24 Thrilling LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy Books You’ll Love

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Recently updated on July 15th, 2024 at 08:57 am

Looking for LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books? Here is a guide to the best LGBTQ+ YA fantasy books to read.

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I’m a sucker for a good YA Fantasy book. They offer the best escapism, fantastical worlds and are often fairly easy to binge read. 

And I truly think every fantasy fan should have some LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books on their shelves.

Whether you are looking for books with wlw or nonbinary representation – I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled the absolute best  LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books.

The Best LGBTQ+ YA fantasy books

These are the best LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books that I really recommend.

The following list includes LGBTQ+YA Fantasy books that you NEED to read:)

1. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Crescent City Fans will love A Dark and Hollow Star.  This urban fantasy features fae, queer main characters and a mystery to solve.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

This book features two queer romances in this book. And the characters make them perfect. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

This is a compelling queer ya fantasy book. Highly recommend.

Representation: Lesbian, bisexual, questioning, pansexual. non-binary

2. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

A compelling dystopian fantasy with one of the best queer romances.

We Set The Dark On Fire follows  Daniela Vargas. She lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.

Outside the wall, the people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital. She is also married to one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.

The relatable main character grows a lot through the book.The world-building is also excellent. And the book has such dark academia vibes. It opens in a prep school for girls. But it discusses so many important issues such as immigration politics and forced marriage.

Representation: LatinX, Queer characters, wlw romance

3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows has some of the best LGBTQ+ representation. And Jesper is an incredible, sassy bisexual character.

It 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.

A fantasy version Oceans Eleven. Except the cast is really diverse. Different ethnicities, religions and disabilities. The hilarious banter and heartwarming relationships between the characters sell this duology.

Representation: bisexual character, mlm romance

4. Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. This fantasy is more sci-fi than other books on this list. But an incredible fantasy nonetheless.

A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over their owner’s estates and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla, human servant, is rising the ranks at the House of Soverign. She dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter – the beautiful Lady Crier.

Crier’s War is a thrilling fantasy. The fast-pace keeps you hooked. And the plot leaves tantalizing details, leaving you want to learn more.

Representation: Lesbian protagonist, bisexual protagonist, wlw romance

5. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I was unsure whether to include Raven Boys. But the series includes an adorable mlm romance later in the series.

We follow 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 weaves paranormal elements into the plot making it the perfect Autumnal read. Set in a local private school, it also has dark academia vibes. Gansey is also obsessed with researching Welsh mythology. And it even references Latin.

Representation: mlm romance, bisexual characters

6. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

The Dark Tide is an underrated fantasy about a curse on a small island. The sea-wild imagery is beautiful.

We follow Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. So, the Witch Queen sacrifices a boy to the full moon every year. And keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced her brother is going to be taken. She asks Thomas Lin to help.But they draw the Queen’s attention. And instead, Thomas is taken.

Lina offers herself instead of Thomas. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected.

This is such an angsty slow burn romance with a tragically romantic setup. It’s also beautifully written with atmospheric worldbuilding that gave it a dark tone.

Representation: wlw romance

7. Spellhacker by M.K. England

Spellhacker is a high stakes fantasy heist book. The diverse characters and hilarious banter sell this book.

Set a world where magic ( known as maz) was once freely available. But an earthquake unleashed a deadly plague. And now maz is a tightly controlled and expensive commodity.

We follow Diz who runs an illegal maz siphoning business with her three best friends. They get offered one last massive heist that could change everything.

This well written standalone opened with a bang and was fast-paced throughout. A cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows, the world-building around the magic was excellent.

Representation: chronic illness, queer protagonist, non-binary character and love interest

8. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

A duology featuring plant magic and mythology. The intriguing mystery and fast-pace make this an easy binge-read.

We follow Briseis, she has a magic gift where she can magic tiny seeds into rich blooms with a single touch.

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. And she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

Mythology was woven seamlessly into the plot of this book. It opens in an urban setting before the characters move to a small town. The compelling mysteries keep you intrigued until the end of the book.

