame 

4. Xiran Jay Zhao (Chinese-Canadian) - Iron Widow (2021)

Nonbinary author Xiran Jay Zhao exploded onto the scene with their mecha fantasy Iron Widow, inspired by China's only female emperor, Wu Zetian. Born in China and raised in Canada, Zhao channeled their love of anime and biochemistry background into creating a world where girls pilot giant robots to overthrow the patriarchy. The book features a rare polyamorous relationship in YA.

Why Read:

• Feminist revenge story

• Mecha battles

• Queer representation

Photo of Xiran Jay Zhao and book cover of Iron Widow

5. Tahereh Mafi (Iranian-American) - Shatter Me Series (2011-2022)

Tahereh Mafi's groundbreaking Shatter Me series follows Juliette, a girl with a lethal touch, through six books. The Iranian-American author, fluent in eight languages, drew from her immigrant family's experiences to craft Juliette's journey from isolation to empowerment. The series is notable for its unique poetic style with crossed-out thoughts.

Why Read:

• Unique writing style

• Emotional character growth

• Dystopian with heart

Photo of Tahereh Mafi and book cover of Shatter Me

Why These Authors Belong on Your TBR These writers are rewriting the rules of YA fiction with bold narratives. Whether you’re new to the community or a long-time avid reader, their works offer rich stories that go beyond the usual formulas.

The best part? You’ll walk away with more than just a great read—you’ll get a fresh perspective on culture, identity, and what it means to fight for your place in the world.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Fresh twists on classics

• Fantasy with real-world depth

• Heroines who break the mold

• Stories that stay with you long after the last page