Epic Books Set in Non-European Fantasy Worlds

The Poppy War was inspired and influenced by the Second Sino-Japanese War between China and Japan (around the time of WWII). The series effectively introduces us to a world with its own versions of China and Japan (similar culture, customs, military, governance, etc.) and creates a fascinating blend of 20th century technology and magic, myths, and ancient gods.

It’s one of the darkest series I’ve read, with some truly grim and gritty story elements and character choices that absolutely shocked me. Not an easy read, but a truly compelling one.  

I lived for years in Mexico, and fell in love with the colorful history of the many indigenous tribes of the country. Seeing them brought to life in Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Sun and Sky series has been an absolute treat.

The world is similar to the Americas (Central and South) before the days of Columbus, and what has been built is a truly fascinating culture that takes bits and pieces from ancient indigenous tribes from Mexico to Argentina. There’s even a bit of Pacific Islander culture mixed in, in the form of the sea-faring, sea-revering culture with their Polyenesian-esque navigation methods. All in all, a true standout in the fantasy genre.

The Rage of Dragons introduced us to a world inspired by pre-colonial Africa, particularly drawing from elements of the Xhosa culture, language, and worldview. It’s set in a very Iron Age-style era, and takes inspiration directly from African combat styles and warfare tactics.

The story is told entirely through a non-Western lens, steeping it entirely in this truly unique and authentic feel that connected with me from the first page. Add in the fact that it’s a fast-paced, action-packed, progression-style fantasy story that uses dragons in the most original way I’ve seen to date, and it’s one of the books I always recommend. 

Mages of the Wheel introduces us to a world that feels pulled right out of the books of Ottoman Empire history, with a hint of Lebanese influences for good measure. Everything—from the sultanate government structure to the grand viziers and fractious courts—is colored with a brush that evokes images of any Middle Eastern empire from the 15th to 17th centuries.

It’s also one of the absolute best romantasy (romantic fantasy) series I’ve read to date (and yes, I’ve read ACOTAR and Fourth Wing). It blends epic fantasy with the romantic storylines beautifully, and strikes a perfect balance between both sides.

The Sword of Kaigen is heavily inspired by samurai-era Japan, with its feudal system and reliance on its sword- and magic-wielding warriors though the rest of the world has much more advanced technology (including planes, machine guns, and telegraphs). To me, it created almost a Last Samurai-esque feel, where this one small kingdom is holding onto their cultures and customs in a world that is growing ever more modern.

The story’s central themes of motherhood, honor, personal sacrifice, and the tension between progress and tradition were beautifully done. But what makes it one of my all-time favorite fantasy books is the insane action scenes in the middle, and the emotional gut punches it delivers with full force. Trust me when I say you are not ready for the pain this book will inflict on you.

Iron Widow draws inspiration from a futuristic yet reimagined version of medieval China, particularly the rise of Empress Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor.

It weaves in historical elements (like foot bindings and the political dynamics of the country at that time) and introduces magic in the form of giant mech-like constructions that are used to wage war on an implacable, monstrous enemy. It’s a fascinating use of both historical setting and culture and sci-fi-level technology, but I found the core message of raging against patriarchal systems to be a truly powerful one. One of the angriest books I’ve read in a long time, but that anger gives it so much impetus and agency, it just hooked me from start to finish.