Picture a Singaporean Chinese storyteller who spun a silkpunk saga from science and myth—meet Amber Chen! This rising star transformed her love for Chinese dramas and biochemistry into the UK #1 bestselling novel Of Jade and Dragons, a tale of engineering dreams and revenge that’s captivating readers worldwide.
Chen’s journey from aspiring astronaut to acclaimed novelist is as thrilling as her stories. With a knack for blending rigorous science with fantastical worlds, she’s carving a unique niche in young adult fantasy, inspiring readers to chase their ambitions against all odds.
The Making of Amber Chen
Born in Singapore, Amber Chen grew up fascinated by the cosmos, dreaming of NASA and devouring both fiction and nonfiction. Her academic path led her to the University of Cambridge, where she earned a BA and MSci in Biochemistry. Yet, between lectures, she binged Chinese period dramas—wuxia, xianxia, and palace intrigues—that sparked her storytelling itch. Frustrated by unsatisfying TV endings, she began writing her own tales, later honing her craft with a screenwriting diploma from the Singapore Media Academy. Her early works, like the webnovel The Cutting Edge, gained traction on Wattpad and even inspired a 2021 Singaporean TV miniseries.
Amber Chen’s Unforgettable Stories
Chen’s debut novel, Of Jade and Dragons (2024), is a silkpunk fantasy set in a Qing Dynasty-inspired world, blending retro-futuristic tech with Chinese mythology. The story follows Aihui Ying, an 18-year-old who disguises herself as a boy to infiltrate the male-only Engineers Guild, seeking justice for her father’s murder. Critics praise its vivid prose and intricate worldbuilding, with Xiran Jay Zhao calling it “the steampunk C-drama of my dreams.”
Beyond her debut, Chen’s short story “Hugging the Buddha’s Feet” appears in Wilted Pages: An Anthology of Dark Academia, showcasing her versatility in speculative fiction. Her webnovel The Cutting Edge, a contemporary tale of celebrity hairstylists, highlights her range across genres. Chen’s style merges scientific precision with mythological depth, often exploring themes of empowerment, especially for women in STEM, wrapped in cinematic narratives drawn from her screenwriting roots.
As the first in the Fall of the Dragon duology, Of Jade and Dragons sets the stage for more adventures, with its sequel eagerly anticipated. Chen’s ability to weave historical speculation—drawing from figures like Qing emperor Huang Taiji and his concubine Harjol—adds layers of intrigue, making her worlds feel both fantastical and grounded.
Why Amber Chen Matters
Amber Chen is more than a storyteller; she’s a trailblazer empowering young readers, especially girls, to defy societal norms. Through Aihui Ying’s journey, she champions women in STEM, reflecting her own scientific background. Her work resonates globally, offering fresh perspectives in YA fantasy by centering Asian-inspired narratives. Chen’s rise from Wattpad to bestseller lists proves that diverse voices can reshape genres, inspiring a new generation of writers and dreamers.
- Born: Singapore (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Of Jade and Dragons (2024), The Cutting Edge (webnovel, adapted 2021), “Hugging the Buddha’s Feet” in Wilted Pages
- Education: BA and MSci in Biochemistry, University of Cambridge; Diploma in Film and Television (Screenwriting), Singapore Media Academy
- Notable: UK #1 bestseller for Of Jade and Dragons
Snag Of Jade and Dragons and dive into Amber Chen’s thrilling silkpunk world—where science meets magic, and dreamers soar!