Picture a Canadian storyteller who blends martial arts, magic, and mafia vibes into unforgettable speculative fiction—meet Fonda Lee! Born in 1979, Lee has carved a niche in fantasy and science fiction with her gripping narratives and richly built worlds. From the jade-fueled clans of The Green Bone Saga to the alien-occupied Earth of Exo, her stories captivate readers with their blend of high-stakes drama and cultural depth.
A former corporate strategist with black belts in karate and kung fu, Lee channels her diverse experiences into tales that resonate globally. Her ability to weave Asian-inspired settings with universal themes has made her a standout voice in contemporary genre fiction.
The Making of Fonda Lee
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Fonda Lee grew up with a love for storytelling, influenced by both Western sci-fi epics like Star Wars and Eastern martial arts films. After earning an MBA from Stanford University, she worked in corporate strategy, but her passion for writing speculative fiction soon took center stage. Her debut novel, Zeroboxer (2015), marked her entry into young adult sci-fi, showcasing her knack for blending action with emotional depth. Lee’s martial arts background infuses her work with authentic, kinetic energy, setting her apart in the genre.
Fonda Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction, with The Green Bone Saga as her crown jewel. This epic urban fantasy trilogy—Jade City (2017), Jade War (2019), and Jade Legacy (2021)—follows the Kaul family’s battles over magical jade in a modern, Asia-inspired metropolis. Praised for its Godfather-esque drama and intricate world-building, Jade City won the 2018 World Fantasy Award and landed on TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books list.
Her Exo series, starting with Exo (2017) and followed by Cross Fire (2018), dives into young adult sci-fi, exploring a future Earth under alien rule. These novels, lauded for their fast-paced plots and complex characters, earned Aurora Awards and Andre Norton nominations. Lee’s standalone novella, Untethered Sky (2023), showcases her versatility, weaving a poignant tale of loyalty and monstrous birds. Her upcoming The Last Contract of Isako (2025), a cyberpunk samurai space opera, promises to push boundaries further with its bold, Kurosawa-meets-Dune aesthetic.
Lee’s style is a masterclass in blending gritty realism with fantastical elements. Her worlds feel lived-in, shaped by economic and political forces, while her characters grapple with loyalty, power, and identity. Drawing from her Asian-American heritage, she crafts stories that bridge Eastern and Western influences, offering fresh perspectives in speculative fiction.
Why Fonda Lee Matters
Fonda Lee’s impact extends beyond her award-winning books. By centering Asian-inspired narratives in modern fantasy, she challenges the genre’s Eurocentric traditions, creating space for diverse voices. Her exploration of diaspora, power dynamics, and family resonates with readers worldwide, earning her a devoted following. The Green Bone Saga’s option for television development highlights her growing cultural influence. As a trailblazer, Lee inspires writers to blend genres and cultures, proving speculative fiction can be both thrilling and thought-provoking.
- Born: March 10, 1979, Calgary, Canada
- Key Works: Jade City, Exo, Untethered Sky
- Awards: World Fantasy Award (2018), six-time Aurora Award winner
- Fun Fact: Lee collaborated with Shannon Lee on the Bruce Lee-inspired Guardian of the Scroll duology, starting with Breath of the Dragon (2025).
Ready to dive into a world of jade-wielding warriors and interstellar intrigue? Grab Jade City or Exo and experience Fonda Lee’s electrifying storytelling!