As a queer fantasy author, my work strongly focuses on detailed plots and lush world-building, but as a reader, I have to admit that the things that hook me on a story are vibrant characters—particularly when they come in couples. After all, it’s the characters that explore their lush worlds and who bring detailed plots to life. One of my absolute favorite reading experiences is following a dynamic couple as they play off each other’s strengths and defend one another’s weaknesses to overcome all odds. It’s just the best feeling, in my opinion. So if you’re looking for a great fantasy book—or series—featuring gay couples, here are five of my favorites!
This is
the first book in the Mó Dào Zǔ Shī series, which inspired the television series The Untamed as well as two animated
series. For an English language reader, like myself, the book was a fabulous
introduction to the vast world of Chinese Xianxia and Danmei novels. I loved
the fact that it’s not only illustrated but includes a glossary and guides that
explain any unfamiliar terms. (For example, the term cultivation in the book title doesn’t refer to farming but martial
arts and spiritual practices. Thank you awesome glossary!)
When the
story kicked off with the protagonist — Wei Wuxian, a widely condemned master of demonic
cultivation — already dead, I’ll admit I was a little puzzled as to where the
story was going. Hilariously enough, Wei Wuxian echoed my thoughts, waking up dismayed
to find himself brought back to life in the body of an ill-treated youth. His
amused and inventive tone won me over right away.
But best
of all, Wei Wuxian isn’t alone on the quest to resolve the mystery surrounding
his death and revival. He’s joined by Lan Wangji, a reserved, refined, and
deadly swordsman who brings out the very best and worst of Wei Wuxian’s
playfully irreverent nature. Lan Wangji’s many pained silences manage to speak
volumes and the few scenes of him drunk had me laughing out loud.
It’s the
dynamics between the two of them that absolutely hooked me on this series. They’re a deeply romantic, breathtakingly
courageous, and hilarious couple.
Also known as MDZS, the blockbuster danmei/Boys' Love novels from China that inspired comics, animation, and the live-action series The Untamed! This historical fantasy tale of two powerful men who find each other through life and death is now in English, for the very first time!
Wei Wuxian was once one of the most powerful men of his generation, a talented and clever young cultivator who harnessed martial arts and spirituality into powerful abilities. But when the horrors of war led him to seek more power through demonic cultivation, the world's respect for his abilities turned to fear, and his…
The world of The Sea
of Stars is amazingly creative; a modern setting that flawlessly incorporates
magicians, scheming courtiers, enchanted animals, and prophetic astronomy in
an age of cell phones, animal activists, and labor agencies. The majority of
common people are ruled over by nobles and magicians who regularly strip human
beings of their souls and lock them away inside animals, thus creating a
soulless human workforce as well as intelligent animal servants. As weird as
that may sound, the characters are so well written that the book is
astoundingly humane and moving.
I sympathized completely with Grand Magician Zachary Drake
in his disdain for the ruling class and its dehumanizing practices. Though,
I’ll admit, a couple of times I was so fascinated by the unexpected creativity of
the world that I almost wanted to see more. And I definitely appreciated
Drake’s snark and cynical commentary.
But the story truly took off for me with the introductions
of Thomas — a jaded oracle whose botched attempt at assassination has reduced him
to a gritty youth — and Karl — a star athlete now forced to share a body with an
aged orangutan. The details of their lives and their slowly unfolding
relationship felt so real that I was racing to the end of the book to ensure
that they pulled through and won their much-deserved happy ending.
Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The Sea of Stars is filled with brilliant magic as well as the intimate
and insightful revelations of very different people growing to trust, love, and
care for one another.
Thomas Myrdin knows that intrigue is part of life at court, but that doesn’t make his king’s betrayal any easier to take. Yet heartbreak troubles him less than the apocalyptic visions that haunt him. Fiery premonitions that show the world burning in ruins—and the cause, the king’s daughter. Visions and vengeance awaken a strange new power within him, but not even he is sure if those visions are prophecy or madness.
Lord Adam Wexley harbors a secret longing for the elegant Thomas, but his duty is to protect the newborn princess. When a sudden threat arises, Adam…
Widdershins is the
first of a whopping eleven books in the Whyborne & Griffin series. For me, the entire series is like joining a
fun—sometimes madcap— romp with an eclectic group of friends.
Set in a magical version of nineteenth-century
America replete with mummies, spirits, ancient gods, and Lovecraftian monsters,
the story follows shy linguist, Percival Whyborne as the mystery surrounding an
ancient artifact throws him together with ex-Pinkerton agent, Griffin Flaherty.
The two are polar opposites—one a quiet genius, the other a brash gunman—but
their banter and slowly building romance make it obvious that they belong
together.
