Kait Mae

Are you tired of the same old England-inspired fantasy worlds? It’s about time to expand into new realms. Today, I’m giving you 15 books – some of which are the start of some of my favorite series – that are set in kingdoms and worlds outside of England. From Italy to Japan to Africa to India to Russia, there’s no shortage of fantasies without the same style of kingdoms and ruling classes. And each has characters that will lead you on journeys you have been waiting for.

Italy: ‘This Vicious Grace’ by Emily Thiede

We’re sticking a little close to England with this duology starter and going to Italy. I read this recently and immediately fell in love with the world and magic system. It even inspired me to start learning Italian.

From the first page, you’ll fall in love with Alessa. She’s the Finestra, the only person who can harness the power to kill with her touch. And she’s supposed to save the world. Too bad she can’t seem to control her powers. As the demons grow closer, Alessa’s power is more crucial than before.

China: ‘Daughter of the Moon Goddess’ by Sue Lynn Tan

Moving on to my first China-inspired pick, Daughter of the Moon Goddess was such a beautifully written tale of Xingyin as she works to free her mother. There were so many twists that will rip your heart out and put it back in a few chapters later.

Xingyin, daughter of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, sets herself on a path to free her mother from exile to the moon. She taps into magic she didn’t know she had and relies on her archery skills to face enemies to earn enough respect and renown to get her mother back.

Ethiopia: ‘Within These Wicked Walls’ by Lauren Blackwood

Up next is a Jane Eyre retelling set in a magical Ethiopian-inspired world. I had my doubts when I first got my hands on this because I didn’t love Jane Eyre – but I was thankfully wrong. This was such a hard-to-put-down book, and I will never not recommend it.

In Within These Wicked Walls, Andromeda is a debtera, an exorcist who cleanses households of the Evil Eye and its manifestations. Desperate to get work anywhere, she takes up what nobody else will – cleansing Magnus Rochester’s home of several manifestations.

Russia: ‘Shadow and Bone’ by Leigh Bardugo

This is a very popular series that I was recommended for several years before I finally picked it up. And I’m still devastated that Netflix canceled it before we got more of the Crows. The original trilogy was partly inspired by 19th-century Russia, and you can tell by the phrases they constantly use throughout the books.

Set in Ravka, Alina Starkov is discovered to be the rare Sun Summoner. Everyone thinks she has the power to take down the Shadow Fold, which is dividing the country. But as she works towards mastering her powers, she discovers that not everything is as it seems in the castle.

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West Africa: ‘A Song of Wraiths and Ruin’ by Roseanne A. Brown

Moving along to West Africa, we have A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, a story that weaves love, duty, and survival into one intense duology. It’s a fast-paced plot that will make it really hard to put down for even a second.

The first book sees Malik head to Ziran to escape the war, only to be drawn into starting one to save his younger sister. Karina, on the other hand, is grief-stricken and only wants her mother back – so much so that she’ll dabble in murder to get her back.

Slavic Countries: ‘Uprooted’ by Naomi Novik

Back up to Russia and other Slavic countries, my next pick is Uprooted. It’s based on a Polish folktale and is set in an Eastern European fantasy village. It’s perfect for people who love the age-old battle of good versus evil.

The standalone follows Agnieszka as she is chosen by the Dragon, a century-old wizard, to serve under him for a decade. While learning magic from him, they have to face the evils of the dark Wood surrounding their village to save their home.

China: ‘Jade Fire Gold’ by June C.L. Tan

I’ve seen several people relate the two main characters back to Zutara, so if you like Avatar: The Last Airbender, this book is perfect for you. But before you jump right in, please check online for content warnings because there are a few that might trigger some.

In Jade Fire Gold, we see Ahn and Altan team up while still pursuing their own goals. He’s out for revenge after being exiled, and she just wants to protect her grandmother. But their destinies intertwine, leading to political intrigue and revealed secrets.

