Hello friends! Welcome to a two-part post about books with LGBTQIA+ representation which I adore. In this first part, I will be telling you about books in the Speculative fiction realm – magical realism, technologically advanced near future, science fiction and fantasy. You will also find some books that are on my upcoming TBR with queer representation. Let’s get started.
Books with LGBTQIA+ Representation which I adore
We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker
Dystopia | Science Fiction | Goodreads
Sarah Pinsker’s novel depicts a family torn apart by a divisive technology. Val and Julie aim to prioritize their children’s well-being, leading them to reluctantly consent to their son David’s request for a brain implant called a Pilot. While adapting to the changes brought by the Pilot, Julie faces pressure at work to get one, while Val and their daughter Sophie become part of a minority without the implant. The story explores the repercussions of this technology-driven divide and follows Sophie as she joins an anti-Pilot movement, questioning the implants’ influence and confronting conflicts with her loved ones. The book delves into the ethical and social implications of widespread technological adoption and examines the power dynamics between individuals, corporations, and society.
My review – We Are Satellites
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
Romance | Science Fiction | Goodreads
In a post-apocalyptic world, a letter is discovered by an agent of the Commandant with a warning to burn it unread. This sparks an unexpected correspondence between two rival agents, both striving for the best outcome for their factions. What starts as taunting evolves into a grand, romantic endeavor that has the power to reshape history. However, their connection is a dangerous secret that, if revealed, would lead to their demise. Amidst an ongoing war, the stakes are high, and only one side can emerge victorious.
My review – This is a unique book and I will be sharing all my thoughts on this one next week! The short version is that this is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the intricacies of a time war and the connection between its two main characters, Blue and Red. Through their creative correspondence, the authors showcase the depth of their relationship as they communicate using unconventional methods such as seeds, flowers, and chemicals.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Science Fiction | Goodreads
In this book, the past and present collide in a world where robots once gained self-awareness and mysteriously vanished. The story follows a tea monk whose peaceful existence is disrupted when a robot arrives, aiming to fulfill an old promise. The robot is tasked with answering the question of what people truly need before it can return. However, this question proves complex, as different perspectives shape the answer. As the tea monk and the robot delve into this inquiry, they confront the deeper meaning of desire and whether acquiring more holds significance in a world where people seemingly have everything they want.
My review – A Psalm for the Wild-Built
The Living Waters by Dan Fitzgerald
Romance | Fantasy | Goodreads
When two nobles embark on a guided raft trip, they encounter mysterious swirls in a muddy river that unsettle even their experienced guides. Intrigued, they journey further to discover the mythical Living Waters, a realm beyond imagination. As they explore, they also delve into the depths of their own minds and become entangled in the troubles of this hidden place.
The Living Waters is a Sword-Free Fantasy novel with an ethereal love story, meditation magic, and an ancient book’s cryptic marginalia. It is the first book in a duology.
My review – The Living Waters
Into the Underwood: Maiden by J.L. Robertson
Fantasy | Goodreads
Set during World War II, this book follows Sylvia Taylor, a young seamstress with a unique talent for bringing embroidery to life. Amidst the chaos of war, Sylvia’s path takes an unexpected turn when she is abducted by Der Erlkönig, the immortal ruler of the Underwood—a realm filled with spirits and monsters. Forced into servitude to settle a family debt, Sylvia forms a connection with Sasha, a famine survivor from the Soviet Union. Together, they uncover dark secrets from Sylvia’s family’s past. Combining elements of fairytale retellings, feminism, and self-discovery, this story weaves a captivating narrative, appealing to fans of lesbian heroines.
My review – Into the Underwood: Maiden
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
Fantasy | Goodreads
In this enchanting standalone fantasy, Sofi, a young musician in the kingdom of Aell, aspires to inherit her father’s title as a Musik. However, her dreams are shattered when Lara, a newcomer, captivates the judges with a mesmerizing performance. Determined to expose Lara’s alleged illegal use of magic, Sofi discovers that the deception runs deeper than she imagined. Trapped between her grief and the desire to reclaim her place, Sofi begins to question her beliefs and uncovers dark secrets about her past. As she navigates her way through the complexities of music and forbidden magic, Sofi finds herself falling for the very person she once considered her enemy. This tale of self-discovery, secrets, and a budding sapphic romance!
