42 Enchanting LGBTQ+ Fantasy Books You Need on Your Shelf

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of reading fantasy, it’s that the right book can transport you to a world where anything is possible. And let me tell you, LGBTQ+ fantasy books have a way of doing just that. They combine everything I love about the genre—epic adventures, complex characters, and magical realms—with stories that resonate on a deeper level.

I remember the first time I picked up an LGBTQ+ fantasy book. I was instantly hooked, staying up way too late to see what would happen next. Something about these stories makes them impossible to put down. And now, I’m excited to share my favorite finds with you.

In this post, you’ll discover a curated list of LGBTQ+ fantasy books that will not only sweep you off your feet but also leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re in the mood for an epic series or a standalone novel that packs a punch, you’re sure to find your next great read right here. So, get comfy, and let’s dive into some seriously magical stories!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Best LGBTQ+ Fantasy books

1. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon the Ninth is an awesome LGBTQ+ Fantasy book.  It features lesbian necomancers in space.

We follow Gideon.  Unfriendly nuns brought her up. And Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude. She packs up her sword and prepares to launch her daring escape.

But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.

The humour and dialogue between Gideon and Harrowhark sets this book apart. The hilarious conversations between the pair made me laugh out loud.

2. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Maybe it’s the secret magical society. Maybe it’s the dark academia vibes. Or maybe it’s the spicy enemies to lovers romance. This book has it everything I adore in a queer fantasy.

We follow Robin Blyth. An administrative error names him liaison to a secret magical society. He must tackle magic’s dangers and a deadly curse. All while he searches for his missing predecessor.  To do this, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey. His prickly magical society counterpart.

The problem is Edwin Courcey clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

3. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

Looking for short queer fantasy books? Then you need to read Silver in the Wood,  a fantasy book set in a magical forest.

Silver in the Woods has an adorable mlm romance. The cutest grumpy/sunshine romance.

And on top of that, it references mythological creatures such as dryads and faeries.

We follow Tobias, a forest guardian. One day Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall. And everything changes.

If  you like the cottagecore aesthetic then you’ll enjoy this book. The forest imagery is whimsical and enchanting. And makes you want to live in a cottage in the woods

4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

No queer fantasy list would be complete without Priory of The Orange Tree. Fantasy readers will love the epic battles, incredible world-building and amazing love story. And on top of that – dragons!

Queen Sabran the Ninth is still unwed but must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction.

But assassins are closing in on her.  Ead is an outsider who has risen to the position of lady in waiting.

Ead is loyal to a hidden society of mages and keeps a close eye on Sabran. She protects her using forbidden magic.

Across the sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider. She is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel.

5. These Witches Don’t burn by Isabel Sterling

These Witches Don’t Burn features lesbian witches, a mystery to solve, and it’s set in Salem. A Great choice if you’re after LGBTQ+ Fantasy books .

We follow Hannah, 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 light-hearted series is easy to binge-read. It reads more like a YA Contemporary. And the fast-pace keeps the plot moving.

6. The Lightning Struck Heart by TJ Klune

The Lightening Struck Heart is a hilariously smutty romantasy featuring a gay unicorn named Gary. And the main character has an incredible dry and sarcastic sense of humour.

We follow 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.

Sam is pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

With compelling characters and hilarious banter, this book will make you laugh out loud. Chaotic Sam tends to blurt out things randomly. Making for many funny moments.

From the beginning, this book is openly and unashamedly queer. Whether that’s jokes about gay unicorns or twinks. Sam is friends with a gay unicorn called Gary and a half-giant.

Fan of sarcastic, dry humour? Then you will love this book. The perfect low-stakes fantasy.

One of the best queer fantasy books. You need to pick it up.

7. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

A Dark and Hollow Star is one of the best LGBTQ+ Fantasy audiobooks! If you’re a fan of Crescent City you definitely need to read a Dark and Hollow Star.

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.