Representation: wlw romance, queer Black main character, supportive same sex parents

9. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

A fun take on a superhero novel, featuring a bisexual protagonist and a sapphic romance.

We follow Jessica Tran, a bisexual high school resigned to a life without superpowers . She decides to start an internship to improve her college applications. But she discovers it’s for a supervillain with her crush Abby.

This is a lighthearted read that takes superhero tropes and gives them a refreshing twist. C.B. Lee weaves the superheroes and supervillains storyline into everyday life.

It also tackles a lot of issues while still staying fun. There is a whole series of these. And I’ve already added Not Your Villain to my TBR list as I loved transgender character Bells.

Representation: transgender character, bisexual main character, wlw romance

10. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Sapphic Witches in Urban Salem! This cozy duology features lesbian witches solving a mystery.

Hannah is a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end-of-school bonfire. And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica.

She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This is one of my favourite duologies! I love all the magical, fantastical elements and I loved the modern setting in Salem. The representation is fantastic. And the pacing of the plot kept me hooked.

Representation: bisexual love interest, lesbian main character, sapphic romance

11. When we were magic by Sarah Gailey

New to fantasy? When We Were Magic is a great choice. This YA Fantasy reads as more of a YA Contemporary.

Alexis has always been able to rely on her best friends and magic powers. On prom night, accidental magic goes wrong and someone ends up dead. Alexis and her friends have to try and fix a terrible wrong.

The writing in this book is hilarious. It has one of the best openings I’ve read. And I knew I would love it from page one. 

The relationships and friendships in this book were powerful. In particular, the supportive parents. An element I always appreciate. My only complain is I wish the romance was better developed.

  Representation: Lesbian character, bisexual character, supportive same sex parents

12. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

A Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance.  This standalone fantasy has adorable woodland imagery and sapphics overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy.

The premise is that teen girls are now required to appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She flees and decides to take down the king once and for all.

The unique premise gives the classic fairytale a dystopian twist. The adorable romance is a bit insta-lovey. But it’s well-developed and still engaging

If you’re looking for queer ya fantasy books then I highly recommend Cinderella is Dead.

Representation: Lesbian main character, wlw romance

13. Ash by Malinda Lo

It blows my mind that Ash was first published in 2009. This standalone fantasy features a queer main character. But she doesn’t suffer due to her sexuality.

Ash is a lesbian Cinderella retelling. We follow Ash, she is dealing with the grief of losing her parents. And she falls in love with the king’s huntress.

I loved the descriptions of the woods and the fae. And I also instantly loved the King’s Huntress. But, I wish that the romance had been a little better developed.

However, I love that it focuses on Ash recovering from grief. Mental health is a strong theme throughout and the romance feels secondary. This cosy read offers great escapism. Plus you could easily read this in one sitting.

Representation: queer main character, wlw romance

14. Ruinsong by Julia Ember

Ruinsong has lush world-building, a twisty plot and feisty main characters.

In this world, singers have magic powers when they sing certain songs. And they can heal, cause pain and heal people.

Cadence is a strong mage. Born in an orphanage, she rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others. 

When she is reunited with her childhood friend she must make a choice. Does she take a stand or follow the queen?

A queer phantom of the opera. Strong-willed women, wearing beautiful ball gowns and taking down evil.  An underrated gem.

Representation: wlw romance

15. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Firstly, the cover of this queer fantasy is stunning. This features gorgeous Malaysian-inspired worldbuilding.

We follow Lei.  She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. But then they return to take Lei.

She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort.

The plot of this book is dark. Especially for a ya fantasy. Please read the content warnings before reading.

But it is handled sensitively. And the darker themes are offset with adorable friendships and a cute sapphic romance.

The worldbuilding sets this book apart for me. While the pace did suffer, and longer was spent getting to the palace, the book thrives from the tension.

