The most recommended gay fantasy books

Who picked these books? Meet our 107 experts.

107 authors created a book list connected to gay fantasy, and here are their favorite gay fantasy books.
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Book cover of Us, Et Cetera

MN Bennet Author Of The Misfit Mage and His Dashing Devil

From my list on queer indie fantasy books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I donā€™t know if I have an expertise in queer indie fantasy (quite the opposite, in fact). I just know as a queer person who loves magical worlds, I want to help elevate as many of them as possible. Over the past few years, Iā€™ve aimed to read almost exclusively queer books with a focus on indie books (well, any indie books really). My hope is for other people to find and uplift indie books. There are so many beautiful hidden gems that just need a little more exposure to find their reader homes.

MN's book list on queer indie fantasy books

MN Bennet Why did MN love this book?

This falls more on the Sci-fi side of SFF, but it really is just such a fun ride. What I loved the most about this one is how it seemed to have such a fascinating world of technology but was completely closed off from the world.

It takes place in a mansion, a very small setting, and very character-driven until BAMā€”suddenly youā€™re thrown into this big mysterious world with all the clues of technology advancements and government, etc (har har).

Watching the two main characters navigate their way through this dangerous world, and the way it shapes each of them is spectacular. My eyes watered for sure during this one.

By Kit Vincent,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Us, Et Cetera as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Unbearably poignant."ā€”The New York Times.

Cinderella meets the Matrix in this LGBTQ fantasy perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, TJ Klune, and Martha Wells.

Eke lives in a nice house, in a wealthy neighborhood, with an upstanding family: Mr. and Mrs. Kensworth and their three children. But Eke is not family; Eke is property. Heā€™s an AI whose job is to keep the house clean and organized, and no matter how much Eke secretly wishes to be allowed outside to see the stars or to make a real friend, heā€™s either ignored or bullied by the family that owns him.ā€¦


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Book cover of The Woodland Stranger: A Fairy Tale with Benefits

The Woodland Stranger by Jane Buehler,

Burneā€™s been hiding out in the forest since deserting the Kingā€™s Guard. Each time he tries to return to the village, he begins to panic. And then one day, he encounters a handsome stranger picking flowers and hides behind a tree instead of talking.

He wants to be braverā€”and heā€™sā€¦

Book cover of Voyage of the Damned

Ephiny Gale Author Of Pick Your Potion

From Ephiny's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Ephiny's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Ephiny Gale Why did Ephiny love this book?

The world of this fantasy murder-mystery cruise was so fun, and I had such an enjoyable time visiting it.

By Frances White,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Voyage of the Damned as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Pre-order The Sunday Times bestselling murder mystery debut with magical passengers, epic adventure, and a twist you can't guess.

If Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!

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"Agatha Christie with glitter magic.' I'm totally here for it. I hoovered up White's chunky novel in a day. Both funny and flirty as it deals with issues of class, snobbery and sexuality amongst all the magic and murder. The result is hugely entertaining' Herald

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For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage toā€¦


Book cover of In the Lives of Puppets

Tyrolin Puxty Author Of Immortal Cells

From Tyrolin's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Singer Hypnotist Cat-lover

Tyrolin's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Tyrolin Puxty Why did Tyrolin love this book?

I totally took a risk when I bought this book. Robots? Gay romance? Dystopian future? Not my usual pick, but I had a feeling about it. Boy, am I glad I listened to my spidey-booky-senses, because this was so unique that I still find myself thinking about it.

Firstly, the characters were so fleshed-out that I feel as if I know them. In fact, I miss them. I miss imaginary characters. How bizarre is that? I laughed and I sympathised ā€“ a rarity for most characters.

The contrast between high-tech beings living in a secluded, untouched forest provided interesting imagery and the romance wasnā€™t soppy.

I donā€™t enjoy romance, but this didnā€™t throw it in the readerā€™s face. There was a connection, a spark, and that was it. None of the ā€˜dizzying headā€™ tropes.

This book taught me to take a risk on books you wouldnā€™t ordinarily read!

By TJ Klune,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked In the Lives of Puppets as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, In the Lives of Puppets is a queer retelling of the Pinocchio tale, inviting you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

'A deeply stirring journey through a world of extraordinary robots' - Chuck Tingle, Hugo-shortlisted author of Camp Damascus

In a small home, built into the branches of a tree, live a human named Victor and three robots. These are a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, a small vacuum desperate for love and attention, and a fatherly inventor-android namedā€¦


Book cover of Paladin's Faith

Darlene Marshall Author Of Sea Change

From Darlene's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Romance Reader Regency Romance Fan History Buff SF & Fantasy Fan

Darlene's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Darlene Marshall Why did Darlene love this book?

