Top Ten Books with Settings Outside the U.S.
This is such a great topic! I’m always hunting for books that expand my horizons! I decided to stick with books I’ve read in 2016 to simplify things a little (mostly for myself).
(Links go to my review, unless I haven’t written one yet – in that case, links are to Goodreads)
1. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
This historical fantasy series takes place in Arabia (somewhere – not sure of the exact location) and the lush setting plays a major role in the story!
2. Wanderlost by Jen Malone
This book follows Aubree, who is forced into leading a tour across Europe (even though she knows nothing about it). She is enchanted by all of the places she travels, and you will be too!
3. The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye
This book is a amazing fantasy set in old-world Russia, and Skye makes Russian culture shine!
4. Iron to Iron by Ryan Graudin
In this novella prequel to Wolf by Wolf, we get Luka’s story as he rides in the Axis Tour, a motorcycle race that extends from Germany to beyond. (I can’t wait to read the next book in this series – will be doing that soon!!!)
5. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
This fantasy takes place in a Persian setting (that’s crossed with something along the lines of the Wild West!).
6. Forever Summer by C.J. Duggan
This is the final book in one of my all-time favorite New Adult series. The whole series is set in Australia.
7. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
This amazing piece of historical fiction takes place in East Prussia and follows people trying to flee to Germany during WWII (yep, to Germany).
8. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Not surprisingly, this bit of historical fiction (heavy on the fiction since it’s really an imagining based on the famous unsolved case) takes place in London.
9. The Daydreamer Detective by S.J. Pajonas
This book is set in Japan and includes lots of Japanese culture (just like all of Pajonas’s books do!).
10. The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
Set in Ireland, this book features magical realism at its best! (As a bonus, I listened to the audiobook, and I loved listening to the narrator’s Irish lilt!)
One more book that I ALMOST put on this list and then realized, “Wait, this takes place in America!” is Nora and Kettle. Even though it takes place in America, it follows the plights of Japanese Americans who have been released from internment camps after WWII. Definitely worth a read for the cultural diversity!
I had Wolf by Wolf on my list. LOVED THAT BOOK!! I also had Salt to the Sea. I just read that book and it destroyed me so much. I really want to read The Crown’s Game. I keep hearing great things about that one.
Love seeing your picks, Nicole! I am so bummed that I missed TTT this week. I was looking forward to choosing some books with non-U.s. settings. But alas, ran out of time. (Real life intruded, how dare it!) The Wrath & the Dawn and The Crown’s Game are both on my TBR. Especially The Crown’s Game. I love a Russian setting and Russian culture so that one sounds right up my alley.
This is great list! I am delighted to see books on here I forgot weren’t set in the US, like The Accident Season. I got Salt to the Sea from the library, it is so good so far.
I have been reading a martial arts fantasy book series by Kylie Chan. They all mostly take place in Hong Kong.
Thanks for including The Daydreamer Detective in your list! I see other books here I want to try too. 🙂
So many on here that I really want to read like Salt to the Sea and Iron to Iron. It’s interesting, because my review up right now has a Bridge the Gap title which means it takes place and is written by a non-U.S. author. I love books that are set in other countries.
-Lauren
So many of these books I want to read and I didn’t fully realize that I’d be taking a mental journey to another country. Ah, so exciting, I’m bumping some of these up on my to-read list. Thanks!
Outlander = Scotland
I love any book that takes me to the UK and France. NYC is almost any time period is a draw as well.