Check out these books featuring courageous characters and, of course, dragons.
We don’t know about you, but we’re looking forward to this year’s Lunar New Year. And why is that? Because it’s the Year of the Dragon! To our confident and courageous friends born in this Chinese Zodiac sign, now is your time to shine. In celebration of the Dragon Year (and you), here’s our selection of bestseller books featuring ambitious, strong-minded protagonists and wise mythical creatures.
Bestseller books to welcome the Dragon Year
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Almost 850 pages – that’s something to bear in mind should you be interested in adding this lengthy bestseller to your book list. The world is on the brink of a war with dragons, and it’s up to magical women to save the day. Game of Thrones fans and those who are into slow-burn romances will have a field day lapping this novel up. Set aside a day in bed to flip the pages.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
This bestselling book centres around Princess Shiori’anma, who harbours a secret. Normally, she can contain the forbidden magic running in her veins, but on the day she’s getting married, Shiori loses control. This leads to her banishment and her six brothers being turned into cranes. It doesn’t get any better – if she speaks about her curse, one of her brothers will die. Sound familiar? That’s because this is a spin on the classic Grimm Brothers tale, blended with East Asian mythology. Psst: check out the book covers, aren’t they just sublime?
Little Sip of Sin by Clio Evans
Monsters and creatures are just like us humans – they want to love and be loved in return. Dracon and Dell are two dragon shifters who desperately want to find their soulmate: someone who won’t run away from their teeth, claws, scales, and tails. Oh, and the two don’t mind sharing their newfound love with each other. They’re introduced to Kat, who adores monsters but is reluctant to fall in love with one, let alone two. Will they end up in a situation that Britney Spears will totes approve of? Grab this spicy novella to find out.
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
Don’t you wish dragons existed? If only there was an opportunity to study them. Well, Lady Trent has done that, and she’s compiled everything in her “memoir”. This fantasy read is packed with science, magic, and humour that’ll keep readers preoccupied the moment they crack the book open. When you’re done with this, consider following up with the other books in Lady Trent’s series.
Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani
We’re all for books featuring headstrong female protagonists dealing with treacherous conundrums. Loosely based on Iran’s Princess Pari Khan Khanoom, this tome details the friendship between Pari and her closest adviser Javaher, who also happens to be an eunuch. Discover how the duo navigate their country’s political realms, secrets that threaten to explode, the harems, and beyond.
Vacant Steppes by Steven Sy
There are probably no dragons in this book, but we know it’s perfect for those who are born in the Year of the Dragon. This epic fantasy novel prominently features the Great Steppe, a vast grassland populated by six nomadic tribes that live together harmoniously. Unfortunately, the Empire’s invasion threatens to rip apart the ties that bind them together. It’s up to a new generation of leaders to mend the broken alliances or risk losing everything, including their inheritance.
Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez
Zarela is a flamenco dancer who’s forced to become a dragon fighter, while Arturo is a devastatingly good-looking dragon hunter who refuses to help her. Despite their differences, the two have to work together and do whatever it takes to prevent outside forces from taking away Zarela’s birthright. This book is set in an ancient city inspired by Spain and plagued with dragons – two things that go well together, we reckon.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Here’s another bestselling book with a premise inspired by a tale you may be familiar with. The story follows Xingyi, an immortal who lives on the moon with her mother. Both of them lived under the radar for many years until the Celestial Emperor discovered their existence. The young girl flees from home and vows to free her mother, while others plot to take down the Celestial Kingdom. But don’t worry, the Emperors have a plan of their own. Written by a Malaysian author (hi, neighbour!), this novel has received rave reviews since its release.
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Imagine having the ability to turn into a dragon. Oh, wouldn’t that be awesome? This fantastical science-fiction novel explores that premise: in 1950s America, thousands of women were able to transform into mythical creatures. This leads to a “mass dragoning event” where many wives and mothers decide to metamorphose. Don’t be fooled by the blurb, however. While it may sound like a work of speculative fiction, it delivers in terms of emotional intelligence.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Here’s another book that doesn’t feature dragons; the closest thing is someone with a dragon tattoo. That someone is computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, who works together with journalist Mikael Blomkvist to solve the mystery of a woman who disappeared for four years. Naturally, they find out more than they anticipated. While there have been two film adaptations to this Swedish bestseller, the book is superior to the movies. And that’s a fact!
Do you have any bestseller books to recommend? DM us on Instagram or Facebook with your picks.