This is the kind of fantasy that makes you want to grab readers and say, "It's got everything! Banter! Road trip! Squabbling enemies to (maybe?) friends! Thieves who want your boots! Short berserker warrior nuns! Faith, romance, hot sex, interesting villains! Bishop Beartongue who reads books and knows things!

And at the center, an adorably hunky killing machine of a paladin and the spy who loved him.

If you're not autobuying T. Kingfisher's Saint of Steel books you're missing out on some of the most enjoyable fantasy romance out there today. I suggest reading them in order (one of the MC's in this book was introduced in Book 1) and savoring them. They're so good you'll want to race through them, but also so good you won't want to read too quickly. Highly recommended.

By T. Kingfisher,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Paladin's Faith as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Marguerite Florian has spent her life acquiring and selling information, using whatever means necessary. When she falls afoul of a powerful former employer, her usual methods of self-preservation no longer work. Fortunately, she has collected enough favors to attempt an audacious scheme to undermine her enemies.


With the service of Shane, a paladin of a dead god and much too handsome for his own good, Marguerite will be forced to navigate a glittering and dangerous court, northern wilds, and the cult of a demon in a brazen attempt to destabilize an entire economy.


Intrigue and violence were to be expected,ā€¦


Book cover of Angels Before Man

Syd Neben Author Of Antique Roman

From Syd's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Hamlet enthusiast Mood reader Hamlet Tiktok authority Introverted

Syd's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Syd Neben Why did Syd love this book?

ā€œIs Father good because He is good, or because He says He is good?ā€ Angels Before Man is a gorgeous queer retelling of the fall of Lucifer.

God creates Lucifer to be the most beautiful and loved of all angels. Lucifer struggles in this role until the strongest of angels, Michael, comes into his life and teaches him to love himself. Why should Lucifer not revel in his own beauty and talents, for is it not what he was created for? But Lucifer soon learns his God is a jealous one and does not like to be questioned.

This is a beautifully tragic novel, and NicolĆ”s interweaves religious trauma with a forbidden love story. I couldnā€™t put it down and was left thinking about it for days after I finished it.

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Book cover of Domesticated Magic

Domesticated Magic by Wendy Palmer,

Mateo Taurasi and his family fled their island home when their people turned to sorcery. Mateoā€™s own magic is tame but itā€™s still banned in the Vaeringan Empire...and his family still use it every day in their cosy teahouse. The last thing they need is an Imperial barging in toā€¦

Book cover of Heaven Official's Blessing

R.M. Olson Author Of Redshift

From my list on restoring your faith in humanity.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a former journalist-turned-lawyer and a recovering news junky, Iā€™ve spent much of my life watching unhappy scenarios play out. But whatā€™s always astonished me me is how, no matter how bad things get or how difficult the situation, thereā€™s a spark of humanity, of kindness and compassion and optimism, that comes out in people at the most unexpected of times. Now, as an author and a parent, I find myself drawn to stories that remind me of thatā€”that no matter how bleak life may look, how cruel or arbitrary the circumstances, thereā€™s something good and beautiful and worth fighting for, not ā€œsomewhere out there,ā€ but inside us. 

R.M.'s book list on restoring your faith in humanity

R.M. Olson Why did R.M. love this book?

This book was my introduction to the xianxia and danmei genres, and what an introduction it was! Itā€™s a delightful mashup of creepy horror-esque vignettes, an adorably wholesome and swoon-worthy love story, an action-adventure, and a murder-mystery, that vacillates between laugh-out-loud funny and utterly heartbreaking.

But my favorite thing about this book is the deeply compassionate exploration of trauma, love, and forgiveness, where even the ā€œevilā€ characters are viewed with a type of grace that Iā€™ve rarely seen before. 

By Mo Xiang Tong Xiu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Heaven Official's Blessing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this final book (Volume 8), read the conclusion to this epic historical fantasy about a prince and the mysterious man by his side, in English for the very first time. Also includes bonus stories!

