The Most Recommended Queer Fantasy Books on the Internet

An epic fantasy that features a sprawling world with dragons, ancient magic, and political and religious intrigue. The cast of characters is full of strong and powerful woman, and it's multiple POV characters includes both gay and lesbian characters. The book is technically a stand-alone book, but Shannon has written two other prequals that exist in the same world, albeit focusing on different characters (and times).

A cozy, heartwarming fantasy about Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent to evaluate an orphanage on a remote island. There he meets Arthur, the mysterious caretaker, and the six magical children in his care. The slow-burn romance between Linus and Arthur is beautifully written, and the book is a celebration of found family and acceptance.

A gritty, dark fantasy following Ringil Eskiath, a war hero and openly gay man in a world that persecutes homosexuality Morgan does not shy away from the violence and prejudice Ringil faces, but also gives him agency, complexity, and a compelling story. This is fantasy for readers who want their heroes flawed and their worlds brutal. One of the other main characters is a lesbian, though her story is less-explored, at least in the first book.

A classic of queer fantasy, first published starting in 1989. Vanyel Ashkevron is a young nobleman who discovers he has powerful magical abilities and falls in love with another man.

Beginning with Luck in the Shadows, this series follows Seregil and Alec, spies and thieves in a richly detailed fantasy world. Their relationship develops slowly over the course of the series, from mentor and student to lovers and partners.

Starting with The Last Sun, this urban fantasy series is set in a world where the Atlantean civilization survived and now exists alongside modern America. Rune Saint John is the last scion of a fallen house, and he's gay. The series features a predominantly queer cast and covers trauma, found family, and recovery.

A retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, focusing on his relationship with Achilles. Miller brings Greek mythology to life with lyrical prose and a deeply emotional love story. The novel follows the two from their youth through the Trojan War, crafting an intimate portrait of their bond.

Damen is the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half-brother seizes power, he is stripped of his identity and sent as a pleasure slave to the enemy kingdom of Vere. There he must serve Laurent, a prince with a reputation for cruelty. What begins as a story of enemies evolves into something far more complex. Has a lot of explicity content.

Simon Snow is the Chosen One, destined to save the World of Mages. But he's not very good at magic, and his nemesis (and roommate) Baz might be a vampire. It's a loving send-up of chosen one narratives with a central m/m romance.

Sam is a wizard's apprentice whose life gets complicated when he's tasked with a quest involving a knight, a prince, a hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant. This is comedic fantasy with a lot of heart (and a lot of innuendo).

Two warriors escort an ancient god across a brutal land ruled by a tyrannical emperor and his three sons. Told in an unusual second-person narrative style that frames the story as a play being performed, this is literary fantasy that blends unique mythology with a central queer romance. Beautiful prose and a unique structure.

In a world inspired by Mexican mythology, ten semidioses are chosen to compete in a series of trials. The winner becomes the Sunbearer and saves the world for another decade. The loser becomes the sacrifice. Teo, a trans teen and son of the goddess of birds, never expected to be chosen. Fast-paced YA fantasy with queer representation throughout.

Demane is a sorcerer traveling with a caravan of merchants as a hired guard. He's also in love with the captain, Isa. This novella blends African mythology with science fantasy, featuring lyrical prose and a central m/m romance. Wilson's writing is dense and poetic, creating a unique reading experience.

Beginning with The City of Brass, this trilogy follows Nahri, a con artist in 18th-century Cairo who accidentally summons a djinn warrior. The series is set in a richly imagined world inspired by Middle Eastern mythology and history, with complex political intrigue and memorable queer supporting characters, with themes of otherness throughout. Features a m/m romance.

Winner of three consecutive Hugo Awards, this groundbreaking trilogy begins withThe Fifth Season. Set in a world plagued by catastrophic seismic events, it follows orogenes - people who can control earthquakes but are feared and oppressed. Features gay, bisexual, trans, and poly characters among the cast.

A heist story set in the Grishaverse, following six outcasts as they attempt an impossible job. Fast-paced, clever, and full of found family energy. Features a m/m romance.

Space opera meets political thriller in this Hugo Award winner. Mahit Dzmare is an ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire, navigating court intrigue while dealing with the malfunctioning implant that contains her predecessor's memories. The book features queer relationships treated as entirely normal within its world, including Mahit's own romantic interests.

A princess in exile and a maidservant with hidden magical powers form an unlikely alliance in this epic fantasy inspired by India. Priya is a servant hiding her abilities, while Malini is a princess imprisoned by her brother the emperor. Their paths cross and intertwine in a slow-burn sapphic romance set against political intrigue and ancient magic.

Edwardian England meets magic in this historical fantasy romance. Robin Blyth, a non-magical baronet, is accidentally appointed to a government position meant to liaise with the magical community. He's paired with the prickly magician Edwin Courcey, and together they must solve a magical conspiracy while navigating their growing attraction. Witty, romantic, and wonderfully queer.

Two rival agents on opposite sides of a war that spans time and space begin leaving letters for each other, and what starts as taunting evolves into something deeper. Poetic, inventive, and deeply romantic.

Yadriel is a trans brujo who, determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family, performs a ritual to summon the ghost of his murdered cousin. Instead, he accidentally summons Julian, the ghost of a bad-boy classmate who refuses to move on. A heartfelt YA fantasy with Dia de los Muertos mythology and a sweet romance.

An orc barbarian named Viv retires from adventuring to open a coffee shop in a city that's never heard of coffee. This cozy, low-stakes fantasy is about found family, new beginnings, and the joy of building something peaceful. Features a sapphic romance subplot that's as warm as a fresh latte.