[AnalFantasyFan]

Like China, Japan, etc. All fantasy books that I've ever read was set in European-like world in middle ages with western creatures (goblin, dwarf, elf, etc).

[ChrisW]

Well the empire series by feist/wurts has a japanese kinda theme.

[Keyoke]

Great Topic... And, I have a few answers for ya..

Genpei - Kara Dalkey. It is based on Japanese folklore. It takes placed during the Genpei wars that happened in Japan. It's has strong historical ties, but, throws in the fantastic tale that history is so often color'd by.

The Prince of the Shadow (HC) - Curt Benjamin. It's new, seems to be getting some decent reviews. Obvious, strong Eastern theme to it.

Gonji - T.C. Rypel. These are out of print, but, their are five books in the serious about wandering Samurai who travels over Europe. Alternate type History with magic.. Hard to find though..

Those are a few that come to mind intially, I'll scower my book shelves, but, Eastern Fantasy seems to be very hard to come by. Oh, their is also a series publish by West Coast, called Legend of Five Rings, 7 books.. Looks pretty light, but, might be alright.

Keyoke

[AnalFantasyFan]

well which one is the most recommended? Obviously, I can only read one at the time. By the way, I'm not counting Feist book because I never really enjoy his work.

[Keyoke]

Well, if you want serious story telling, I'd recommend Genpei. Best thing about it is that is has it's root in true history..

That'd be the one I'd go for.. Also, Dream Hunters by Neil Gaiman is a graphic novella.. Also highly recommended..

[mundanemies]

Barry Hughart's brilliant Bridge of Birds, Story of the Stone and Eight Skilled Gentlemen.
Eric van Lustbader's books (though not very, erm... literate) like Sunset Warrior -serie.
Sean Russell's excellent Gatherer of Clouds and The Initiate Brother.
Ernest Bramah's Kai Lung-books.
Lafcadio Hearns' Kwaidan and Some Chinese Ghosts. Very good.
David Wingrove's Chung Kuo -serie (if possible, don't read the last book... http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif)
Sasha Miller's Ladylord.
Jessica Amanda Salmonson's Tomoe Gozen and
The Golden Naginata.
Barbara Hambly's Bride of the Rat God. Funny tale of the Hollywood in the 30's.

Hughart and Russell are both very good, I'd recommend those to be read first. Ching Kuo is basically SF, but very fatfantasy-like in a sense and biggest serie here.

[Caly]

What a great thread! I love books set in the Orient, whether they are fantasy or not. I have not found many fantasy books with an Asian theme, so it is nice to see all these reccs. I know a guy who posts here, Radthorne, has a book out with an Asian theme and I am going to buy it one of these days.

Anyway, I would highly, highly recommend the Empire series. It is my favorite series of all time. I know you say you don't like Feist, and I can relate. I hate Feist. I have tried to read his other books, but they are not up my alley. I would say Empire takes the best of both authors and combines them into literary heaven. Maybe I am a little over the top, but I just love my Empire series.

If you want more info about it you can check out http://www.angelfire.com/or/maraoftheacoma/index.html I think that is the addy for the site I am thinking of. It gives a pretty good description.

I am going to have to check out some of these other reccomendations too. I have been wanting that Kara Dalkey book for a while. Is it out in PB yet?

Caleyna

[Keyoke]

It is evident that I also thought the Empire series was excellent. It is simply a amazing series, and dont pass up on it cause you werent a huge fan of Feist.

Heck, I took my name from that series... (Keyoke of the Acoma!)

Keyoke
Honor to the house Acoma

[Louis]

Not that I am all that interested in Asian settings, but.. I have heard that Michelle West's Sunsword series has a very good Asian setting. On good authority. I guess second hand recommendations aren't the best to go by but those people would kill me if I didn't mention it.

Louis

[Sammie]

i third (?) the 'read the Empire series even if you don't usually like Feist' votes!