The realm of queer fantasy books is a treasure trove of diversity, offering a vast array of sub-genres and LGBTQ identities to explore. You can immerse yourself in sapphic romance, m/m historical fantasies, or bisexual adventures – there’s something for every reader. I personally adore queernorm worlds where gender and sexuality are non-issues, but whatever your preferred genre, these queer fantasy books have a story that’s waiting just for you.
While fanfiction has long been a source of comfort for me, the publishing world is now filled with mainstream LGBTQ books that celebrate representation. Seeing yourself reflected in a story is an unparalleled feeling – it’s as if the characters and worlds are saying, ‘I see you, I hear you, and I accept you just as you are.
‘ These stories take place in familiar or fantastical realms, but at their core, they’re about the things that truly matter: family, friends, love, acceptance, feeling seen, and being true to yourself. Join me on a journey through this vibrant world of queer fantasy books to discover your next great read.
The best queer fantasy books
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
On a remote island, a young girl’s discovery of a dragon egg is met with widespread jubilation by her community, who hail her as ‘Nampeshiweisit’, or someone blessed with a special bond between humans and dragons. However, the Anglish colonizers have different plans for the dragon’s upbringing and Anequs’ role in it. If she fails to excel at the mainland dragon academy they’ve sent her to, they’ll ruthlessly put down both Anequs and her dragon.
The Anglish are determined to assimilate Anequs into their culture, but she has other ideas. Despite being driven to succeed, Anequs is resolute in doing things her own way, earning pride from her dragon and people alike.
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
In a world where magic meets machinery, a peaceful painter named Jebi finds themselves entangled in a web of intrigue when their sister, a rebel fighter, is threatened by the occupying government. The authorities have set their sights on Jebi, and to protect their loved one, they must use their artistic talents to breathe life into mechanical war machines, including a rogue dragon named Arazi that has a history of rebellion.
As Jebi forms unexpected bonds with both Arazi and the military’s top duelist, they are forced to confront a choice: should they remain true to their pacifist nature or take up arms in defense of those they care about?
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
In this enchanting Ottoman-inspired fantasy romance, a humble prince finds himself smitten with his new bodyguard. Prince Kadou’s reputation takes a hit after a mortifying incident at court, prompting him to prove his dedication to his sister, the queen, by delving into a recent break-in at the guild.
Joining forces with Evemer, his stoic and unyielding bodyguard, they uncover a sinister plot involving counterfeit precious metals that threatens to tarnish the nation’s reputation, where princes are revered for their exceptional skills in detecting rare metals.
When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb
In the captivating tale of Jewish angels and demons, fans of unlikely pairings will find themselves enamored with Uriel and Ashmedai’s enduring bond. As the only supernatural beings in their quaint shtetl, these celestial companions have spent centuries studying torah together, their friendship growing stronger with each passing era.
When a mysterious disappearance rocks their community, Uriel and Ashmedai embark on an adventure that takes them from their humble abode to the bustling streets of America, exposing them to both the wonders and horrors the world has in store. Amidst the challenges they face, it’s their unwavering friendship and deepening love for each other that ultimately propels them forward.
Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard
In this captivating novella from the author of The Red Scholar’s Wake, a princess returns to her mother’s court after years as a foreign hostage, grappling with conflicting desires and loyalties. Her engagement to Eldris of Ephteria offers power and stability, but at what cost? As she navigates the complexities of politics and personal relationships, a long-standing supernatural force urges her to reclaim her identity, even if it means sacrificing the love she once thought was meant to be.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Rebecca Roanhorse’s captivating fantasy series commences with a gripping tale of a ship captain, poised on the cusp of a winter solstice celebration in the sacred city of Tova. Unbeknownst to her, she harbors a mysterious young man aboard her vessel, whose supposed innocuousness belies a profound significance. Xiala’s astute understanding of destiny and the perils that often accompany supposedly harmless individuals makes it clear that this young man is anything but ordinary.
