Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy Books to Add to Your Reading List

In a world divided by ancient hatred, Queen Sabran must produce an heir to protect her kingdom. The Priory of the Orange Tree, a secret order of mages, sends Ead Duryan to serve as her protector. Ead hides her magical abilities, fearing the Queen’s prejudice if she’s discovered. However, a monstrous threat from the depths forces them to work together, their fates intertwined.

This epic fantasy boasts a fierce lesbian romance at its core. Sabran and Ead’s relationship blossoms in secret, defying societal constraints and adding a layer of intensity to their quest. If you love stories with powerful female characters, sweeping world-building, and LGBTQ+ representation, this book is a must-read!

“The Song of Achilles” beautifully reimagines the Trojan War through the eyes of Patroclus, the exiled prince who becomes the devoted companion of the legendary Achilles. Their bond transcends friendship, blossoming into a passionate love story amidst a backdrop of gods and heroes. This retelling isn’t simply a war epic; it’s an exploration of the complexities of the human heart.

If you enjoy stories with vibrant characters and lyrical prose, you’ll be swept away by this tale. Miller brings a tender touch to Greek mythology, centering a poignant gay romance. This novel is captivating from its opening scene and will leave you utterly breathless by its conclusion.

Linus Baker, a by-the-book caseworker, is assigned a mysterious task: evaluate an orphanage housing magical children – including the Antichrist himself! His rigid world unravels as he discovers the quirky charms of the island and the kindness of its caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. This heartwarming story will make you want to curl up with a cup of tea.

Though not traditionally focused on LGBTQ+ themes, “The House in the Cerulean Sea” features a sweet, slow-burn gay romance. Linus and Arthur’s relationship adds another layer of warmth to this cozy fantasy tale. If you want a book filled with found family, gentle humor, and a touch of magic, this is a delightful choice.

Imagine lesbian necromancers dueling in a haunted space castle – that’s Gideon the Ninth! Gideon, a snarky sword-wielding orphan, is forced to team up with her nemesis, the bone witch Harrowhark. They battle terrifying trials and navigate cut-throat politics, all for the chance to become powerful servants of an undying Emperor.

If you like your fantasy queer, gothic, and laugh-out-loud funny, this book is for you! This wild, LGBTQ+ fantasy will have you hooked from the first page!

In “Crier’s War” by Nina Varela, we’re thrown into a world where Automae reign and humans serve. Ayla, a human servant, dreams of avenging her family’s death caused by these very rulers. However, her fate intertwines with Crier, an Automae and the daughter of the sovereign, in a twist of destiny neither saw coming.

As their worlds collide, Ayla and Crier discover a connection that defies their societal roles, leading them down a path filled with danger, intrigue, and the stirrings of an unlikely love. This LGBTQ+ fantasy book beautifully explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the quest for freedom, marking it as a standout in LGBTQ+ fiction and queer fantasy with its rich representation and captivating narrative.

In a world ruled by bone-shard magic, Lin, the emperor’s daughter, lives imprisoned by palace walls and her own mysterious past. When her father denies her birthright, she embarks on a dangerous quest to master the forbidden magic, hoping to prove her worth.

However, revolution looms over the crumbling empire. Lin must face a terrible choice: wield her newfound power at a devastating cost or risk losing everything she holds dear. Fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy books will appreciate the subtle queer representation woven into this gripping tale.

Yadriel, a trans boy desperate to prove himself, wants to be a brujo like the rest of his Latinx family. To gain his true powers, he performs a secret ritual to set a ghost free. However, he accidentally summons Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy.

Julian won’t leave without answers, and Yadriel can’t send him away until he helps Julian tie up some loose ends. As they work together, Yadriel might just find love and acceptance in the most unexpected places. This touching LGBTQ+ fantasy offers a heartwarming story with a unique magical system.

Touraine is a hardened soldier, stolen from her homeland and forced to serve the colonizing empire. When sent back to crush a rebellion, her loyalties are tested. She must work alongside Luca, the empire’s ambitious princess, who offers a path to power.

In a brutal world of political intrigue and simmering rebellion, Touraine and Luca navigate a complex web of desire and duty. Fans of LGBTQ+ fiction will find a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic woven into this gritty tale of war and revolution.

In a world where fate dictates all, a starving peasant girl defies destiny by stealing her dead brother’s identity. Disguised as a man, she joins a monastery and begins her ruthless climb to greatness. However, surviving in this brutal era demands cunning tactics and constant self-reinvention.

This fierce historical fantasy reimagines the founding of the Ming Dynasty with themes of gender and ambition. Fans of LGBTQ+ fiction will appreciate the subtle queer undercurrents of this complex and riveting story. If you love this synopsis, you’ll definitely want to check out my full review!

Imprisoned in a decaying temple, Princess Malini dreams of vengeance against her cruel brother. Priya, a maidservant with a dangerous secret, is thrust into Malini’s world. Their destinies intertwine, offering a chance to overthrow the tyrannical emperor.

This lush Indian-inspired fantasy features a slow-burn romance between two fierce women. Fans of LGBTQ+ fiction will adore their journey of rebellion and love found amidst the darkness. This is a must-read for those seeking unique worlds and beautifully developed characters.

Lei, a member of the oppressed Paper caste, is ripped from her home to become a consort for the brutal Demon King. Trapped in a gilded cage, she must navigate palace intrigue and the pressures of her new role. However, an unexpected connection with another consort sets her on a path of defiance and desire.

This Asian-inspired fantasy sizzles with tension and features a groundbreaking lesbian romance. If you love fierce characters and stories that subvert expectations, “Girls of Paper and Fire” is the perfect choice for fans of LGBTQ+ fiction.

In “The Dark Tide” by Alicia Jasinska, the stakes are high in a world where yearly sacrifices are made to keep the sea at bay. Lina, determined to save her brother from this grim fate, offers herself to the witch queen instead. However, what unfolds is a story far more complex than a simple tale of sacrifice. As Lina navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue and her growing feelings for the queen, she discovers that love might be the most powerful force of all.

This captivating read is a gem among LGBTQ+ fantasy books, beautifully blending themes of sacrifice, love, and resilience. With its rich LGBTQ+ representation, including elements of lesbian fantasy and queer fantasy, “The Dark Tide” offers readers a thrilling narrative that challenges the norms of traditional fairy tales. If you’re searching for a story that marries the darkness of folklore with the light of finding one’s place in the world, this book is a beacon.

In the futuristic world of Huaxia, giant mecha called Chrysalises are the only defense against monstrous invaders. Young men pilot these machines, powered by the life force of young women forced to be their concubines. However, when Zetian’s sister dies as a concubine pilot, Zetian vows revenge. Disguising herself, she becomes a pilot herself, determined to upend the deadly system and expose its twisted truths.

This book is a wild ride! Think sci-fi action meets feminist rage with a dash of polyamorous romance. If you love LGBTQ+ fantasy with strong female leads, challenging power structures, and a unique setting, then “Iron Widow” is definitely for you.

In “This Poison Heart” by Kalynn Bayron, Briseis wields a unique gift: she can grow plants with just a touch. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she inherits a mysterious estate, uncovering secrets about her family’s past and her own abilities. As she explores her new home, Briseis learns that her gift is far more significant—and dangerous—than she ever imagined.

Set in a world rich with LGBTQ+ representation, this novel is a standout in LGBTQ+ fantasy books. Bayron skillfully blends queer fantasy with an enchanting story of discovery and magic. “This Poison Heart” captures the essence of self-discovery and the power of embracing one’s true self, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking magical realism books with deep, meaningful LGBTQ+ themes.