White No-Face's mask is off, and the final conflict has begun. Deep in the ancient caverns and lava flows of Mount Tonglu, Xie Lian must face the one whose hatred has plagued him for centuries-but this time, he won't have to do it alone. His beloved, Hua Cheng, has spent his long existence amassing the power to protect him, and now with their feelings forā€¦


Book cover of Guardian: Zhen Hun Vol. 1

Nicole Kimberling Author Of Grilled Cheese and Goblins: Adventures of a Supernatural Food Inspector!

From Nicole's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professional cook Editor Straight-shooter ENTP Nosy neighbor

Nicole's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Nicole Kimberling Why did Nicole love this book?

This author always excels at depicting the hilarious pitfalls of navigating a labyrinthine, centuries-old bureaucracy. But for me, Zhao Yulan is the apex of her protagonists, who are charged with protecting the world on a low government salary.

He drinks on the job, chain-smokes, and devotes considerable on-the-clock time and resources to hitting on a hot, gay university professor named Shen Wei, all while attempting to solve a simple murder.

This story unfolds layer after breathtaking layer until lovers (Zhao Yulan always gets his man) are finally fighting a battle that shakes the pillars of creation. This book makes you want to dream bigger than you ever have before and fight hard for love.

By Priest,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Guardian as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Zhao Yunlan heads up a covert division of the Ministry of Public Security that deals with the strange and unusual, blurring the line between the mortal realm and the Netherworld. His cocky, casual attitude conceals both a sharp mind and an arsenal of mystical tools and arcane knowledge.

While investigating a gruesome death at a local university, Zhao Yunlan crosses paths with the reserved Professor Shen Wei. Zhao Yunlan is immediately intrigued by Shen Wei's good looks and intense gaze, and the attraction between them is immediate and powerful, even as Shen Wei tries to keep his distance. Shen Weiā€¦


Book cover of The Shabti

Del Blackwater Author Of Dead Egyptians

From my list on books about Egyptology.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a novelist and travel writer specializing in Egyptology. My research has taken me to Egypt many times, and I write both fiction and nonfiction related to my studies. Like all Egyptologists, I understood from a young age that ā€˜They that drink of the Nile always return.ā€™ When not hopping across continents, I can be found in Wisconsin, enjoying something I call porch time. 

Del's book list on books about Egyptology

Del Blackwater Why did Del love this book?

The might of Ancient Egypt, even in the form of one little Shabti, should never be questioned. This book charmed me on so many levels. The haunted artifact in the museum's collection is a force to be reckoned with and provides more than enough intrigue to carry the adventure forward. The two protagonists, Dashiel and Hermann, are flawed, past their prime, and used to living on the fringes of society. I fell in love with both of them, as I did with the larger cast of charactersā€“flim flam or otherwise.

The emotional story is very sweet, which suits the characters perfectly and which is still with me. The setting (greater Chicagoland in the 1930s) is expertly recreated down to the regional and period dialect, which is always delightful. I would absolutely relish a sequel, and this hardcover will never leave my shelf.

By Megaera C. Lorenz,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Shabti as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Can you flimflam a ghost?

It's 1934. Former medium Dashiel Quicke travels the country debunking spiritualism and false mediums while struggling to stay ahead of his ex-business partner and lover who wants him back at any cost. During a demonstration at a college campus, Dashiel meets Hermann Goschalk, an Egyptologist who's convinced that he has a genuine haunted artifact on his hands. Certain there is a rational explanation for whatever is going on with Hermann's relics, Dashiel would rather skip town, but soon finds himself falling for Hermann. He agrees to take a look after all and learns that somethingā€¦


Book cover of Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Kerry O'Malley Cerra Author Of Make a Little Wave

From Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kerry O'Malley Cerra Why did Kerry love this book?

It was thrilling to be back in this world once again. Admittedly, I was nervous when I read the prologue. I wasn't sure we'd be brought back to the island, and yet after finishing, I see the importance of why it was done. Again, the characters were the high point for me, but I also love how doing this right thing isn't always easy or clear.

As with the first, I truly hope this one is made into a movie.

I listened to this on audio and it's likely the best narration I've ever, EVER heard. Kudos to the reader.

By TJ Klune,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Somewhere Beyond the Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Featuring gorgeous gold color sprayed edges! Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely-anticipated sequel to TJ Klune's TheHouse in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade.

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.

Heā€™s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his wholeā€¦


Book cover of Us, Et Cetera
Book cover of The Lost Story
Book cover of Voyage of the Damned

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