The book has not one but two compelling romances. And the characters make this such a compelling LGBTQ+ Fantasy book.

Arlo and Nausicaä have amazing chemistry. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

8. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The Jasmine Throne is an enchanting sapphic fantasy about forbidden magic, a curse and a captive princess. But the worldbuilding is heavy.

Malini has been imprisoned by her dictator brother and spends her days isolated in Hirana, an ancient temple.

Priya is a maidservant who makes the treacherous journey to the top of Hirana every night to clean Malini’s chambers. She is thrilled to be anonymous if it keeps her dangerous secret safe.

But Malini accidentally witnesses Priya’s true nature. And their destinies become irrevocably tangled.

9. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

Searching for cozy books to read? Mooncakes is a cute cozy graphic novel. It features witches, werewolves and magic. Plus it has an adorable romance between a witch and non-binary werewolf.

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

This is such a comfort read. The artwork is insanely beautiful. I really loved the illustrations of the magic and magical creatures living in the forest. The romance is also really adorable.

10. Cinderella is dead by Kalynn Bayron

This Sapphic Cinderella retelling gives a twist on the classic story, with BIPOC characters and a lesbian main character.

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 decides to flee and take down the king once and for all.

The dystopian twist on the classic Cinderella story makes this book unique. And the plot keeps you hooked throughout. Women overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy, witches and a forest.

11. Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel with a wlw romance.

Set in the Kingdom of Rabu, We follow Ayla. A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over the estates of their owners and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla is a human servant 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.

You need to read this incredible page-turner!

12. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldtree

The ultimate cute, cozy fantasy read. And the perfect adult fantasy to read in Fall. Especially for coffee-addicts. This slice of life fantasy features an adorable sapphic romance and a happy ending.

We follow Viv – an orc barbarian.  She leaves her life as a warrior and opens the first coffee shop in Thune. 

Cosy imagery, a wlw romance and the found family trope. Everything I love in a book. And as if that’s not enough, Legends and Latte’s has a compelling mystery to solve. 

The hype for this book is insane. And for good reason. It’s the bookish equivalent of a steaming hot mug of coffee. The perfect book to curl up on the sofa with in Autumn or Winter.

13. The Unbroken by C.L Clark

I first heard of The Unbroken from TikTok where it  was recommended over and over again.  It’s a North African inspired fantasy. And it deals a lot with the brutal impact of colonisation. 

It follows Touraine and Luca. Touraine is a soldier. She was stolen as a child and raised to kill for the empire.

Touraine’s only loyalty is to her fellow conscripts. 

She’s sent back to her homeland to stop and rebellion. But the ties of blood might be stronger than she thought.

Luca is the princess and heir to this empire. And Luca needs a turncoat.

Someone desperate enough to commit treason.

Someone who can sway the rebels towards peace.

While Luca focuses on what matters: getting her uncle off her throne. Through assassinations and massacres, in bedrooms and war rooms, Touraine and Luca will haggle over the price of a nation. But some things aren’t for sale.

14. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

With over 11 million mentions on TikTok, at one point you couldn’t go on Booktok without seeing a recommendation for The Atlas Six. And yet, I somehow didn’t realise this book has queer representation.

The Atlas Six is about a secret society of academics known as The Alexandrian Society. Their members  look after lost knowledge. And they secure a life of wealth, power and prestige. 

Each decade, the world’s six most talented magicians are selected for initiation. 

 The Atlas Six follows six different characters competing for entry into the society – Libby Rhodes, Nicolás Ferrer de Varona, Reina Mori, Parisa Kamali, Tristan Caine and Callum Nova.

15. Under the whispering door by T.J. Klune

Under the Whispering Door is a feel good fantasy romance. This light-hearted romance is cute and easy to read.

We follow Wallace Price. A reaper comes to collect him from his own funeral.

 But instead of taking him directly to the afterlife, leads him to a tea shop in a small village.