This inaugural installment draws inspiration from the pre-Columbian Americas, weaving together prophecies, intrigue, and mesmerizing magic to craft an unforgettable narrative.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
As a case worker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, Linus Baker’s routine assignment to Marsyas Island Orphanage takes an unexpected turn. His mission: to evaluate whether its six charges, including one notorious Antichrist, pose a threat to global stability. Linus has honed his professional detachment over years of service, but upon meeting the enigmatic caretaker Arthur Parnassus and the peculiar children under his care, he finds himself questioning the true nature of his duty.
Should he prioritize the interests of his government employers or the well-being of these unconventional young individuals? This existential dilemma has the potential to upend Linus’s life forever.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Luca’s determination to overthrow her uncle’s reign drives her to seek out someone willing to abandon their country for justifiable reasons. Her search leads her to Touraine, a skilled warrior who was taken from her homeland as a child and molded into a soldier through rigorous training. As the empire dispatches Touraine back to her native land to quell a growing rebellion, she finds herself torn between her duty to her comrades-in-arms and the moral complexities of the mission.
It is here that Luca may have finally found the ally she needs to reclaim her nation’s throne.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
In this captivating fantasy trilogy, a princess and her loyal maidservant embark on a thrilling adventure inspired by Indian history and epics. Malini, a captive princess, possesses secrets that can alter the course of her kingdom’s future, while Priya, her trusted companion, harbors forbidden magic. When the astute Malini stumbles upon Priya’s remarkable abilities one fateful night, she recognizes the potential for a powerful partnership.
With Malini determined to reclaim her throne and Priya seeking to reunite with her family, their unlikely alliance propels them toward a quest that will reshape the fate of their world.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
In a world where cozy fantasy meets coffee shop fanfiction, Travis Baldree’s breakout hit whisks readers away to the bustling city of Thune. After years of adventuring, Vivian (Viv) is ready to trade in her sword for a steam wand and open the city’s first-ever coffee shop. But Viv soon discovers that introducing this foreign concept to Thunians will be no easy feat, as most have never even heard of the magical elixir she’s so passionate about.
As she navigates the challenges of building a new life from scratch, Viv finds unexpected allies who help her bring her dream to life. However, the ghosts of her past and corrupt forces within Thune conspire to sabotage all that she has worked towards, setting the stage for an epic battle between good and evil.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
As three separate narratives unfold, a queen’s quest for motherhood is threatened by assassins, while her loyal lady-in-waiting employs forbidden magic to safeguard her monarch. Meanwhile, a dragonrider across the seas grapples with a choice that will reshape her destiny. Amidst these distinct storylines, a common thread emerges: the looming menace of the Nameless One, a formidable dragon whose return is contingent upon the cooperation of the East and West.
For as long as petty squabbles over dragons continue to divide the two realms, the Nameless One’s destructive power will remain unchecked.
Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
For generations, whispers of the enigmatic ‘wild man’ inhabiting Greenhollow wood have deterred visitors. Tobias, however, has grown accustomed to his existence entwined with the trees. His life takes a drastic turn when the new owner of Greenhollow Hall develops an affinity for him. The question becomes: what does it mean to be a man outside the constraints of time when a man from this era shows affection?
Moreover, how does one reconcile being a man of the wood with the possibility of finally leaving its boundaries?
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
Amina Al-Sirafi’s life as a pirate was long behind her, or so she thought. When blackmailed by a desperate mother whose granddaughter had fallen prey to a sinister force, Amina found herself forced back into her former existence. The stakes were personal: her daughter’s safety hung in the balance. To protect her child, Amina would do anything, including reliving the thrill of the high seas.
But it wasn’t just about reuniting with old friends and crewmates – a dark figure from her past had resurfaced, threatening to upend everything she thought she’d left behind. As Amina navigated this treacherous landscape, she would have to confront the truth about her own murky past, and the uncertain loyalties of those who once sailed beside her.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
In this captivating historical fantasy novel, and its companion novels A Restless Truth and A Power Unbound, the veil between reality and magic is skillfully lifted in an alternate Edwardian England. The story follows baronet Robin Blythe, whose life takes a drastic turn when he’s unexpectedly appointed as liaison to the magical community.
