15 of The Best Urban Fantasy Books With lgbtq+ Characters

Recently updated on May 8th, 2024 at 01:50 pm

Nothing offers better escapism than a good fantasy book. And there is something so captivating about a fantasy book set in a city. But good urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters are hard to find.

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

The urban fantasy genre is full of mythical creatures, action packed plots and magic. And sometimes it’s good to read an lgbtq+ urban fantasy book.  But it can be difficult to find books with good lgbtq+ representation.

If you’re also looking for urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters you’re in luck. As a huge fan of urban fantasy books, I’m going to share some of best urban fantasy books.

Let’s find out the best urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters

Best urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters

 1. Spellhacker by M.K. England

An urban fantasy books with a magical heist. Spellhacker is full of great elements – diverse characters, a high stakes heist and plenty of banter.

In this world magic is a commodity and we follow a group of friends who run an illegal business siphoning it. It also features a non-binary representation and chronic illness representation.

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 opens with a bang. And the fast-pace keeps you hooked, making this an easy binge-read.

Plus, it’s a well-written standalone. You don’t need to commit to a long series. It feels like a cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows. And if you’re looking for urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters this is perfect.

2. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

While Legendborn doesn’t have a main character who is lgbtq+ – it does have a non-binary side character. It also has a diverse cast with several queer characters.

Legendborn is a fast-paced fantasy with an action-packed plot and plenty of twists and turns.

We follow 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.

Fan of 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.

3. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

This cute, cozy fantasy features a lighthearted romance between a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The graphic novel style features adorable illustrations that bring the characters to life.

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.

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.

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

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

4. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

This queer urban fantasy novel is ideal for Crescent City fans. Did you want Bryce and Danika to be an item? Then you’ll love A Dark and Hollow Star. This fantasy features fae, queer main characters and an enticing mystery.

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.

I listened to the audiobook version which you can find on audible. It features a full cast of narrators which made it really engrossing.

The voices of Vehan and Nausicaä are so spot on! And you can listen to it on Audible with a free trial.  It’s a great audiobook to put on  if you’re looking for some escapism while you’re cleaning or relaxing before bedtime.

5. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

Kalynn Bayron writes some of the best contemporary fantasy books out there! This Poison Heart opens in the city before the main characters move to a small town.

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 it’s there she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

This fast paced book is an easy binge-read. Plus Kalynn Bayron writes beautiful plant and forest imagery. The plant magic is enchanting.

My only complaint with this book is that the romance was very insta-lovey. And I found it difficult to be invested in the romance.

If you’re looking for fantasy books with LGBT characters then you HAVE to read this book. The way mythology is woven into the plot .  It also feature a Black heroine, supportive same-sex parents and elemental magic.

6. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

This queer middle-grade superhero novel features a bisexual Chinese-Vietnamese protagonist, a trans character and a wlw enemies to lovers romance.

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.

7. On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

On a Sunbeam is a moving graphic novel with beautiful artwork and an emotional storyline. The found family trope is executed perfectly with a fantastic non-binary side character.

It follows Mia. She joins a team in the deepest reaches of space who rebuild 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 so perfectly and really helped 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.

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. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Sapphic witches in Salem! Hocus Pocus fans will adore this cozy urban fantasy. It features a light-hearted romance, a mystery to solve and blood magic.

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 is one of my favourite ya fantasy  duologies. There are seriously not enough ya fantasy duologies. So this is an easy series to binge read and finish.

 Don’t get me wrong – it’s not hard hitting. But I’m a simple girl  and sometimes I want a warm, cozy lesbian book to read.

The LGBTQ+ characters are so well incorporated that they are just part of life.  This makes it such a comforting urban fantasy book with lgbtq+ characters.

9. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

The Sunbearer Trials is an incredible urban fantasy book with a transgender main character. With Mexican worldbuilding, trials and mythology, it feels like a cross between Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games.

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 was such an addictive read. The writing style was really easy to read. There was enough worldbuilding to hook me in, without it feeling like a big chunk. The pace also  kept me hooked. 

If you’re looking for urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters you should definitely read this. Especially if you enjoyed the Percy Jackson or Hunger Games books. 

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

While Under the Whispering Door deals with dark themes, it remains a cute, feel-good urban fantasy book. And the romance is adorable.

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 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.

If you’re looking for mlm Fantasy books you should definitely pick up some of T.J Klune’s work. For even more mlm Fantasy recommendations – you can check out this blog post for even more mlm fantasy books.

11. When we were magic by Sarah Gailey

When We Were Magic is perfect if you’re looking for books with a touch of fantasy. It’s another book that reads more as a Contemporary ya romance but includes some fantasy elements. 

When We Were Magic follows 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.

The writing in this book really made me laugh. I knew I would love it one page in and the opening was fantastic. 

The relationships and friendships in this book were really powerful. Also, the parents in this book were really supportive which I always appreciate

My only issue with this book, is that the romance definitely needed more development. It was cute and lighthearted. But I didn’t read many interactions between Alexis and her love interest. So I wasn’t 100% convinced.

12. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

The Atlas Six is a popular dark academia book set in a library with a diverse cast of queer characters. With 11 million mentions on TikTok, this is probably the most popular book on this list.

The Atlas Six is about a secret society of academics known as The Alexandrian Society. Their members  are caretakers of lost knowledge and their members secure a life of wealth, power and prestige. Each decade, the world’s six most uniquely talented magicians are selected for initiation. 

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

If you like dark academia worldbuilding then you’ll love his book. It’s set in a library with lots of academic references – lectures, classes and academic theories. 

There are several LGBTQ+ characters in this book with one character who is opening bisexual/pansexual. There are also several ambiguous relationships in the book. That being said, I’ve only read the first book in this series.

13. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Heartfelt, entertaining and emotional. You need to read this urban fantasy book. Both heartwrenching and heartwarming, this book will make you laugh and cry.

We follow Yadriel whose traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender.

To prove himself, he performs a ritual. And sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

This book discusses a plethora of complex issues. From transphobia and parental issues to deportation. But this are offset with an adorable mlm romance.

This urban fantasy is perfect for Halloween. The cover, the plot and the intrigue all scream autumnal Halloween vibes. Aiden Thomas writes incredible fantasy books – atmospheric, unique plots and excellent character development.

14. White Trash Warlock by David R Slayton

The introduction to this Urban fantasy launches you straight into the action. With unique worldbuilding, an mlm romance and dual povs – this is an engaging read. From the title, I expected a funny, lighthearted romcom. So the darker themes surprised me.

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.

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 is an exceptional debut novel. And it doesn’t shy away from complex themes such as family grievances, poverty and mental health issues. This is offset with an adorable romance and incredible characterisation.

15. The Last Sun by K.D Edwards

The Last Sun is a unique urban fantasy novel. Set in New Atlantis, the modern city and characters are paired with magic and Atlantean society. With cute friendships, excellent characters and a compelling magic system – this is an incredible queer urban fantasy book.

We follow Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Court. He is hired to search for Lady Judgment’s missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home.

With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam’s relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune’s Court.

In looking for Addam, can Rune find the truth behind his family’s death and the torments of his past?

The worldbuilding sets this book apart from other urban fantasy books. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading about seelie and unseelie fae in an city setting. But New Atlantis is full of magical beings. From spirits and ghoulds to elementals.

This post was all about urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters

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