Pride Month might be over, but you can read queer fantasy books all year round! In fact, I basically exclusively queer fantasy now and haven’t run out of reading material yet (have you SEEN my book blogs?). Come with me into the magical world of gay sci-fi/fantasy.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
tags: bisexual character, nonbinary character, queer relationships, multi-POV, queer BiPOC main character
warnings: gore, eyeball injuries, graphic violence
With a beautifully crafted world of myth and legend, a cast of compelling queer characters, and a fascinating prophecy, Black Sun is one of those epic fantasies that really sets itself apart from the rest. A vengeful crow god and a siren form an unlikely team to fulfill the prophecy of the Black Sun. Roanhorse eloquently captures the existential struggle of fate vs. free will and is a must read for fans of N.K. Jemisin.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
tags: love triangle, enemies to lovers, wlw romance, queer characters, queer BiPOC main character, morally grey women
warnings: graphic violence, murder, gore, death
The UNBROKEN is a captivating queer military fantasy that captures the complexities of colonization and its gut-wrenching consequences.
Touraine is a soldier struggling to find her place in the world, ripped from her homeland to serve a country who hates her people. But when she is brought back to her homeland to quash a rebellion and act as a spy, she will be forced to make an impossible choice. Divided loyalties, queer romance, and betrayals upon betrayals make Clark’s debut an edge of your seat read, and they are unflinching in their depictions of the brutality of colonization and rebellions.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
tags: urban fantasy, multi-POV, queer BiPOC main character,
Warnings: racism, police, xenophobia, white supremacy
Unlike anything I’ve ever read, THE CITY WE BECAME is wildly original and delightfully inclusive. An ancient evil from across the multiverse subversively infiltrates New York City, and the soul of New York splits itself into five people representing the boroughs known as avatars in an effort to fight tooth and nail for the future of humanity in the universe.
A fist full of bloody knuckles, this queer fantasy packs quite an urban fantasy punch and also manages to be unapologetic in its comments on police brutality, xenophobia, gentrification, and political polarization in the age of the Internet. I really REALLY want to meet the Bronx after reading this!
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
tags: wlw romance, queer BiPOC characters, platonic male friendships, older gay man rep, enemies to lovers, queer romance
Warnings: character death, violence, gore
Don’t be put off by how thick this book is – I had trouble putting it down!
Three women – one queen, one dragon rider, and one maidservant – are the key to restoring balance to the world. When ancient powers begin stirring and waking, Queen Sabran must find a way to stop them while also fighting for her independence. This epic quest fantasy has EVERYTHING: dragons, queer romance, soft masculinity, impeccable world building that is so immersive, and European folklore influences.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
tags: wlw romance, queer romance, enemies to lovers, morally grey women, queer BiPOC main character
warnings: violence, death
A princess who is wrongfully imprisoned and a maid hiding a powerful secret join forces against the patriarchy in this Southeast-Asian inspired epic fantasy. The Jasmine Throne has a unique magic system, incredible world building, and queer romance! If you enjoy morally grey characters, enemies to lovers, and waterfall smooches, check this one out.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
This historical fantasy kicked off the Roaring Twenties with quite the memorable bang. I was fully enraptured by Jordan Baker as she seemingly effortlessly navigates the casual cruelty of her enemies and friends. Nghi Vo’s debut is full of glittering shadows-but some of that gleam may be demon teeth, not gold.
In a world where America’s wealthy elite drink the blood of demons and sell their souls for power, Jay Gatsby emerges as an icon of the ages-magnetic personality, intoxicating parties, and no soul. To Jordan’s resignation, Jay enlists her help to win her Daisy’s heart. But Jordan can see the yawning chasm of emptiness and hunger inside Gatsby, and inside Daisy herself.
Chosen and the Beautiful gave us the glittering parties of Gatsby but lifted the veil to show us the selfishness, greed and ambition that led to the downfall of so many people who seemingly have it all. I was mesmerized by this book and I think you will be too.
Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
If someone told me this book had queer women in suits, a murder mystery in steampunk Cairo, and LOTS of women fighters with swords, I would have broken down the Tordotcom door for a chance to read it AGES AGO.
Fatma is an investigator of supernatural crimes, and is investigating a mass murder; however, she gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a heist, a person who can control all djinn, and powerful memory magic. This story took me in all sorts of unexpected twists and turns and always kept me on my toes. I loved Clark’s immersive writing, and his characters were funny and relatable.
