9 Asian-Authored Fantasy Books for Fans of K-Pop Demon Hunters
By: Deanna Ortega
When a demon-slaying girl group fights a too-hot group of demons, it’s hard to not want more. K-Pop Demon Hunters gave us style, myth-fueled battles, and slow-burn romance that absolutely deserved the aquarium date (and the kiss!). Now, readers are chasing that same feeling in their fiction. This list rounds up nine fantasy books by Asian authors that tap into the same high-energy blend of mythology, tension, and emotional depth.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
Retired, soul-devouring Kim Hani just wants a life as a laid back barista. But when an escaped demon resurfaces, she’s forced into an uneasy partnership with Seokga, a trickster god turned detective. Their reluctant alliance spirals into chaos–and a K-drama worthy romance–as they race to stop a threat that could destroy humanity.
Vibes: Korean myth, enemies-to-lovers banter, urban fantasy. A perfect match for K-pop Demon Hunters fans craving sassy characters and slow-burn chemistry.
Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee
Centuries old, Sunny Cho is living undercover in Los Angeles, running a magical antique shop and trying to keep her secrets buried. When a hot PI from her past shows up needing help to solve a murder, Sunny is pulled into a dangerous quest spanning mortal realms and godly dimensions–where stopping ancient evil might mean finally facing her own heart.
Vibes: Korean Mythology, second-chance romance, murder mystery. Perfect for fans of K-Pop Demon Hunters who love slow-burn pining, and hot people fighting evil in secret.
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Each year, eight human girls are chosen to serve the Demon King. This year, there are nine. Lei, a member of the lowest caste, is taken to the palace against her will–but she refuses to stay silent. As forbidden love blooms between Lei and another girl, so does the spark of rebellion.
Vibes: Queer Asian representation, girl gay, demon royalty, resistance. For K-Pop Demon Hunters fans who want heartache, heat, and heroines who fight back.
The Last Tiger by Julia Riew & Brad Riew
Lee Seung is a servant boy, and Choi Eunji is a noble girl–both caught in a colonized land where tigers are being hunted to extinction and magic whispers through the shadows. Forced together in search of the last tiger, their friendship fractures into rivalry before shifting into romance all tangled in defiance.
Vibes: Korean inspired historical fantasy, friends-to enemies-to lovers, magic, liberation. For K-Pop Demon Hunters fans who crave high, emotional stakes.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Wu Zetian volunteers as a concubine pilot to kill the man who murdered her sister. Instead, she becomes an Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who survives the psychic link that usually kills concubines. Paired with a notorious death-row pilot, she begins a brutal rebellion and a slow-burn romance.
Vibes: Chinese-inspired sci-fi fantasy, feminist rage, mech battles, poly slow-burn. K-pop Demon Hunters who love badass female protagonists will love this one.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zu
Àn’yīng enters a deadly competition in a demon-wracked world to save her mother’s soul. Surviving means navigating rivalries, distrust, and a rival contestant who becomes her unexpected protector. Magic tests everyone’s loyalty, and romance blooms in darkness.
Vibes: Chinese mythology, deadly trials, grim rivals-to allies romance. K-pop Demon Hunters fans who love high stakes supernatural competition and enemies to lovers tension will eat this up.
Darker by Four by June CL Tan
Rui’s magic is bound to revenge, until an accident transfers her powers to Yiran, the disowned heir with none. As supernatural creatures overrun the city and gods go missing, these two must chase down a god of death,--and figure out what they mean to each other.
Vibes: Chinese underworld mythology, urban fantasy, slow burn found family romance. For K-pop Demon Hunters fans craving found family and messy magic.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Xingyin is the secret daughter of the moon goddess, hidden away until she escapes to the mortal realm. Now she must master celestial magic, forge alliances, and break a curse that threatens both worlds–all while discovering the heart she never knew she had.
Vibes: Chinese mythology, epic quest, slow-burn romance. For K-pop Demon Hunters fans who love a heroine finding her own way.
Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera
Anula Ramanayake is an orphaned poison-master in ancient Sri-Lanka–and she’s hungry for power. She makes a dangerous bargain with Reeri, a Yakka god, trading her soul for a chance to overthrow cruel rulers.Their partnership is fraught with tension, desire, and rising rebellion.
Vibes: Sri Lankan mythology, power-focused rebellion, supernatural pact-to-romance. For K-pop Demon Hunters fans who love morally complex alliances, and challenged love.
From gumiho baristas to moon-born warriors to lovers bound by ancient magic, these stories carry the same spark that made K-Pop Demon Hunters unforgettable. They’re packed with supernatural battles, messy romance, and Asian-based mythology that is rooted in the authors’ heritages. Whether you’re in it for the drama, the defiance, or the demons–these books will linger like the lyrics to Golden and Your Idol.
Looking to chase that feeling?
Find the titles listed above at your favorite bookstore. And when you love the books recommended here, tell a friend. A rival. Or even a demon.
Follow Deanna Ortega @fictional.deanna on TikTok and Instagram for non-reader husband recs and meme-filled chaos.
