20 Insanely Gripping mlm Fantasy Books You’ll Obsess Over

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Recently updated on May 8th, 2024 at 09:13 pm

Swords, dragons and adventure  – few books transport you to another world in the same way fantasy does. But  mlm fantasy books seem quite hard to find. Especially good mlm books and not just  poorly written books with a stock photo of a shirtless man on the cover.

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

A diverse cast, a great fantasy adventure and an mlm romance. These are all surprisingly difficult to find in a fantasy book. So I’ve searched the internet, social media and of course my own bookshelves to find the absolute best mlm fantasy books.

Below you’ll find fantasy books with mlm romance, a captivating fantasy world and a thrilling adventure. Whether you’re looking for a historical or urban fantasy – I’ve got you covered.

The best mlm fantasy books to read

What are the best mlm fantasy books?

1. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

You can’t write a post on mlm fantasy books without mentioning Song of Achilles. While I’m not personally a fan, this popular book has over 1 million reviews on Good Reads and is the first many will recommend.

The Greek Mythology retelling focuses on the heartbreaking romance between Achilles and Patroclus. I

Achilles is handsome, strong and irristable to all who meet him. While Patroclus is an awkward young prince exiled from his homeland.

They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine. But they discover that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. All the heroes are called upon to lay siege to Troy. Achilles joins their cause. And Patroclus follows. But the years that follow will test everything.

The ending is devastating. Even if you know Greek mythology. Madeline Miller depicts a strong and passionate romance between Achilles and Patroclus. The writing is beautiful and will have you sobbing like a child.

2. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

An incredible Gay fantasy romance about a secret magical secret. It also has a mystery, magic and serious dark academia vibes.

We follow Robin Blythe. Due to an administrative error, he is named liaison to a secret magical society. So, he is forced to contend with magic’s dangers and a deadly curse while he searches for his missing predecessor.

To do this, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey. Edwin Courcey is his prickly magical society counterpart but he clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

Fast-paced, thrilling and spicy. This is one of the better dark academia books I’ve read. The Edwardian setting and mlm romance sets it apart from other books including secret magical societies. The balance between academia and mystery is perfect.

 If you like historical fiction or dark academia then you need to read this one.

3. Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune

This post contains several books written by TJ Klune. But it’s for a very good reason. TJ Klune writes mlm fantasy books incredibly well. They are always feel-good fantasy books set in a progressive world.  And the romance is always really well-developed. 

Umder the Whispering door is no exception. It follows Wallace Price. A reaper comes to collect him from his own funeral. But instead of taking him directly to the afterlife, he leads him to a tea shop in a small village.

Hugo runs the teashop but is also the ferryman to souls who need to cross over. But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived.

This book would be perfect for someone new to the fantasy genre. The writing is easy-to-read and while it includes fantasy elements, this book reads as more of a YA Contemporary.

This book deals with so many heavy topics such as death, grief and loss. But despite such heavy topics this is such a light-hearted, comforting read. T.J. Klune uses laughter,  emotions and romance to it.

4. Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

I debated whether to include Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom in this post because the mlm romance isn’t the focus of the storyline. However, Six of Crows includes multiple LGBTQ+ characters and there is a prominent mlm romance in Crooked Kingdom.

Six of Crows follows six teenagers living in Ketterdam. Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is one of the teens. He is offered a deadly heist for a huge payout.

But it’s an impossible heist. And Kaz will need all the help he can get to pull it off. So, he assembles five other teens to help him.

There is so much to love about Six of Crows – magic found family and super sassy banter. But I also love the LGBTQ+ representation. Jesper is one of the best bisexual characters

 In the Grishaverse universe, being LGBTQ+ is also portrayed as something completely normal. In an interview with Ya Pride, Leigh Bardugo writes that her goal was to present queer relationships as completely normal.

Her goal was to present a positive, happy couple.  You can read the author interview with Leigh Bardugo where she discusses queer relationships in Six of Crows on YA Pride – you can check it out here.

5. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

If you’re looking for fantasy books with mlm romance – then you should definitely read Silver in the Wood. It’s a fantasy book set in a magical forest.

Silver in the Woods has an insanely cute grumpy/sunshine friends to lovers mlm romance.  Plus it references mythological creatures such as dryads and faeries.

