Picture a storyteller weaving tales of love, rebellion, and magic across the vibrant streets of Hong Kong and mythical kingdoms—meet K.X. Song! A diaspora writer with roots in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Song has taken the literary world by storm with her award-winning debut, An Echo in the City, and her bestselling fantasy, The Night Ends With Fire. Her stories, rich with themes of collective memory and shifting history, resonate with readers seeking heartfelt narratives.
Raised between cultures and languages, Song’s unique perspective fuels her storytelling, making her a rising star in contemporary and young adult fiction. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this captivating author!
The Making of K.X. Song
Born with ties to the bustling cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong, K.X. Song grew up navigating the liminal spaces of diaspora life. As a child, she scribbled stories on napkins and paper towels, her imagination sparked by the lack of accessible English books in Shanghai, where she spent time with her grandparents. This blend of cultures and her love for storytelling shaped her path. A Highlights Foundation Fellow and H.G. Wells Turnill Prize nominee, Song honed her craft through residencies at the Anderson Center and Ragdale Foundation, eventually settling in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she’s often spotted queuing for dim sum.
K.X. Song’s Unforgettable Stories
Song’s debut, An Echo in the City, is a poignant young adult novel set during the 2019 Hong Kong protests. It follows Phoenix, a teen torn between her family’s dreams of an American education and her love for her city, and Kai, an artist-turned-police cadet spying on protesters. Their star-crossed romance, built on deception, captures the electric energy of a city in turmoil. The book won the Freeman Book Award and was named a Best Book of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and the Financial Times.
Her follow-up, The Night Ends With Fire, is a fantasy adventure inspired by the Mulan legend. Meilin, disguised as a man, joins the army to escape an oppressive fate, encountering magic, a sea dragon spirit, and a prince named Sky. A New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, it blends romance and epic battles. Song’s upcoming novel, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder, promises more fantasy thrills. Her lyrical prose and focus on diaspora identity make her work stand out, offering readers a bridge to complex cultural narratives.
Why K.X. Song Matters
K.X. Song’s stories do more than entertain—they illuminate the struggles of diaspora youth and the power of collective memory. By centering characters on the margins, like Phoenix and Kai, she gives voice to those navigating identity in a changing world. Her honest portrayal of the Hong Kong protests has sparked empathy and interest in global activism, while her fantasy novels offer escapism with depth. Song’s ability to blend personal and political narratives has cemented her as a vital voice in contemporary literature, inspiring readers to reflect on their own place in history.
- Key Works: An Echo in the City, The Night Ends With Fire, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder
- Awards: Freeman Book Award, CALA Best Book Award, H.G. Wells Turnill Prize nominee
- Resides: San Francisco Bay Area
About K.X. Song
Snag An Echo in the City or The Night Ends With Fire and dive into K.X. Song’s vibrant, heartfelt worlds today!