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India: ‘Sisters of the Snake’ by Sarena and Sasha Nanua

If you loved Barbie in Princess and the Pauper, then you’ll love this Indian-inspired story. The authors are twin sisters, so it’s no wonder they were able to write this so well. And don’t stress, the sequel, Daughters of the Dawn, is already out.

Rani and Ria are long-lost sisters. When they switch lives, Ria takes on the role of the kingdom’s princess while Rani learns to fend for herself on the streets. But switching back isn’t in the cards as their kingdom is in trouble.

Japan: ‘Flame in the Mist’ by Renee Ahdieh

I’ve heard it’s a Mulan retelling, and while the setting doesn’t fit, the story feels inspired by Mulan. The duology (plus two short stories set between the main books) is all out now, so you won’t have to wait long to finish Mariko’s story.

Set in feudal Japan, the story follows Mariko, who starts the story off by narrowly avoiding assassination on her way to her betrothed. Instead of running and hiding, she goes undercover as a boy to infiltrate the group that tried to kill her.

South Korea: ‘Wicked Fox’ by Kat Cho

This is one of the only two low-fantasy picks on this list, but it’s worth it because the characters are so fun. It follows a gumiho – a nine-tailed fox who takes the energy of men to survive – but don’t worry. She focuses on evil men in Seoul.

Set in modern-day Seoul, Miyoung is hiding a big secret as she tries to blend in among other teens. One night, she saves Jihoon, setting her on a path that will end with her having to choose between her immortality and love.

India: ‘The Star-Touched Queen’ by Roshani Chokshi

Inspired by Indian mythology and folklore, Roshani Chokshi weaves a tale of mystery, romance, and adventure. It’s a captivating read that is read so poetically that it’ll be hard to pull yourself out of the world.

Maya is cursed by a prediction that she’ll have a marriage of death and destruction. Banished and forced into an arranged marriage, she finds herself wedded to the ruler of the Otherworld. But that’s just the start of her journey to finding what her destiny really is.

Egypt: ‘The Chaos of Stars’ by Kiersten White

Kiersten White is a favorite author of mine, so of course, I’d be excited to grab this book. It’s a low-fantasy set in California but inspired by Egyptian mythology, so I’m counting it. It explores self-acceptance and discovery, as well as family baggage – something we can all relate to.

The Chaos of Stars follows Isadora, a daughter of Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. She sets off on a journey to gain independence from her family. She moves to the mortal world, but nothing can take the divine powers from her – no matter how hard she tries.

West Africa: ‘Kingdom of Souls’ by Rena Barron

I’m sure we all love a morally gray love interest – but what about an entire book that follows characters constantly toeing the line between good and evil? Rena Barron created a beautifully complex world full of intrigue and betrayal at every turn.

Arrah doesn’t have a trace of magic in her – which is rough since her entire family are powerful witch doctors. Desperate, she bargains with a demon, unleashing horrors beyond what she could have imagined. It’s up to her to fix what she unleashed.

North Africa: ‘A River of Royal Blood’ by Amanda Joy

If you’re looking more for a story about family, sacrifice, and identity, then look no further than Amanda Joy’s A River of Royal Blood. It’s a romantic story full of mystery and magic. And don’t worry, the second book is already out.

A River of Royal Blood sees Eva mastering her dark magic to fight her sister to death and secure a future on the throne. Between assassination attempts and coming to terms with having to fight her sister, she realizes that being ruthless isn’t always the best choice for ruling.

China: ‘The Poppy War’ by R.F. Kuang

First and foremost, please check the trigger warnings for this series because I have heard several amazing things but would never be able to read them for a few reasons. It was also said to be if Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender were the main character.

The Poppy War starts a trilogy following Ron, a young woman orphaned by war who is determined to escape poverty by any means necessary. In the military school she’s accepted to, she has to confront war horrors and the dark power within her.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of fantasies in worlds not inspired by England. Is your favorite on here, or did I miss it?