It follows Tobias who is a forest guardian. He is tasked to look after the forest. One day Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall and everything changes.

Silver starts to dig up old secrets that are best left forgotten. Plus they have an adorable mlm romance.

If  you like the cottagecore aesthetic then you’ll enjoy this book. The forest imagery is absolute gorgeous and definitely made me want to live in a cottage in the woods. It’s really whimsical and enchanting.

This is also such a short and easy read. I listened to the audiobook. And the whole duology is only 5 hours. So you can easily binge read this in one setting.

If you have a long journey this would also be the perfect audiobook to listen to because you can finish it in 5 hours.

6. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

This was another series I debated whether to include or not. The mlm romance in this ya fantasy series is a slow burn romance that doesn’t happen until later in the series. But it’s such an incredible series with a satisfying romance.

The Raven Boys follows Blue. Each year in the churchyard, Blue watches her psychic mother see those who are going to die that year. Blue never actually sees them herself. Until this year. When she speaks directly to a boy.

He is called Gansey and is a student at Aglionby school. The students there are known locally as Raven Boys.

Raven Boys has such dark academia vibes. It’s set in a local private school. Gansey is also obsessed with researching Welsh mythology. And it even references Latin.

The characters are what make this book. On the surface, it seems like a quirky loner meeting rich boys. But it’s so much more than that! The characters are all fully developed with fleshed-out (and tragic) backstories. The relationships between them are some of the best I’ve read in YA Fiction.

7. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

A fantasy graphic novel recommendation now. This quick read is perfect if you’re in a reading slump. The adorable mlm fantasy graphic novel features dragons, shape-shifters and brilliant characters.

We follow Nimona and Lord Ballister Blackheart. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter who becomes a sidekick to Lord Blackheart. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. Their mission is to prove that Sir Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

There is so much to love about this! The storyline kept me hooked and I binge read this in one sitting. The plot is action-packed and full of twists. The humour was excellent. And the banter between the characters is genuinely very funny.

If you enjoy reading books about villains or morally grey characters then you need to pick this up. Nimona is so delightfully evil in such a charming way.  The artwork is beautiful and makes this easy to read in one sitting.

I’m a huge fan of graphic novels! They’re easy to read and you can often binge read them  in one sitting. The graphics also makes reading them a completely different format. If you’re looking for more lgbtq+ graphic novels then I have a whole book list for you. You can check out my article on lgbtq graphic novels here. 

8. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

I’m obsessed with Aiden Thomas. He writes the most incredible urban fantasy books with mlm romance. Cemetery Boys features a cute romance, a transgender main character and Latinx representation. This is also the perfect Halloween read.

We follow Yadriel, his traditional Latine family has problems accepting his true gender.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself. So he performs a ritual to become a Brujo. He performs a ritual. And then he sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

But he actually summons Julian Diaz. The school’s resident bad boy. And he won’t go quietly. But the longer Julian stays, the less Yadriel wants him to leave.

This book is a unique great mix of mystery and magic. The mystery initially sells the book. But the characters are what really sell this book.

9. Alpha’s Son by Penny Jessup

Searching for a lighthearted fantasy romance? The Alpha’s Son is an mlm ya fantasy book about werewolves. It features an excellent enemies to lovers romance. Perfect if you like books with ‘will they won’t they romance’. 

We follow Max, a werewolf. Werewolves typically have mates. But Max couldn’t care less about finding his mate.

All this is about to change at the Blue Moon Festival —a summer camp where Elite Pack wolves go to find their mates.  And this year the Alpha’s son, Jasper Apollo, is attending.When Max finds himself inexplicably linked with the exceptionally handsome but totally jerk-faced heir, he’s forced to grapple with the unexpected feelings clawing at his soul.

This is a quick and easy read with a cute mlm romance.  It is quite cheesy but if you’re looking for a fun, LGBTQ+ book with werewolves then it’s worth checking out.

10. The Lightning Struck Heart by TJ Klune

I had to include another mlm fantasy book by TJ Klune. I knew I would love this book from the first few pages. The romance is incredible and the banter is hilarious.

It follows  Sam.  One day, in an alleyway in the slums of a city, he accidentally turns a group of teenagers into stone.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows. 

The characters in this book are incredible and the banter is hilarious. Sam is friends with a gay unicorn  called Gary and a half giant. Sam is chaotic and tends to blurt out things randomly which makes for many funny moments. 

