14 Best Fantasy Books with Trans & Non-Binary Characters

Recently updated on July 22nd, 2024 at 11:42 am

I don’t want to read about real world problems. And nothing offers better escapism than fantasy. But it can be really difficult to find fantasy books with trans and non-binary characters. So, I’ve compiled a list of fantasy book recommendations with characters who are gender non-conforming.

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

The Fantasy genre is full of fantastical worldbuilding, action-packed plots and mythical creatures. And sometimes it’s good to read a book with gender non-conforming characters. And not due to external factors. But because it’s innate to them.

If you’re l also looking for fantasy books with trans and non-binary characters then you’re in luck! As a huge fan of the fantasy genre, I’m going to share some of the best fantasy recommendations.

The best fantasy books with trans and non-binary characters

What are the best fantasy books with trans & non-binary characters?

1. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

This cute, cozy fantasy is perfect if you’re searching for a lighthearted read. It’s a LGBTQ+ YA graphic novel with a cute romance between a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The graphics in this adorable romance bring the characters to life. The ideal comfort read.

We follow Nova, a teen witch working at her Nana’s magical bookshop. She helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  Together they investigate the demon and rekindle their feelings towards each other.

The story isn’t fast-paced and action packed. We also don’t find out much about the characters background. But it’s such a quick, cute and light-hearted read that I don’t think it matters.

The non-binary representation is excellent. While it doesn’t tackle complex themes, the lighthearted romance and depiction of Tam the non-binary werewolf is adorable. If you’re searching for a detailed depiction of transgender issues, this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a lighthearted romance, this book is perfect.

The graphic novel format is perfect for anyone trying to get back into reading. Or if you’re recovering from a reading slump. I have a ton of recommendations for LGBTQ+ graphic novels – you can check them out here.

2. Spellhacker by M.K. England

Searching for a book about magic? Or maybe a fantasy heist? Then you should read spellhacker. This high-stakes heist features a diverse cast of characters with a non-binary love interest and chronic illness representation.

It’s set in 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 book opened with such a bang. And the opening had me hooked instantly. It was fairly fast-paced throughout. It’s a quick read that you could binge read pretty quickly.

The characterisation in this novel is incredible. It features a range of diverse, well developed characters. In this story, being LGBTQ+ is the norm. Remi, a non-binary character, is an awesome magic user. And the relationship was adorable.

If you’re looking for a standalone then you should read Spellhacker. This was a well written standalone.  It felt like a cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows. And if you’re looking for fantasy books with trans & non-binary characters this is perfect.

3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Cemetery Boys is a great pick if you’re looking for an urban fantasy or a book with fall vibes.  It features a cute romance and a transgender main character.

Cemetery Boys follows Yadriel whose 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 both heartwarming and heartwrenching. It tackles many complex issues from transphobia and parental issues to deportation. Many books depict families either embracing or shunning transgender children. But Cemetery Boys navigates the complex in-between. Characters claiming to embracing you but also making throwaway comments.

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

4. Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Peter Darling is the most perfect Peter Pan retelling. It’s an 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.

This is such a great choice if you’re looking for Fantasy books with trans or non-binary characters. It also has an adorable mlm romance. If you’re looking for more mlm fantasy books  I have a whole blog post filled with recommendations. Check out my article on mlm fantasy books here.

5. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

Not Your Sidekick is a queer middle grade novel about superheroes. It features a bisexual Chinese-Vietnamese protagonist, a trans character and a wlw enemies to lovers romance. And  it’s written by an own voices author.

It follows Jessica Tran, a bisexual high school student who is resigned to a life without superpowers and decides to start an internship to improve her college applications. However, she quickly discovers it’s for a supervillain with her crush Abby.

Not Your Sidekick is a light, fluffy and fun read. It takes superhero tropes and gives a really refreshing take on a superhero story. If you enjoy urban fantasy books or ya contemporary then you should definitely read this one. The superhero storyline is woven seamlessly into modern everyday life.

It also manages to tackle a lot of issues while still staying fun. Perfect if you’re looking for fantasy books with trans & non-binary characters.

It also features an excellent bisexual main character. If you’re interested in books with bisexual representation then I have a whole blog post full of recommendations. You can check out my post on bisexual books here.

6. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn is one of my all-time favourite books and I will never pass up an opportunity to recommend it. This incredible fantasy book features a non-binary side character alongside a diverse cast of queer characters.

Legendborn is a fast paced ya fantasy book with an action packed plot and plenty of twists and turns. It follows Bree Mathews. After the death of her mother, she wants to avoid family memories. So, she joins a residential program for gifted high school students.

But then she witnesses a magical attack on her first night. A flying demon feeding on human energy. A Mage tries to wipe her memory. But he fails. And instead Bree unlocks new memories of her mother’s death.

The non-binary character, Greer is incredible. I love that their gender identity is not made a big deal in the plot. It’s simply a part of their identity. And I would love more fantasy books with LGBTQ+ characters without a tragic backstory.

If you’re looking for a mysterious, dark haired and morally grey main character then this is a great choice. It also has a diverse cast, an amazing female lead and dark academia vibes. It also features great commentary on slavery and racism.

