In the past four years, I’ve read over 300 books in foreign languages, and the East Asian books I read were some of my favorites. If you’re like I am and you hate reading the same plot over and over, give one of these gripping East Asian novels a try.
1. “Villains Are Destined to Die” by Gwon Gyeoeul
“Villains Are Destined to Die” is an incredibly popular manhwa (Korean comic). In this novel, we follow a woman who suddenly wakes up in a dating simulation that she had been playing. Unfortunately, she not only becomes the game’s antagonist, Penelope Eckhart, but she also ends up in “Hard Mode,” the prequel to the original game. To make matters worse, the game’s five male characters all hate Penelope. To survive, she needs to make one of them fall in love with her.
If you like female leads with a backbone, then you’ll love this book. Penelope is fierce and perhaps a little cruel. She’ll do whatever it takes to save her own skin, even if it means hurting someone else, which makes her a compelling character.
2. “Secret Lady” by Banana
“Secret Lady” is another fantastic manhwa. The story follows Rosentine Arzen, a duke’s daughter with the ability to see ghosts. Using her paranormal talent, Rosentine learns of a plot to kill the second prince, Charteris. Disguised as a maid, Rosentine works under Charteris in hopes of saving his life.
This novel is an emotional rollercoaster with a beautifully complex plot and breathtaking art. One second, you’ll be kicking your feet in laughter, and the next, you’ll be crying.
3. “Heaven Official’s Blessing” by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
This Chinese novel follows Xie Lian (pronounced Sh-eh Lee-en), who has ascended to heaven once again, much to the gods’ annoyance. Xie Lian must exorcise ghosts in the human realm. During an expedition, Xie Lian encounters Hua Cheng, the Ghost King. During the brief encounter, it becomes clear that one of the world’s greatest evils is protecting Xie Lian.
If you’ve never read a novel in the cultivation genre, then this book might be a challenging read. However, the novel comes with a guide that explains the novel’s world, characters, and powers. This novel is definitely worth your time.
4. “Yona of the Dawn” by Mizuho Kusanagi
The romance manga community loves this Japanese comic, and the love is well-deserved. “Yona of the Dawn” follows Yona, a spoiled, pampered princess who must flee her kingdom following a violent coup. Alongside Hak, Yona’s bodyguard, Yona searches for the four dragon warriors in hopes of one day reclaiming her throne.
If you enjoy stories about women finding their power, this novel is absolutely for you. Yona has the most incredible character arc — from being utterly helpless to becoming a feared warrior. And if you like the novel, check out the anime adaptation!
5. “A Stepmother’s Märchen” by Spice&kitty
This novel follows Shuli von Neuschwanstein, who dies in a carriage accident and wakes up in the body of her 16-year-old self. Shuli is determined to change the future, focusing on improving her relationship with her four stepchildren and becoming a better Marchioness.
The idea of a teenager being a mother to children who aren’t much younger than she is may sound concerning, but it adds a crucial layer of complexity to the story. This manhwa certainly has happy moments, but the story is relatively dark, especially when you learn more about Shuli’s first life.
These East Asian stories have compelling narratives, strong female characters, and plot twists that’ll keep you on your toes. You’re sure to love these novels, and when you read them, you may even find a new favorite book!