Over the course of one fateful day, Robin discovers the existence of magic, meets his disagreeable new coworker Edwin Courcey, and is cursed by a group of wayward magicians. To undo this curse, Robin must form an uneasy alliance with Edwin, but their quest soon reveals a far more sinister plot threatening all of Britain’s magical inhabitants, drawing Robin in much deeper than he initially anticipated.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
In a desperate bid to escape an unwanted marriage, Adeline makes a pact with a mysterious force that exacts a steep price: she becomes invisible to everyone across all of time. Without any familiar faces to turn to, Addie learns to adapt and even find solace in her solitary existence. Yet, centuries later, she meets Henry, the one person who can see her – and it’s as if they’ve been searching for each other their entire lives.
But there’s a catch: Henry’s ability to perceive Adeline is also the reason their love story will ultimately come to a tragic end, leaving them both heartbroken once more.
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
In this poignant tale, a renowned violin instructor, driven by desperation, makes a pact with a mysterious entity, only to discover her perfect final sacrifice in the form of a talented and charismatic trans music prodigy. As she nurtures their budding relationship, her path intersects with that of an extraordinary family – a group of alien refugees fleeing the devastation of an intergalactic war.
Torn between her growing affection for those around her and the moral dilemmas presented by her Faustian bargain, she must confront the true cost of her sacrifices and decide what’s worth fighting for.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes
The narrative draws inspiration from a song that shares its name, delving into the underwater realm of descendants born to women who perished in the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. These individuals are burdened with the collective memories of their ancestors’ traumatic experiences, which are held by Yetu, a pivotal figure who seeks to safeguard her people’s sanity. However, this crushing weight threatens to consume her.
Seeking respite from the psychological toll, Yetu makes a desperate bid for freedom by rising to the surface. But in doing so, she uncovers a world previously unknown to her people, a revelation that ultimately illuminates the dark past and uncertain future of her community in ways she never could have anticipated.
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
In the Dead Djinn Universe, a series of mysteries unfolds around a young detective working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. Fatma el-Sha’arawi, a skilled investigator, is tasked with solving the murder of all members in a secret society dedicated to al-Jahiz, a legendary figure who bridged the gap between the natural and supernatural realms. The twist: the killer claims to be al-Jahiz himself, returned to address social injustices in today’s world.
As Fatma delves deeper into the case, she must navigate treacherous magical abilities that could have far-reaching consequences. Can she unravel the truth alongside her colleagues and clever girlfriend before it’s too late? Or will their pursuit of justice inadvertently prove the killer’s claim?
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
The Alexandrian Society, an elite group of magical scholars, selects only six exceptional magicians from around the world to join their esteemed ranks every decade. This coveted opportunity presents itself as a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the chosen few to prove their worth by unlocking the secrets hidden within the Society’s vast archives. However, this privilege comes with a deadly price: five will be welcomed into the fold, while one unfortunate individual will meet a untimely demise.
With nothing but their own magic, intellect, and cunning to rely on, the six newcomers must engage in a ruthless battle of wits, testing their abilities to the very limits, as only the strongest will ultimately emerge victorious.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Jess’s life takes an unsettling turn when she returns to Malaysia with her parents. The stress of the move manifests in a peculiar way – she starts sensing the presence of her deceased grandmother, Ah Ma. But as time passes, Jess realizes that it’s not just her imagination running wild; there are actual spirits lurking around her. It becomes clear that Ah Ma’s spirit isn’t interested in offering guidance or support to help Jess succeed.
Instead, she wants Jess to fulfill a pact she made with a malevolent deity, one that demands a steep price without regard for the consequences.
The Untimely Undeath of Imogen Madrigal by Grayson Daly
In the somber atmosphere of the Sisterhood of Good Death, a convent that guides wayward spirits towards their eternal rest, mortality is a mundane aspect of daily life. However, when the renowned poet’s physical form appears among the living, rather than her ethereal essence lingering as expected, she seeks the assistance of Maeve to right the wrongs committed against her in death.