There is no coming out but the book is openly and unashamedly LGBTQ+ from the very beginning of the book. If you’re a fan of a low stakes, cosy fantasy book then you will absolutely love this book.

If you enjoy cosy fantasy books – I have a whole article full of recommendations. You can check out my post on cosy fantasy books here.

11. Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Peter Darling is the most perfect Peter Pan retelling. It’s an mlm fantasy book where Peter is a queer  and transgender. He returns to Neverland as an adult and falls in love with Captain Hook.

The Lost Boys say Peter went back to England because of Wendy Darling. But Wendy is an old life he left behind.

Neverland is his real home.

Peter returns to Neverland ten years later. And he’s surprised to find a Neverland that no longer needs him. The only person who truly missed Peter is Captain Hook, who is delighted to have his old rival back

You can’t beat a good enemies to lovers romance and this is absolutely perfect. There’s angst, pining and a slow burn.

Peter Pan’s backstory in the book is really interesting and intelligent. It makes an excellent addition to the book and gives Pan depth. And it makes this Peter Pan retelling  a thought provoking story about identity.

12. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Are you a fan of The Hunger Games? Did you grow up reading the Percy Jackson series? Then you need to read the Sunbearer Trials. This gay fantasy features trials, Mexican mythology and a transgender main character.

It’s set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. They had children who are semidioses. 

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. 

The winner will carry light to all the temples of Reino del Sol. The loser is sacrificed to Sol. And their body is used to fuel the sun stones.

Teo is a Jade Semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal  – the goddess of birds.   As a Jade, he’s unlikely to be chosen. 

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses who isn’t a Gold. Teo must compete against semidióses who have spent their life training for the sunbearer trials.

This book is perfect for fans of ‘will they, won’t they romance’. The slow-burn romance constantly leaves you guessing. this was paired with trials, a thrilling mystery and a fast-paced plot. Likewise, the easy-to-read writing style makes this an addictive read.

13. The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sigh

Okay, this is such a wholesome fantasy graphic novel, perfect for fans of Heartstopper or The Tea Dragon Society. This graphic novel features an mlm romance and the found family trope.

We follow Jory. He transfers to an all-boys private high school. But at first he’s not happy at the school. Until he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid –  the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers.

The backstagers are a group of students who help backstage at plays. He makes great, lifetime friends. But he is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain.

This is such a light-hearted, easy read. It’s fairly short and the graphic style makes it easy to read pretty quickly.  The romance was a bit insta-lovey. But it’s such a wholesome read that it doesn’t really matter. If you have a train journey this would be the perfect length read.

14. Prince of the Sorrows by Kellen Graves

This fantasy duology features enemies to lovers, fae and academia. This is a new adult romance, a genre of fiction similar to ya but for an older audience.

We follow Saffron. Without an academic endorsement, Saffron will be sent back to the human world. The place he was traded from as a changeling-baby, and a place he is terrified of. The problem is, Saffron is self-taught using stolen books.

But, mistaken identity leads Saffron to learning the true name of self-centred high-fey Prince Cylvan. And what begins as a risk of losing his life (or his tongue) becomes an opportunity to earn the future he wants.

In exchange for an endorsement, he and Cylvan form a geis where Saffron agrees to find a spell to strip power from Cylvan’s true name. While Prince Cylvan doesn’t know Saffron can barely read, Saffron is determined to meet his end of the deal to remain in Alfidel—or, maybe, just to remain by Cylvan’s side.

This gripping duology pairs fae romance with dark academia. Likewise, mythology woven into the novel was captivating. A unique combination making it an enticing read.

15. A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

Are you a fan of historical fantasy romance? Then you’ll love this historical romantasy. This is a beautifully written novel with a moving slow-burn romance. This is combined with mystery, political intrigue and magic to create a spellbinding novel.

We follow Velasin vin Aaron, he never planned to marry. But he is due to marry a girl from neighbouring Tihetha for a diplomatic union. The problem is a confrontation reveals his preference for men. And his family is ready to disown him.

But the Tithenai envoy has different plans. For Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love―as both will learn―is quite another.

