Nghi Vo

Nghi Vo is an American author known for fantasy and speculative fiction, with notable works including The Empress of Salt and Fortune and The Chosen and the Beautiful. Born in 1981 in Peoria, Illinois, Vo has established herself as a significant voice in contemporary fantasy literature, winning both the Hugo Award for Best Novella and the Crawford Award. The Singing Hills Cycle, Vo's acclaimed series of fantasy novellas, began with The Empress of Salt and Fortune and includes When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, Into the Riverlands, and Mammoths at the Gates. These interconnected but independently readable works showcase Vo's talent for blending Asian-influenced fantasy with intricate storytelling. Vo's work often incorporates themes of queerness and cultural identity, as demonstrated in The Chosen and the Beautiful, her 2021 debut novel that reimagines The Great Gatsby from the perspective of a queer Vietnamese American adoptee. Her literary contributions since 2007 span short stories, novellas, and novels, with her work appearing in various prestigious publications and earning critical acclaim. The author continues to expand her literary footprint through the Singing Hills Cycle, with additional novellas contracted for publication through Tor.com. Vo's unique narrative style and innovative approach to fantasy storytelling have earned her a distinct place in contemporary speculative fiction.

Readers highlight Vo's lyrical prose style and skill at weaving Vietnamese folklore into fantasy narratives. Her novel "The Chosen and the Beautiful" earned praise for its fresh take on The Great Gatsby, with readers noting the atmospheric 1920s setting and queer representation. Readers appreciate: - Rich, detailed worldbuilding - LGBTQ+ characters written with depth - Integration of Asian mythology - Elegant, poetic writing style Common criticisms: - Plot pacing can be slow - Some find the writing too dense/ornate - Character development prioritized over action - Nonlinear storytelling confuses some readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Siren Queen: 3.9/5 (18,000+ ratings) - The Chosen and the Beautiful: 3.8/5 (24,000+ ratings) - Into the Riverlands: 3.9/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Siren Queen: 4.2/5 - The Chosen and the Beautiful: 4.1/5 One reviewer noted: "Beautiful writing but sometimes gets lost in its own metaphors at the expense of moving the story forward."

Siren Queen (2022) An alternate history of Hollywood's Golden Age follows a Chinese American actress who must navigate both human and supernatural dangers as she pursues stardom.

The Chosen and the Beautiful (2021) A fantasy reimagining of The Great Gatsby told through the perspective of Jordan Baker as a queer Vietnamese adoptee in 1920s America.

The Empress of Salt and Fortune (2020) A cleric chronicles the rise of an empress through the memories of her elderly handmaiden in this fantasy novella set in an Asian-inspired world.

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain (2020) A traveling cleric must survive the night by trading stories with three hungry tigers in this fantasy novella about truth and storytelling.

Into the Riverlands (2022) A wandering cleric and their companion encounter martial artists and storytellers while traveling through a dangerous landscape in this fantasy novella.

R.F. Kuang writes historical fantasy with East Asian influences and complex political narratives. Her works include The Poppy War trilogy and Babel, which blend historical elements with fantasy while exploring colonialism and power dynamics.

Aliette de Bodard creates fantasy narratives drawing from Vietnamese culture and mythology. Her Dominion of the Fallen series and Universe of Xuya stories combine cultural elements with intricate worldbuilding and examination of family relationships.

P. Djèlí Clark crafts alternative histories and fantasy stories incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and social commentary. His work includes Ring Shout and A Master of Djinn, which blend historical elements with supernatural narratives and explore themes of power and identity.

Zen Cho writes fantasy fiction that draws from Malaysian folklore and British historical settings. Her Sorcerer to the Crown series and Spirits Abroad collection merge cultural elements with magical narratives while examining colonialism and gender roles.

Shelley Parker-Chan creates historical fantasy with Chinese influences and gender identity themes. She Light is the Shadow series reimagines Chinese history through a queer lens while maintaining focus on power structures and personal identity.