Picture a Hong Kong-born storyteller who weaves gothic fantasy with a theological twist—meet Jeannette Ng! Bursting onto the literary scene with her 2017 debut, Under the Pendulum Sun, Ng captivated readers with her unique blend of Victorian intrigue and fae mythology. Her stories, steeped in medieval scholarship and cultural depth, have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Ng’s journey from Hong Kong to Durham, UK, infuses her work with a vibrant, cross-cultural perspective. With a knack for live role-playing games and a past in costume design, she crafts worlds that feel as real as they are fantastical. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this rising star in fantasy literature.
The Making of Jeannette Ng
Born in Hong Kong, Jeannette Ng relocated to the UK, where she pursued an MA in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Durham University. This academic foundation sparked her fascination with medieval and missionary theology, which she channels into her gothic fantasy narratives. Her early career included selling costumes and running live role-playing games, activities that honed her storytelling skills and love for immersive worlds.
Ng’s transition to writing was a natural evolution of her creative passions. Drawing from her diverse experiences, she began crafting stories that blend historical sensibilities with fantastical elements, earning her a reputation as a fresh voice in speculative fiction.
Jeannette Ng’s Unforgettable Stories
Ng’s debut novel, Under the Pendulum Sun (2017), is a gothic masterpiece that follows Victorian missionaries venturing into the fae realm of Arcadia. Praised for its lush prose and intricate world-building, it won the Sydney J Bounds Award for Best Newcomer and was named one of the best sci-fi and fantasy books of 2017 by outlets like SYFY and The Guardian.
Her short stories, such as “How the Tree of Wishes Gained its Carapace of Plastic” in the anthology Not So Stories (2018), showcase her ability to weave postcolonial themes with speculative flair. Published in magazines like Mythic Delirium and Shoreline of Infinity, Ng’s shorter works explore identity, culture, and mythology with a sharp, lyrical edge.
Ng’s writing style is a tapestry of gothic atmosphere, theological depth, and cultural resonance. Her stories often grapple with themes of otherness and belief, reflecting her Hong Kong roots and academic background. This unique blend sets her apart in the fantasy genre, offering readers both enchantment and introspection.
Why Jeannette Ng Matters
Jeannette Ng’s impact extends beyond her storytelling. Her 2019 John W. Campbell Award acceptance speech, where she called out the award’s namesake as a “fascist” and paid tribute to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, sparked a renaming of the award to the Astounding Award for Best New Writer. This bold moment, which also won her a 2020 Hugo Award for Best Related Work, cemented her as a voice for change in the sci-fi and fantasy community.
Ng’s work resonates with readers who crave diverse, thought-provoking fantasy. By blending her cultural heritage with gothic and theological themes, she challenges genre norms and invites readers to explore complex questions of identity and power. Her influence continues to grow, inspiring new voices in speculative fiction.
- Born: Hong Kong
- Key Works: Under the Pendulum Sun (2017), “How the Tree of Wishes Gained its Carapace of Plastic” (2018)
- Awards: Sydney J Bounds Award (2018), Astounding Award for Best New Writer (2019), Hugo Award for Best Related Work (2020)
Ready to step into a world of fae and Victorian intrigue? Snag Under the Pendulum Sun and dive into Jeannette Ng’s spellbinding gothic fantasy!