Initially disenchanted with her routine existence, Maeve agrees to help the poet, and soon they find themselves fully immersed in the Poet’s Court, a realm where free-thinking individuals and pleasure-seekers reign supreme.
The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia
In the vibrant, Persian-inspired metropolis of Qilwa, a young nonbinary healer named Firuz navigates the complexities of their new life as a practitioner of blood magic. Working in a free clinic that caters to refugees, Firuz has built a reputation for exceptional care and compassion, but they also know the risks associated with their unique abilities. Fleeing persecution in their homeland due to past conflicts, Firuz is all too aware of the dangers they face if their true nature is discovered.
However, when a mysterious plague begins to ravage the city, Firuz’s expertise as a blood magic practitioner becomes crucial. As they delve into the mysteries behind this new threat, Firuz must balance their duty to heal with the need to protect themselves from those who would seek to exploit or harm them.
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
As a member of an old family of voracious readers, Devon has come to accept her role within their ranks. However, when her son is born with a peculiar craving for brain matter rather than books, she makes a desperate pact to save his life that could forever entrench her in the Family’s fold. But Devon isn’t alone in her discontent.
When she crosses paths with another disaffected book eater seeking an escape from their peculiar existence, she may have finally found the missing piece needed to break free from their insular world once and for all.
The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner
As the sun sets on the city’s underworld, a cunning thief named Delly finds herself in a precarious situation when she talks her way into a team of elite female bodyguards hired to protect a young lady from a string of high-stakes assassination attempts. Initially, Delly is driven by self-preservation and a desire for personal gain, but as the attacks escalate and the stakes grow higher, she’s forced to confront the harsh realities of her new profession.
Amidst the chaos, Delly finds herself developing feelings for one of her fellow bodyguards, and together they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious magical enemy with an unsettling array of allies.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
As urban legends take hold of the public imagination, cities can undergo a metamorphosis. The newly awakened avatars of New York City – embodied by its five distinct boroughs – are grappling with this transformation. A crucial first step will be for these diverse entities to find common ground and collaborate. However, even after they do, formidable forces that have hindered the evolution of cities like New Orleans will stop at nothing to prevent New York from realizing its full potential.
The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
In the midst of ancient Egyptian-inspired fantasy, two women from disparate upbringings forge an unlikely bond over their shared quest for female empowerment and mastery of elemental magic. A waterweaver, forced into a marriage of convenience to settle her family’s crippling debts, finds solace in her new husband alongside a kindred spirit – an earthweaving bookseller struggling to find purpose in a society that devalues women’s roles.
Together, they join forces with a group of passionate women’s rights activists, driven by a shared desire for autonomy and equality. Yet, as their fight for recognition gains momentum, the looming threat of war with a neighboring nation casts a shadow over their endeavors. This rival nation seeks to eradicate elemental magic altogether, imperiling the very fabric of these women’s existence.
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall, renowned author of captivating queer tales, has crafted a 19th-century fantasy novel that whisks readers away to a world of enchantment. The story revolves around Miss Maelys Mitchelmore, a young lady determined to infiltrate the upper echelons of society. However, her plans are swiftly derailed by a debilitating curse that threatens not only her reputation but also her very existence.
As Maelys navigates the treacherous landscape of magic and mystery, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Lady Georgianna Landrake, rumored to possess mystical powers and a dubious past. With Lady Landrake’s guidance, Maelys must confront the darkness lurking beneath the surface, all while risking her heart in the process.
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang (August 22, 2023)
In this thrilling reimagining of a martial arts classic, a group of unconventional outlaws rejects the Empire’s rigid social hierarchy. Despite being viewed as a threat by the ruling powers, they’re determined to rewrite history on their own terms. The story follows a disgraced former arms instructor who finds solace among the Bandits of Liangshan – a motley crew of rebels who defy norms and conventions.
As they navigate treacherous landscapes, they’ll stop at nothing to overthrow the Empire, even if it means sacrificing everything. Meanwhile, their very existence is seen as a ticking time bomb by the powers that be, sparking a cat-and-mouse game of survival. With each side hell-bent on eliminating the other, the stakes are higher than ever.