Queer Fantasy Book Recommendations

that inspired a thesis, a bookshelf, and an event

There’s something about queer fantasy books that resonates with me and keeps me reaching for more – so much so that I’ve made them and their readers the center of my MA thesis and curated a shelf around them here at Kanopi.

For me, it’s the way it combines the magic and fun of my favorite genre – fantasy – with the satisfaction of reading and seeing more queer representation in stories and the possibilities that only speculative fiction can give you, where the constraints of reality matter a little less.

6 Queer Fantasy Books you should pick up

These are some of my favorite queer fantasy books – or written by authors I love, that I loved reading and helped inspire my master’s thesis. I highly recommend you pick up one (or more) of them.

• The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi: I’m apparently obsessed with the writing in this book: it’s so beautiful but also so funny – a perfect balance! It’s a heist story full of interesting, overly intelligent characters coming together on wild missions. It also has one of the most fascinating magic systems and a plot around themes of colonialism and belonging. I really couldn’t put it down.

  ✨ Note: It’s the first in a trilogy and all three books are amazing! ✨

• She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan: She Who Became the Sun is a stunning story centered around Chinese history with a few fantasy elements. Topics range from war, revenge, love, friendship, and rebellion but the most prominent ones are that of gender, identity, and fate. Beautiful and painful to read.

  📖 🌈 Queer Fantasy Books Event: If you want to talk about this book, join the discussion on the 9th of July. I’m hosting it at Kanopi as part of my thesis and would love to see you there. More info and sign-up link here! :)

• Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid: This is a YA dystopian for everyone who misses the Hunger Games, loves beautiful writing and nature-related metaphors and wants a romance full of yearning.

• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern: It’s the perfect book about books and stories. If you love beautiful writing, strangely magical vibes and a relatable main character, I definitely recommend this one!

• Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: This book has been described as a story about “Toxic Lesbian Vampires” and is written by V.E. Schwab, one of my favorite authors. I love her books for their always interesting characters and beautiful writing – I can’t wait to dive into this one!

• Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy: This book brought me a lot of fun and joy! It has a quirky, chaotic voice - courtesy of the main character, a slow burn romance and perfect cozy vibes. Also, there’s a magical school and a strange forest. In my opinion, the perfect comfort read!

📖 All books are currently available in the shop :)

---

If you’ve read any of these books or have more recommendations, share them with us in the comments!

And if you want to know more about my thesis or talk about queer fantasy books with me, join the event or sign up for an interview. I’m looking forward to talking about queer fantasy books with you! 🌈 📚

And otherwise, come to the shop, check out the queer fantasy bookshelf and subscribe for more book recommendations :)

Keep reading and stay curious! 📚☕

Yours,

Lina 🍄 (the intern)