This story is full of court drama, political intrigue, and assassination plots. The worldbuilding is stunning but doesn’t feel overwhelming. The characters are exceptional with fully fleshed-out backstories. An addictive LGBTQ+ fantasy book for adults.

 16. White Trash Warlock by David R Slayton

We follow Adam Binder. He hasn’t spoken to his brother in years. Not since Bobby had him committed to a psych ward for hearing voices. When a murderous spirit possesses Bobby’s wife and disrupts the perfect life he’s built away from Oklahoma, he’s forced to ask for his little brother’s help.

From the title of this novel, I expected a hilarious and lighthearted romcom. So the darker themes of this urban fantasy surprised me. But with unique worldbuilding, romance and dual povs – this is well worth picking up.

Adam is happy to escape the trailer park and get the chance to say I told you so, but he arrives in Denver to find the local magicians dead.

It isn’t long before Adam is the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, he’ll have to risk bargaining with powers he’d rather avoid, including his first love, the elf who broke his heart.

This thrilling fantasy read doesn’t shy away from complex themes such as family grievances, poverty and mental health issues. But this is balanced with adorable mlm romance.

17. King of Immortal Tithe by Ben Alderson

Searching for adult fae romance? Then you need to read King of Immortal Tithe. Ben Alderson writes excellent fantasy books. King of Immortal Tithe is a spicy reimaging of the Hades and Persephone Tale. While this is second in a series, it is also a standalone.

Human, Arlo Grey will do anything to find off the sickness longing to destroy him, to protect his sister and uphold the promise made to his parents. Especially if dangers come in the form of elves from a realm beyond that of the human world.

Faenir Evelina is an elf scorned for the murder of his family. Forced by the bitter Queen to partake in the Choosing, he discovers a single person who can resist the deadly grace of his touch.

It has been many years since the vampiric disease spread wildly across Darkmourn, making humans a rarity. And protection from the undead comes at a cost, one that Arlo is forced to pay when he is stolen by the Prince of Death.

This is an enthralling fantasy and a brilliant retelling. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and forced proximity. And this was no exception. The characterisation is incredible. And the slow-burn romance and yearning is incredible.

18. The Orc Prince Trilogy by Lionel Hart

A steamy romantasy focusing on an arranged marriage. This series is perfect if you’re searching for an mlm fantasy romance focused more on the romance. The plot is simple but the content is spicy.

We follow Prince Taegan Glynzeiros and Zorvut the Relentless. Prince Taegan Glynzeiros has prepared since childhood to fight and lead armies against invading orc forces, the enemies of elves. But a successful peace treaty means the elven prince won’t be fighting orcs, but marrying one.

The first words they speak to each other are their wedding vows. Despite being considered the runt amongst the orc warlord’s children, Taegan finds Zorvut to be surprisingly intelligent and thoughtful—everything the stereotypes about orcs say he shouldn’t be. He doesn’t want to fall in love, but Zorvut’s gentle soul makes it difficult to resist. 

If you’re searching for a mystery and plot twists, then this isn’t the book for you. The plot is simple and a tad predictable. But the romance makes this worth picking up.

19. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

The Starless Sea is a magical love story set in a secret underground world – a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.

We follow graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a mysterious book with a story from his childhood. Bewildered, he uncovers a series of clues leading to a masquerade party, a secret club and a doorway to an ancient library hidden below the surface of the Earth.

But Zachary finds more than just books, it is a place of lost cities and seas. Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

Erin Morgenstern writes the most astonishingly beautiful fantasy worlds. Worlds you can lose yourself in for hours, even if the pace of the story is slow. The beautiful short stories woven into the plot make this an intoxicating read.

20. So this is ever after by F.T. Lukens

Are you a fan of the tv series, Merlin? But did you want Merlin and Arthur to become a couple? Then you need to read this book.

We follow Arek, he’s completed the prophecy to save the Kingdom of Ere from an evil King. But now he is at a loss for what to do next. Now Arek is stuck as king, a role that comes with a magical catch: choose a spouse by your eighteenth birthday, or wither away into nothing.

As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead.

With his eighteenth birthday only three months away, and only Matt in on the secret, Arek embarks on a desperate bid to find a spouse to save his life.

This is a hilarious read. And I need more fantasy romcoms in my life. This is full of my favourite romcom tropes. From forced proximity and untimely love potions to mutual pining. This was such a fun read.

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