Subtle Asian Book Club

Welcome to

a book club dedicated to amplifying Asian authors and storytellers.

Book of the Month.

Book of the Month.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

Fantasy, Fiction, Queer

Two warriors shepherd an ancient god across a broken land to end the tyrannical reign of a royal family in this new epic fantasy from the author of The Vanished Birds.

The people suffer under the centuries-long rule of the Moon Throne. The royal family—the despotic emperor and his monstrous sons, the Three Terrors—hold the countryside in their choking grip. They bleed the land and oppress the citizens with the frightful powers they inherited from the god locked under their palace.

But that god cannot be contained forever.

With the aid of Jun, a guard broken by his guilt-stricken past, and Keema, an outcast fighting for his future, the god escapes from her royal captivity and flees from her own children, the triplet Terrors who would drag her back to her unholy prison. And so it is that she embarks with her young companions on a five-day pilgrimage in search of freedom—and a way to end the Moon Throne forever. The journey ahead will be more dangerous than any of them could have imagined.

Both a sweeping adventure story and an intimate exploration of identity, legacy, and belonging, The Spear Cuts Through Water is an ambitious and profound saga that will transport and transform you—and is like nothing you’ve ever read before.

Latest Blog Posts


Meet the Founders


Alexandra (@twirlingpages) is a Chinese-American digital creator. She heads the design and branding of our book club.

Tiffany (@readbytiffany) is a Taiwanese-American book reviewer and blogger. She leads the logistics and outreach.

How to join the Secret Library

(and support us in the process) . . .

Subtle Asian Book Club is an independent project led by Alexandra & Tiffany who run this book club during their free time outside of their university studies and full-time jobs. If you would like to further support us, we offer an exclusive subscription program that includes additional benefits and a more curated experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most books read are fiction. Genres read will range anywhere from Contemporary to Fantasy to Sci-Fi, and audience types will range from middle-grade, young adult, and adult.

  • Tiffany & Alexandra are based in the U.S., but the book club is International! Everyone is welcome to join regardless of location because we operate virtually.

  • Virtual discussions are on our Discord all month long, and author interviews are saved on our YouTube or featured on our blog. Share your thoughts and join the fun whenever you have the time!

    Subscription members meet virtually with Alexandra and Tiffany once a month to discuss the book in depth.

  • Members do not have to be Asian to join! All are welcome <3

  • Visit our Contact page or send us an email at subtleasianbookclub@gmail.com!