We were thrilled to catch up with July GSFF author, K. X. Song, recently to discover her top three recommendations of books inspired by Chinese literature. With her stunning adult fantasy debut The Night Ends with Fire inspired by the legend of Mulan and drawing on classics such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms, K. X. Song is the perfect person to go to for these recommendations.
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At first glance, Chinese literature might seem a little overwhelming. The classics tend to be long, packed with numerous characters, and set across timelines that stretch for centuries. But even if you have a short attention span like me, these stories are absolutely worth it. Few things can evoke such deep emotions—whether it's quiet melancholy or a bittersweet nostalgia—quite like classical Chinese literature. These works, deeply rooted in history and tradition, tell timeless stories of love, power, and fate that linger long after you’ve turned the last page. And with modern retellings that pay homage to the genre, that epic scale and the nuanced star-crossed romances these classics are known for still come through beautifully. If you’re curious about this literary tradition, here are three of my top recommendations:
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
by Luo Guanzhong
This novel was a major influence on The Night Ends With Fire. As a child, I was obsessed with the Chinese TV drama adaptation, drawn in by the morally complex ensemble cast and the web of political intrigue that runs throughout the story. This is a story about ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, featuring legendary figures like Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhuge Liang. Heroes like Liu Bei, with his unwavering honor, and Guan Yu, the fierce and loyal warrior, embody many of the virtues celebrated in Chinese culture. And the cunning, yet morally ambiguous, Cao Cao—whose intelligence and dramatic antics are unmatched—was a key inspiration for one of the central characters in my own book. ☺
If the length feels intimidating—there are abridged English versions that capture the essence of the story. Whether you’re drawn to intricate battle strategies, political drama, or the delicate balance of fragile alliances, this novel offers a romanticized and fascinating glimpse into a memorable period of Chinese history.
Dream of the Red Chamber
by Cao Xueqin
Dream of the Red Chamber holds a special place in my heart, particularly for its enduring themes of childhood longing and nostalgia. As another one of China’s Four Great Classics, the novel offers a poignant exploration of a family’s decline, focusing on Jia Baoyu and his complex relationships with two women—his true love, the beautiful yet sickly Lin Daiyu, and his predestined wife, the practical and elegant Xue Baochai. The novel delves into themes such as the impermanence of wealth, the suffering of women, and bittersweet nostalgia for simpler times, all wrapped in a tale of unfulfilled love and familial duty.
Jia Baoyu's origin story, marked by the jade stone in his mouth when he was born—a symbol of his profound connection to fate and the celestial realm—stands as one of the most iconic character introductions in the canon of Chinese literature. If you enjoy stories with deep emotional resonance that will make you cry, this novel is perfect for you. It offers a haunting glimpse of a fading era where fate and family duty are unavoidable, and where childhood love is enduring yet bittersweet.
She Who Became the Sun
by Shelley Parker-Chan
A modern-day retelling of the rise of the Ming dynasty, She Who Became the Sun is a gender-bent Mulan tale that brings Chinese literary tropes into the contemporary era. The story follows Zhu, a girl who assumes her dead brother’s identity to survive, and Ouyang, a eunuch-general who seeks revenge for his family’s death. With breathtaking prose, the novel’s plot draws on classic Chinese storytelling traditions—such as the emphasis on vengeance, unrequited love, and political ambition connected to the Mandate of Heaven. I found Parker-Chan’s storytelling to brilliantly capture the heart of Chinese literature while adding a fresh, modern twist. Themes like identity, power, and the weight of destiny are deeply woven throughout, making this book an invaluable gateway to understanding how Chinese classics continue to shape contemporary literature.
