Picture a Vietnamese-American storyteller who traded stethoscopes for spellbinding tales—meet Julie C. Dao! This fantasy author captivated readers with her East Asian-inspired debut, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, a dark retelling of Snow White’s Evil Queen. With a knack for crafting ambitious heroines and lush worlds, Dao has carved a unique space in young adult fantasy.
Born in upstate New York to Vietnamese immigrants, Dao’s journey from science to storytelling is as enchanting as her novels. Her works weave mythology, magic, and complex characters, earning accolades and a devoted fanbase. Let’s dive into her life, books, and why she’s a must-read!
The Making of Julie C. Dao
Julie C. Dao grew up in upstate New York, the eldest child of Vietnamese immigrants, surrounded by stories and a passion for reading. Initially pursuing pre-med biology in college, she found blood and needles weren’t her calling. By day, she worked in science news and research; by night, she penned tales of heroines unafraid to chase their dreams. Her early love for Nancy Drew and fairy tales fueled her storytelling, leading to a self-published middle-grade fantasy, Pumpkin Patch Princess, before her big break.
Julie C. Dao’s Unforgettable Stories
Dao’s debut, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (2017), launched the Rise of the Empress duology with a bang. This dark, East Asian-inspired retelling of Snow White follows Xifeng, an ambitious antiheroine destined to become Empress—if she embraces her inner darkness. Critics praised its lush world-building and complex characters, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. The sequel, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (2018), shifts to an exiled princess fighting to reclaim her throne, blending magic and sacrifice.
In 2019, Dao released Song of the Crimson Flower, a romantic fantasy set in the same universe, inspired by a Vietnamese folk tale. It follows a noblewoman’s quest to break a witch’s curse, weaving love and redemption. Dao also contributed Broken Wish (2020) to a Disney Books quartet, exploring a magical mirror and a witch’s secrets. Her vivid prose, rooted in East Asian mythology, creates immersive worlds where characters grapple with destiny and power.
Dao’s style is a tapestry of beauty and brutality, blending fairy-tale elements with gritty realism. Her heroines, like Xifeng, defy traditional molds, making tough choices in richly detailed settings. Fans of Game of Thrones and Red Queen devour her work for its intrigue and emotional depth.
Why Julie C. Dao Matters
Julie C. Dao’s impact lies in her ability to bring Vietnamese and East Asian representation to fantasy. Growing up, she longed to see herself in books, and her novels fill that gap with authentic, nuanced characters. Her Rise of the Empress series is being adapted into a major TV series by Amazon MGM Studios, promising to amplify her cultural influence. Dao’s stories resonate with readers seeking diverse voices, inspiring young writers to embrace their heritage in storytelling.
Her work also challenges the YA genre’s norms, presenting antiheroines who wrestle with ambition and morality. By blending mythology with universal themes, Dao crafts tales that linger long after the final page.
- Born: Upstate New York, to Vietnamese immigrants
- Key Works: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix, Song of the Crimson Flower, Broken Wish
- Awards: Junior Library Guild Selections, YALSA Best Books
- Fun Fact: Dao’s novels are inspired by figures like Empress Wu of China.
Snag Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and dive into Julie C. Dao’s spellbinding fantasy worlds! Her tales of magic, ambition, and heart will keep you hooked.