Hugo runs the teashop and is also the ferryman to souls crossing over.

 But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. 

Despite such heavy topics this is such a light-hearted, comforting read. T.J. Klune uses laughter,  emotions and romance to it. 

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19.Malice  by Heather Walter

Malice is one of my favourite YA Sapphic fantasy books. From dystopian worldbuilding and morally grey characters to grumpy/sunshine romance. This compelling duology retells the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty, from the perspective of the villain.

Malice is a Maleficent retelling. The book is set in a Kingdom called Briar. Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

The book follows Alyce – the dark grace. She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar.

This book is almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae. The world building is darkly magical. And the residents of Briar reminded me of the residents of the Capitol. 

20. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

The Dark tide is an underrated fantasy book featuring a wlw romance, witches and a curse on a town. How perfect is that for Halloween?

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

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

21. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

A dark fairytale ideal for Halloween. It combines fairytales, dark academia and queer representation.

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 the truth.

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

 22. The Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Sawkill girls is an atmospheric, spooky read for Halloween. Full of badass, morally grey characters.

This is a great choice if you’re looking for subtle lgbt books with discreet covers. Nothing on the cover that suggests it has LGBTQ+  representation.

Sawkill Island has never been safe for young girls. According to local legend a paranormal beast hunts young girls.

We are introduced to three girls: Zoey, Val and Marion. They have the power to save the island. If they are willing to come together and try.

23. Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

Ghostwood Song is a spooky tale with Southern Forest imagery. It features an intriguing mystery and a bisexual main character. The spooky mystery is ideal for Halloween.

Ghostwood song follows Shady Groves. She’s inherited her father’s ability to call ghosts from the grave with his fiddle. And she knows the tunes bring nothing but trouble. But her brother is accused of murder. And to clear his name she’s going to have to make the ghosts sing.

It strikes a balance of home comforts and creepy scenes while also exploring the impact of loss on a family.

If you’re after spooky LGBTQ+ Fantasy books you need to read this.

24. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

An old castle, an eerie mystery and a witch. This dark romantasy is ideal for Halloween. It also features an intriguing mystery, a curse and beautiful worldbuilding.

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.

Stranded with her darkly alluring captor, the mystery of what happened to the previous companions draws Mina into the heart of a terrifying secret that could save her life, or end it

25. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Please read the trigger warning before you pick this romantasy up. This fark fantasy romance features dark themes. But handled sensitively.

This enchanting fantasy features beautiful Asian worldbuilding and mythology woven into the book. This is paired with magic, a dystopian society and sapphic romance.

We follow Lei, a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.

 She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. But the guards return and try to take Lei. She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love.

26. Spellhacker by M.K. England

Spellhackeris a high-stakes magical heist. Filled with diverse characters, magic and witty banter. Plus the chronic illness representation is excellent.

Spellhacker is 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, she runs an illegal maz siphoning business with her three best friends. They get offered one last massive heist that could change everything.

This book opens with a bang. And the opening hooks you in instantly. And it’s fast-paced throughout. A quick binge-read.

27. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

Kalynn Bayron writes incredible contemporary fantasy books! This Urban Fantasy book opens in the city before moving to a dilapedated mansion in a msall town. Plus, it has enchanting plant and cottagecore imagery throughout.

This Poison Heart follows Briseis. She has a magic gift where she can magic tiny seeds grow 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.

 This is a quick, fast-paced and easy read. You could easily pick this up and binge read it in one setting. Kalynn Bayron writes plant imagery beautifully. And I absolutely adored the plant and forest imagery.  

28. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

Not Your Sidekick deserves more hype. This sapphic fantasy gives superhero tropes a modern twist. It also features a bisexual Chinese-Vietnamese protagonist, a trans character and a wlw romance.

We follow 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 another light, fluffy and fun read. It takes superhero tropes and gives a refreshing take on a superhero story. I love how the superheroes and supervillians storyline is woven into modern, everyday life.