7. On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

On a Sunbea features a diverse cast of queer characters. I love how it portrays a group of misfits forming lifelong friendships. It also features beautiful artwork and an emotional storyline.  And itt also has a fantastic non-binary side character

We follow Mia. She joins a team in the deepest reaches of space rebuilding broken-down structures. As a new member, she gets to know her team. It also flashes back to her pivotal year in boarding school, where she fell in love with a mysterious new student. 

This has such a creative concept and world. The graphic novel format worked perfectly to bring it to life.  The storyline is non-linear. Flashbacks of Mia’s experience at boarding school are woven into the plot. Non-linear storylines are quite hit-and-miss for me. But it worked perfectly. And it merged together really well at the end. 

The non-binary side character, Ell is excellent. The novel features very little homophobia, making it a comforting and refreshing read. There is, I believe, an incident of misgendering. But this is immediately and thoroughly addresses.

If you’re looking for a more emotional storyline then this graphic novel is 100% worth picking up. The story is deeply emotional. And will have you in tears by the end.

 8. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

This is another seriously underrated  book! You definitely need to read this. It features a diverse cast, plenty of fairy tale references and dark academia world-building.

 I was unsure of  whether to include this because it doesn’t have a main character who is trans or non-binary. However, it does have a transgender side character . Plus it has a cast full of LGBTQ+ characters.

The Grimrose Girls is a modern take on classic fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

The heroines of the stories are re-imagined as friends attending an elite boarding school. After their friend dies, the police rule the death as suicide. But they decide to investigate to find out what really happened.

Grimrose Girls is a unique concept and fantasy retelling. The mystery was really gripping and well-paced. And the story keeps mentioning tantalizing details that keep you engaged.

The story also uses the darker versions of the fairy tales. And this added to the dark academia, mysterious tone of the book. Some reviews do mention the lack of world-building, but I personally preferred this because it kept the plot fast-paced.

9. Dreadnought by April Daniels

Dreadnought is a YA Superhero book featuring a transgender main character.  It follows a closeted trans-girl who gets superpowers and an instant transition. She then has to deal with being outed.

It follows 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.

This is such a heartwarming read. The description can sound a bit overwhelming. But the author gets the balance between an action-packed superhero story and difficult coming of ages themes  just right.

The plot was fast-paced and the worldbuilding was excellent.  It hooks you in super quickly and you can easily binge-read this book. If you’re looking for fantasy books with transgender characters then I wholeheartedly recommend this.

10. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Searching for transgender fantasy books? Then you need to pick up some of Aiden Thomas’ work. Sunbearer trials is a thrilling urban fantasy with a transgender main character and Mexican mythology woven into the plot.

It’s set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. 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.

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 sunstones.

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.

Despite the fantasy setting and trials, the novel reflects struggles that trans teenagers face. From top surgery to hormone therapies. Aiden Thomas doesn’t shy away from discussing trans experiences.

If you’re searching for fantasy books with trans & non-binary characters, I highly recommend picking this up.

11. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

The Empress of Salt and Fortune is a beautifully written queer fantasy, unlike any other. This short book is easy to binge read. The author introduces you to a unique and enchanting world.

The Empress of Salt and Fortune is a series of novellas about a monk recording different people’s stories. Each novella follows a different story. While they are short, each novella feels fully realised. But, you can easily read these in one sitting due to the short length.

A young royal from the far north is sent south for a political marriage in an empire reminiscent of imperial China. Her brothers are dead, her armies and their war mammoths long defeated and caged behind their borders. Alone and sometimes reviled, she must choose her allies carefully.

Politics, history and cultural traditions paired with a critique of patriarchy. The stunning writing tells the story through wit and imagery. The result is a moving book steeped in culture with a queer cast of characters.

12. The Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhouse

The Black Sun is the first book in the Between Earth and Sky Trilogy. The Pre-Colombian Americas inspired the captivating worldbuilding in this book. This is paired with magic and political intrigue. It also centres queerness at the heart of the novel./

In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world.

Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man’s mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.

Slow burn romance, epic high-fantasy, sea captains and villains. This book has everything. Plus the novel is full of casually queer characters woven into the storyline, from bisexual to transgender characters. I love how casually the novel portrays queerness, they don’t have to spend ages fighting homophobia.

The novel also features a non-binary characters using the neo pronouns xe and xir. the novel also features other minor queer characters, from a trans healer to another using neo-pronouns.

13. The Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

Infinity Alchemist  is a spellbinding novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward unexpected love and unimaginable power. I am a huge fan of Kacen Callender’s work, and this 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.

As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined.

Infinity Alchemist features trans, queer and polyamorous characters. Gender identity, sexuality and love are handled perfectly. While the book tackles complex issues and injustice, gender identity is not included in this. And the gender fluid representation is fantastic.

14. Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

An adventure set in California’s San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts.

Shizuka Satomi made a deal with the devil: to escape damnation, she must entice seven other violin prodigies to trade their souls for success. She has already delivered six.

When Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway, catches Shizuka’s ear with her wild talent, Shizuka can almost feel the curse lifting. She’s found her final candidate.

But in a donut shop off a bustling highway in the San Gabriel Valley, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, retired starship captain, interstellar refugee, and mother of four. Shizuka doesn’t have time for crushes or coffee dates, what with her very soul on the line, but Lan’s kind smile and eyes like stars might just redefine a soul’s worth. And maybe something as small as a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline.

Light from Uncommon Stars combines science fiction and fantasy with a young trans girl protagonist. The trans representation is fantastic. And reading about a character new in their transition is incredible.

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