Representation: wlw romance, Asian main and side characters

16. Malice by Heather Walter

Maleficent fan? Then you’ll love Malice. From the dystopian world building and morally grey main character to the grumpy/sunshine romance.

Malice is a Sleeping Beauty retelling.

Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

We follow Alyce, the dark grace.

Left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar. Except for Princess Aurora.

This book is almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae. A must-read for anyone after queer ya books.

Representation: wlw romance

17. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas writes incredible fantasy books with mlm romance. Cemetery Boys features a cute romance, a transgender main character and Latinx representation.

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. But he actually summons Julian Diaz. The school’s resident bad boy. And he won’t go quietly.

This book is a unique mix of mystery and magic. The mystery initially sells the book. But the characters make this fantasy stand out.

Representation: Transgender character, latinx, mlm romance

Good Reads Rating: 4.27

18. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

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.

Set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. And they had children – the 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. 

This is ideal for fans of ‘will they, won’t they romance’. The slow-burn romance leaves you guessing. This is paired with trials, a thrilling mystery and a fast-paced plot.

Representation: Transgender character, latinx, mlm romance

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

Fans of the TV show Merlin will love this queer Arthurian retelling.

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.

This is a hilarious read with an adorable romance.

Representation: mlm romance, queer characters, bisexual/ pansexual characters, polamorous, nonbinary characters

20. The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Sapphic pirates? Yes please! This queer fantasy features beautiful worldbuilding around the sea and fascinating fables.

In this dual POV, we follow Flora and Evelyn. Flora takes on the identity of Florian to earn the respect of the crew. For a former starving orphan, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival.

But as pirates prepare to sell passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to Lady Evelyn Hasegawa. She’s en-route to a dreaded arranged marriage.

This must-read balances romance and stunning worldbuilding perfectly with discussions of colonialism.The characters were diverse and the plot twists leave you hooked.

Representation:Japanese-coded sapphic main character and a Black genderfluid main character

21. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

Bitterthorn is a beautiful dark fantasy with a sapphic romance. The intriguing mystery hooks you in and the fast pace make this easy to binge read.

Bitterthorn is set in Blumwald, a town overshadowed by an ancient curse. In a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a witch. Once a generation, she claims a companion. Never to be seen again.

We follow Mina, daughter of the Duke. Grieving and lonely, she has lost all hope for any future. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers.

This compelling fantasy book has the most stunning, gothic worldbuilding. An old, crumbling castle, wild woods and a small town. The result is a haunting tale of two lost souls finding each other.

Representation: wlw romance

22. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Girl, Serpent, Thorn is a Sapphic retelling based on the Classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty.  The enchanting writing draws on Persian Mythology for inspiration. 

Soraya is a cursed princess, poisonous to the touch. She is only safe hidden away and apart from her family.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon holding the knowledge she craves.  The answer to her freedom.

Fan of Cinderella is Dead or This Poison Heart? Then you’ll love this! If you’re after Sapphic retellings or a unique ya fantasy, then you need to read this book. 

Representation: Persian-coded cast; bi or pansexual MC; sapphic love interest

23. Dreadnought by April Daniels

Dreadnought is a queer superhero novel with a trans main character.

We follow Danny. Until Dreadnought fell out of the sky, Danny was trying to stop people from finding out she’s transgender. But then Dreadnought passes his mantle to her and the superpowers transform Danny’s body into what she’s always thought it should be.

Now she can’t hide that she’s a girl.

But what should be the happiest time of her life, becomes more complicated. Between a murderous cyborg, a best friend acting like he’s entitled to her and superheroes arguing over her place in their ranks. Danny feels like she’s in over her head.

Representation: Transgender main character

 24. The Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

I am a huge fan of Kacen Callender’s work, and The Infinity Alchemist is no exception.

We follow Ash Woods. For Ash, practicing Alchemy is a crime.

Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by the Lancaster Mage’s College, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret.

When he’s discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he’s about to be arrested―but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash’s secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power.

Representation: transgender, queer and polyamorous characters

This post was all about LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books

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