Katie Zhao is known for lively middle-grade fantasy novels like The Dragon Warrior and sharp young adult thrillers such as How We Fall Apart. Her books combine humor, high-stakes storytelling, and cultural heritage in ways that feel fresh, fast-paced, and memorable.
If you enjoy Katie Zhao’s books, these authors are well worth adding to your reading list:
Joan He writes vivid fantasy inspired by Chinese culture, bringing a distinctive voice to young adult fiction. Her novels often center on emotionally complex characters, layered relationships, and tense political conflict.
In Descendant of the Crane, she builds a richly textured world where a young princess must untangle political secrets, navigate betrayal, and make difficult moral choices.
Chloe Gong blends historical backdrops with fantasy and suspense, creating novels full of energy and atmosphere. Her writing balances romance, action, and sharp character dynamics with impressive ease.
In These Violent Delights, she reimagines Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai, weaving together gang rivalry, political unrest, and a central romance charged with tension.
Rebecca F. Kuang writes intense fantasy rooted in history, with characters shaped by trauma, ambition, and impossible choices. Her books frequently examine war, colonialism, power, and the cost of survival.
The novel The Poppy War follows Rin, a fiercely determined heroine whose rise reveals the brutal realities of conflict, sacrifice, and unchecked power.
Xiran Jay Zhao writes bold, propulsive stories inspired by Chinese mythology, history, and legend. Their work mixes humor and fury with action-heavy storytelling, while also challenging systems of power and gender expectations.
Iron Widow is a fierce reimagining influenced by the life of Empress Wu Zetian, starring a relentless protagonist determined to destroy the patriarchal system around her.
Judy I. Lin crafts atmospheric fantasy filled with magic, artistry, and immersive worldbuilding. Her stories are especially rich in tradition, celebration, and folklore, making every setting feel detailed and alive.
In A Magic Steeped in Poison, a young woman enters a world of tea magic, dangerous competition, and court intrigue, all deeply influenced by Chinese culture.
If you love Katie Zhao’s mix of mythology, adventure, and culturally rooted storytelling, Elizabeth Lim is an excellent choice. Lim writes sweeping fantasy with lush settings, memorable heroes, and strong themes of courage and self-discovery.
Her novel, Spin the Dawn, offers a fresh story shaped by Chinese-inspired lore, following Maia, a gifted seamstress who enters a high-stakes competition to become the emperor’s tailor.
For readers who enjoy darker fantasy with supernatural tension, Kylie Lee Baker is a compelling pick. Her books blend Japanese folklore, historical influences, and emotionally driven character arcs.
Her novel, The Keeper of Night, follows Ren Scarborough, a half-British Reaper who journeys into the dangerous underworld of Japan while wrestling with identity, belonging, and fate.
Julie C. Dao creates lush, fairy-tale-inspired worlds populated by morally complicated characters and dramatic choices. Like Katie Zhao, she excels at telling Asian-inspired stories led by strong female protagonists.
Her novel, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, retells Snow White from the villain’s perspective, drawing on East Asian mythology, ambition, and dark magic.
Readers who enjoy Katie Zhao’s immersive worlds and emotionally charged themes may want to pick up Amélie Wen Zhao next. Her fantasy is fast-moving and dramatic, often exploring privilege, oppression, and the moral complications of power.
In her novel, Blood Heir, a princess falsely accused of murder must uncover dangerous secrets and confront deadly magic in order to reclaim her future.
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé writes gripping contemporary YA that blends mystery with sharp commentary on identity, race, and power. If you like Katie Zhao’s ability to pair suspense with meaningful themes, her work is a strong match.
Her debut, Ace of Spades, takes readers inside an elite private school where two Black students are targeted by an anonymous bully with a deeply sinister agenda.
If Katie Zhao’s adventurous pacing and playful use of mythology appeal to you, Rick Riordan is an easy recommendation. His books bring ancient legends into the modern world through funny, relatable characters and nonstop action.
His stories also shine because of their warmth, friendship, and family themes. A great place to start is Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, in which Percy discovers he is a demigod and is swept into a quest shaped by Greek mythology.
For readers drawn to Katie Zhao’s imagination and multicultural influences, Yoon Ha Lee is a standout choice. Lee writes inventive, thoughtful adventures set in richly imagined worlds shaped in part by Korean culture and mythology.
A wonderful introduction is Dragon Pearl, a space fantasy about a girl who uses the power of Korean folktales on a mission to find her missing brother.
If you’re especially drawn to Zhao’s emphasis on cultural identity and storytelling rooted in tradition, Grace Lin is a lovely next read. Her books bring Chinese folklore to life through heartfelt adventures and relatable young protagonists.
A great example is Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, which follows Minli on a magical journey inspired by classic Chinese tales.
Readers who enjoy Katie Zhao’s mix of fantasy, humor, and strong representation may also connect with Daniel José Older. His stories are lively and imaginative, often combining magic with contemporary life in ways that feel vibrant and grounded.
Try Shadowshaper, which follows Sierra as she uncovers her family’s magical legacy and faces a threat endangering her Brooklyn community.
Fans of Katie Zhao’s spirited protagonists, adventurous plots, and magical surprises may also enjoy Jessica Townsend. Townsend writes whimsical, wonder-filled fantasy that celebrates friendship, resilience, and discovery.
Her flair for imaginative storytelling is on full display in Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, the story of a girl swept away to a hidden magical city where she must face trials and find where she belongs.
