Picture a Singaporean storyteller who weaves queer Asian science fantasy with a molecular biologist’s precision—meet Neon Yang! Known for their groundbreaking Tensorate Series, Yang crafts worlds where gender, race, and class collide in vibrant, thought-provoking tales. Their unique blend of speculative fiction and cultural critique has earned them global acclaim, making them a must-read voice in modern sci-fi.
From their non-binary perspective to their genre-defying narratives, Yang’s work challenges conventions with a playful yet poignant touch. Ready to dive into their silkpunk universe? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this visionary author!
The Making of Neon Yang
Born in 1983 in Singapore, Neon Yang (formerly JY Yang) grew up in a society that prized academic rigor over creative pursuits. Their parents once confiscated leisure books to prioritize homework, yet Yang’s imagination thrived. With a background in molecular biology and journalism, they honed a sharp, interdisciplinary lens. Yang’s pivot to speculative fiction came later, sparked by their attendance at the 2013 Clarion West Writers Workshop and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in 2016. This eclectic path shaped their storytelling, blending scientific curiosity with cultural commentary.
Neon Yang’s Unforgettable Stories
Yang’s Tensorate Series, a four-novella saga starting with The Black Tides of Heaven (2017), redefined speculative fiction. Set in the Protectorate, a magical empire inspired by East and South Asian cultures, the series follows twins Akeha and Mokoya navigating rebellion and identity. Its silkpunk aesthetic—think steampunk with a Buddhist twist—earned The Black Tides of Heaven a spot on Time magazine’s '100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.' The series, also including The Red Threads of Fortune, The Descent of Monsters, and The Ascent to Godhood, explores gender fluidity, with characters choosing their gender in adolescence, a nod to Yang’s non-binary identity.
Their debut novel, The Genesis of Misery (2022), a space opera reimagining Joan of Arc with mechas, showcases Yang’s genre-blending prowess. Praised for its complex storytelling, it nabbed nominations for the Goodreads Choice Awards and Locus Award. Yang’s short fiction, published in outlets like Uncanny and Lightspeed, tackles themes of rebellion and human nature with a pessimist’s wit. Influenced by David Mitchell and Helen Oyeyemi, their prose is precise yet epic, weaving queer and Asian perspectives into fantastical worlds.
Yang describes their work as 'the human body as a vessel for storytelling,' a philosophy rooted in their scientific past. Their narratives critique colonial and patriarchal norms, offering fresh takes on speculative tropes like monsters and magic. Fans love the series’ loyal raptors and sky-spanning nagas, which add whimsy to its revolutionary heart.
Why Neon Yang Matters
Neon Yang’s impact lies in their fearless exploration of identity and power. By centering queer, non-binary, and Asian characters, they challenge the white, heteronormative defaults of traditional sci-fi. The Tensorate Series, nominated for Hugo, Nebula, and Lambda Literary Awards, has inspired a new wave of inclusive fantasy. Yang’s work also elevates Singaporean speculative fiction, joining peers like Ng Yi-Sheng in reclaiming Asian storytelling traditions. Their interdisciplinary background bridges science and art, making their stories resonate with readers craving fresh perspectives.
As a non-binary, queer author, Yang’s visibility fosters representation, especially for marginalized voices in speculative fiction. Their narratives invite readers to question societal norms, making them a cultural force in the genre.
- Born: 1983, Singapore
- Key Works: Tensorate Series, The Genesis of Misery
- Awards: Finalist for Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Lambda Literary, and Locus Awards
- Pronouns: They/them
Snag The Black Tides of Heaven and dive into Neon Yang’s silkpunk saga! Whether you’re a sci-fi buff or a fantasy fanatic, their queer, rebellious worlds will leave you hooked.