In an era clamoring for diversity and representation in every art form, Justinian Huang emerges as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. With his debut novel, The Emperor and the Endless Palace, Huang offers a groundbreaking addition to the realm of “romantasy”—a genre that marries the allure of romantic fiction with the wonder of fantasy. This novel is particularly significant for weaving together narratives that champion both Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and LGBTQ identities, wrapped within a story of undying love that defies the constraints of time.
Justinian Huang’s Journey From Silver Screen to Written Word
Before embarking on his literary journey, Huang had already made substantial waves in the film industry. As the former Vice President of Creative at Sony Pictures Animation and the head of development at DreamWorks Pearl in Shanghai, he contributed to acclaimed projects like Kung Fu Panda 3, Abominable, and the Academy Award-nominated Over the Moon. Transitioning from film executive to novelist, Huang carries forward his passion for storytelling, along with a mission to spotlight underrepresented voices.
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A Visionary Tale of Love and Representation
The Emperor and the Endless Palace is not just a book; it’s a manifesto of sorts, challenging the entertainment industry’s norms and offering a vision for a future where queer Asian stories occupy the forefront. “Worldwide, there are statistically more queer Asian folks than there are Western Europeans,” Huang remarks, underscoring the vast, yet untapped market for stories reflecting the richness of queer Asian experiences. Beyond its market potential, the novel is deeply personal to Huang, born from a crucible of personal heartbreak and a profound journey towards self-love and belonging—a journey he hopes will resonate with and inspire his readers.
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Huang’s path from the cinematic to the literary world, coupled with his commitment to amplifying AAPI and LGBTQ narratives, marks him as a pioneering figure in the quest for greater diversity in entertainment. His work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, challenge stereotypes, and foster a deeper understanding of our myriad identities.
Engaging Audiences and Shaping Futures
The anticipation around The Emperor and the Endless Palace is palpable, with promotional events lined up to bring Huang’s vision directly to the audience. From a launch event at Yu and Me Books in NYC to a virtual book launch hosted by Loyalty Bookstore with Casey McQuiston, Huang is set to embark on a promotional tour that promises to ignite discussions, open hearts, and perhaps, chart a new course for romantasy and representation in literature.
Justinian Huang’s journey—from his roots in Monterey Park, California, to his significant roles in the film industry, and now, as the author of a novel that defies genres—highlights a trajectory filled with bold choices and a relentless pursuit of inclusivity. The Emperor and the Endless Palace is poised not just to entertain but to change the conversation, proving that the worlds of AAPI and LGBTQ narratives are not only deserving of the spotlight but are essential to the fabric of our collective storytelling heritage.
Justinian Huang’s The Emperor and the Endless Palace is now available in hardcover, digital, and audiobook.
About The Emperor and the Endless Palace
Author: Justinian Huang
Publisher: MIRA; Original edition (March 26, 2024)
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0778305236
ISBN-13: 978-0778305231
Audiobook Publisher: Harlequin AUdio
Narrator: Dylan J. Locke, Will Dao, Telly Leung
Listening Length: 9 hours 52 minutes
ASIN: B0C7DZ1N3T
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The Emperor and the Endless Palace is a heart-pounding romantasy, full of shocking twists, morally shifty characters, and erotic thrills. When it comes to the romance within this novel, you can expect equal parts mess and swoon, but its central thread is an epic tale of true love against all the odds.
Are you intrigued by Justinian Huang’s transformative journey from film executive to groundbreaking novelist? Do you share the belief in the profound power of storytelling to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and champion acceptance? Ready to immerse yourself in a captivating world where love defies the constraints of time, offering a fresh perspective on destiny and desire? Let us know what you think about The Emperor and the Endless Palace on Discord!
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