It also manages to tackle 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 Bells in Not Your Sidekick.

29. Ruinsong by Julia Ember

Ruinsong is an enchanting fantasy novel with Phantom of the Opera vibes. Set in a dystopian world, it features lush world-building, a twisty plot and feisty main characters.

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

Cadence is an incredibly strong mage. She was born in poverty in an orphanage and rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others.

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

30. When we were magic by Sarah Gailey

When We Were Magic has one of the best openings in a book. The first page makes you laugh out loud. This urban fantasy is set in a high school. And it feels much more like a contemporary.

We follow Alexis. She 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.

Looking for a fantasywith the feel of a contemporary? Then you should pick this up. It has fantasy elements to it but it feels much more like a YA Contemporary book. 

The writing in this book made me laugh. But I absolutely adored the friendship group in this book. The group was supportive of each other. I also adored the supportive parents. Something missing from many ya fantasy books.

Good reads rating: 3.67

31. Ash by Malinda Lo

Ash is a book I’m always torn about. It hasn’t got the most character development. And the romance is a bit insta-lovey.  But I had to include it because I love the cottagey world building in this Sapphic retelling.

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

The world-building in this book is beautiful. I loved the descriptions of the woods and the fae. The lore around the fae was also excellent. Searching for cottagecore worldbuilding? Then this is an excellent choice.

I instantly loved the King’s Huntess. But I wish the romance was better developed. The focus was definitely on the mental health and the fae. The romance is more of a side-plot rather than the main focus of the book. But I wish a bit more time had been spent on the romance.

32. Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O’Neill

This is more middle grade rather than Young Adult. But this cozy graphic novel is so adorable that I had to include it. You can enjoy this fairytale at any age.

Princes Princess ever after is about two princesses who fall in love. We follow Sadie who is locked in a tower. She is rescued by another princess -Amira. Also, Amira rides a pink unicorn.  The story is just as queer and lovely as it sounds.

This is such a comforting book to read. It deals with important topics such as feminism, equality and abusive relationships. But it does it in such a lighthearted way.

33. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

A Sapphic retelling based on the fairytale Sleeping Beauty.  The enchanting worldbuilding draws on Persian Mythology for inspiration. 

We follow Soraya.  A cursed princess is poisonous to the touch. Soraya is only safe in her garden. 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! Searching for Sapphic retellings or a unique ya fantasy? Then you need to read this book. 

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

Mermaids, witches and Sapphic pirates. This queer fantasy book has it all. This is paired with enchanting worldbuilding on board the pirate ship 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 hook you in.

35.The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Sunbearer Trials is an incredible urban fantasy book with a transgender main character. The stunning Mexican worldbuilding and mythology is woven into the plot. And it has serious Hunger Games Vibes.

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 easy-to-read writing style and fast-pace make this an addictive read. The worldbuilding hooks you in but isn’t overwhelming.

If you’re looking for queer romantasy books you should read this. Especially if you enjoyed the Percy Jackson or Hunger Games books.

36. 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.

37. Prince of the Sorrows by Kellen Graves

Searching for an adult fae romance? Then you need to read Prince of the Sorrows and Lord of Silver Ashes. This queer fantasy duology features an enemies-to-lovers mlm romance. 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 is an incredible duology. It pairs fae romance with dark academia. A unique combination making it an enticing read. The mythology woven into the novel was captivating.

The romance is incredible. Enemies-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine. Plus, this is definitely a slow burn romance – no insta-love here!

38. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

The Bone Shard Daughter is the first book in the Drowning Empire trilogy. This enchanting debut novel features an original magic system, beautiful world-building and excellent characters.

The emperor’s reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone-shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.

We follow Lin, emperor’s daughter. She spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright – and save her people.

This book was told in four different POVS. I sometimes struggle to read books with multiple POVS, but this was done seamlessly. Each character was well developed and the unique concept hooked me in.

39. 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.

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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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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