Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who spun a tale of tiny dragons flitting through a smog-choked Beijing—meet Cynthia Zhang! This rising star in fantasy literature burst onto the scene with her debut novel, After the Dragons, a heart-tugging blend of urban fantasy, queer romance, and sharp commentary on climate change. Based in Los Angeles, Zhang crafts worlds that feel as real as they are magical, drawing readers into stories that linger long after the final page.
The Making of Cynthia Zhang
Born and raised as a Chinese-American, Cynthia Zhang grew up immersed in a blend of Western fantasy tropes and the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by childhood favorites like Journey to the West and a fascination with speculative fiction. Now a Ph.D. student in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture at the University of Southern California, Zhang balances academia with her passion for writing, weaving her cultural heritage into tales that resonate globally. Her journey into publishing began with short stories in magazines like Kaleidotrope and On Spec, setting the stage for her breakout novel.
Cynthia Zhang’s Unforgettable Stories
Zhang’s debut, After the Dragons (2021), is a slim yet powerful novella set in a near-future Beijing where Eastern dragons, once revered as rain-bringers, now struggle in a polluted, drought-stricken city. The story follows Kai, a terminally ill college student rescuing abandoned dragons, and Eli, a biracial American researcher, as their unlikely partnership sparks a tender queer romance. Critics, like Krista Hutley for Booklist, praised its “enormous heart and astonishing depth,” noting Zhang’s vivid portrayal of Beijing and its climate challenges. Shortlisted for the 2022 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction, the novel blends Chinese mythology with real-world issues like global warming and identity.
Zhang’s short fiction, featured in venues like Translunar Travelers Lounge and PseudoPod, showcases her versatility, often exploring themes of diaspora, queerness, and mental health. Her work in Xenocultivars delves into speculative botany, earning a 4.27 average rating on Goodreads for its imaginative scope. Zhang’s style is lyrical yet grounded, with characters who feel achingly human, whether they’re caring for dragons or navigating cultural alienation. Her ability to weave whimsy with weighty topics makes her stories both accessible and profound.
Why Cynthia Zhang Matters
Cynthia Zhang is carving a vital space in fantasy literature, offering a Chinese-American perspective that challenges the genre’s Western-dominated tropes. Her focus on climate change, as seen in After the Dragons, resonates with readers seeking stories that mirror today’s ecological crises while celebrating cultural heritage. By centering queer and diaspora identities, Zhang speaks to marginalized voices, creating narratives that are both intimate and universal. Her work, praised by Hugo Award-winner Mary Robinette Kowal for its “perfect, beautifully drawn dragons,” inspires hope and connection in a fractured world.
- Key Work: After the Dragons (2021)
- Notable Recognition: Shortlisted for the 2022 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction
- Other Publications: Short stories in Kaleidotrope, On Spec, and Translunar Travelers Lounge
Snag After the Dragons and dive into Cynthia Zhang’s lyrical, dragon-filled world of urban fantasy!