A reclusive scholar. A private detective. And a book of spells that could destroy the world.Love is dangerous. Ever since the tragic death of the friend he adored, Percival Endicott Whyborne has ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. Instead, he spends his days studying dead languages at the museum where he works. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible.Griffin left the Pinkertons after the death of his partner. Now in business for himself, he must investigate the…
The first book in the Kingston Cycle series, Witchmark is set in a magic-powered
Edwardian era just after the end of a World War. I loved the balance of soaring
magic and gritty realism as well as the unexpected revelations surrounding each
of the characters.
Miles — a witch who is desperate to keep from being used as a
power source by mages — has faked his death and lives in hiding as a military doctor.
However, when Tristan Hunter brings a dying man to Miles’ hospital, Miles’ secrets
are threatened. But Tristan isn’t interested in blackmailing or exposing him.
Instead he needs Miles to help him to track down a murderer and uncover an epidemic
threatening to destroy all the magic in their world.
Obviously, the setting and premise had me from the start but
the real fun of the book was following Miles and Tristan as they tried to
protect their own secrets while learning to believe in each other. They shared
such courageous characters and quick minds that for me half the joy of reading
the book was seeing them come to love each other as much as I adored them.
In an original world reminiscent of Edwardian England in the shadow of a world war, cabals of noble families use their unique magical gifts to control the fates of nations, while one young man seeks only to live a life of his own. Moving at a brilliant pace and pulsing with deadly intrigue and unforgettable characters, Witchmark grabs readers and doesn't let go until the thrilling conclusion.
Magic marked Miles Singer for suffering the day he was born, doomed either to be a slave to his family's interest or to be committed to a witches' asylum. He went to war…
This is a book I’m particularly excited to share because I
was given the chance to read it in advance of its release. And I can say that
it’s fabulous fun! A swords and sorcery tale brimming with assassins, magical
music, battles for a throne, and dynamic lovers!
Balen is a gallant paladin who has made tough sacrifices to
win his post as the king’s personal guard. One of the most painful of those
sacrifices was leaving his witty and musically talented lover, Zavrius. So imagine
his shock and chagrin after a series of mysterious assassinations leave Zaverius
as the sole heir to the throne and Balen sworn to never leave his side! Awkward
doesn’t even begin to describe it…but in the very best way — I promise!
The banter between the characters never failed to make me
smile. And I adored that I could side with Zavrius for a chapter but then
understand Balen’s point of view perfectly in the next chapter. Between snappy
dialogue, epic battles, and more than a few heartfelt moments I couldn’t have
been more happy, following along as Balen and Zavrius reclaimed their love.
(Reforged is available for preorder already and will be released on October 4th, 2022, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!)
Since time immemorial the warriors of the Paladin Order have harnessed arcane powers to protect their rulers. For Balen, who has given up his chance at love and fought his way to the top of the Paladin Order, there can be no greater honor than to serve his king. But when assassins annihilate the royal family, Balen suddenly finds himself sworn to serve the very man he abandoned. Now with their nation threatened by enemies both within and outside the kingdom, Balen must fight hidden traitors and unnatural assassins, while also contending with the biting wit and dangerous charm of…
As a schoolboy, Fedeles Quemanor barely survived being possessed by sorcery. Now he'd gladly abandon all matters of magic to more ambitious people. His happiness lies in more simple things: riding horses, the joy of friends and family, and dancing with Ariz Plunado. But when he discovers that Hierro Fueres, the Duke of Gavado, is raising an army of enthralled assassins to seize the crown, Fedeles is shaken to the core.
The murderous power lurking in Fedeles's shadow could be enough to secure the nation of Cadeleon. If only Fedeles can face the darkness that once possessed him. But even as Fedeles takes on the challenge, his agents, Atreau and Narsi, learn that the threat at the heart of the capital has grown beyond the bounds of their nation.
The Valor of Valhalla series by Martin Kearns is a pulse-pounding dark urban fantasy trilogy that fuses the raw power of Norse mythology with the grit of modern warfare. Set in a world where ancient gods and mythical creatures clash with secret military organizations and rogue heroes, the series follows a band of unseeming heroes who are bound to an ancient prophecy. As they navigate a dangerous web of deceit, sacrifice, and violent combat, they must confront not only their own demons but also the growing threat of Ragnarök—the Norse apocalypse.
At its heart, The Valor of Valhalla blends high-stakes…
In a battle between two ancient evils, can one naïve young man become the last hope against powerful creatures of legend?
David Dolan thinks he's already got the world figured out. But when a collapsed bridge plunges him into the icy Hudson, he's pulled deep into the deadly realm that exists between life and death. And with his earthly form trapped in a coma, he's vulnerable to the horde of demons hell-bent on his utter destruction.
Traversing the road to the afterlife, David seeks the wisdom and skills he needs to fight the demonic forces reigning havoc on his allies…