My review – Sofi and the Bone Song
The Councillor by E. J. Beaton
Fantasy | Goodreads
Set in the realm of Elira, this Machiavellian fantasy follows Lysande Prior, a palace scholar and close friend of the late Iron Queen. As the realm fractures after the queen’s death, Lysande is appointed Councillor and tasked with publicly choosing the next ruler from the city-rulers vying for power. Privately, she investigates the murder, suspecting magical involvement. While concealing her drug addiction, Lysande becomes entangled in a strategic game with the city-rulers, particularly the enigmatic Prince Luca Fontaine. Meanwhile, the return of the magic-wielding White Queen and a traitor threatens not only the realm’s peace but also everything Lysande holds dear. Amidst ambition and restraint, Lysande must confront hidden enemies in a world where the low-born must remain submissive.
My review – The Councillor
Stealing Thunder by Alina Boyden
Historical Fantasy | Goodreads
This immersive epic fantasy, inspired by the Mughal Empire, follows Razia Khan, who was raised as the Crown Prince of Nizam but ran away to live life true to her identity as a woman. Among the hijras of Bikampur, she finds acceptance and purpose. Working as a dancer by day and a skilled thief by night, Razia’s life takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Arjun Agnivansha, the Prince of Bikampur. As a dangerous political war unfolds, Razia becomes entangled in a high-stakes battle that leads her to confront her father and presents her with an opportunity to reclaim what she lost while saving her prince.
My review – Stealing Thunder
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Fantasy | Goodreads
After a lifetime of violence and battles, Viv, an orc, decides to leave behind her warrior days and pursue a new venture: opening a coffee shop in the city of Thune. However, numerous obstacles stand in her way, including rivals and the city’s unfamiliarity with coffee. To achieve her dreams, Viv realizes she needs help. Along her journey, she encounters diverse individuals who are drawn together by magic, delicious pastries, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As they form unexpected bonds, they become not only partners but also a chosen family, leading Viv to discover a depth of connection she never imagined.
My review – Legend and Lattes is a refreshing cozy Fantasy that promises to dive into a personal quest of starting a new chapter in life. The author is also a professional narrator and I loved the audiobook. Discussion with Ariel coming next month!
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Magical Realism | Goodreads
Exit West is a poignant and inventive novel set in a country on the verge of civil war. Nadia and Saeed, two young individuals from contrasting backgrounds, form a clandestine relationship as their city is torn apart by violence. Amid the chaos, rumors of magical doors that offer escape emerge. Nadia and Saeed make the difficult decision to leave their homeland behind, stepping through one of these doors. The story follows their journey into an uncertain future, where they must navigate unfamiliar landscapes while clinging to their love and identity. Exit West explores themes of love, loyalty, and bravery in the face of adversity, resonating both with contemporary issues and timeless human experiences.
My review – I read this one for my comparative literature class back in 2018. I found this to be a great book to reflect on, especially on themes of refugee, resilience and survival. Re-read pending.
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
Magical Realism | Goodreads
Freshwater is a captivating debut novel that delves into the surreal experience of a fractured self. Set in Nigeria and America, it follows Ada, a young Nigerian woman who develops multiple selves within her due to her unique existence “with one foot on the other side.” As Ada grows, her selves gain strength and influence, particularly after a traumatic event. The novel explores the complexities of identity formation and the power dynamics between Ada’s different selves. With raw intensity and lyrical prose, Freshwater showcases the emergence of a bold and talented new voice in literature.
My review – Freshwater
LGBTQIA+ Representation on My TBR
Unpainted by Dan Fitzgerald
Romance | Fantasy | Goodreads
In the hermetic society of the Painted Faces, Tera faces an arranged marriage with a stranger. Reluctant but not willing to give up her privileged life, she enters into this union. Tera has always believed love to be a myth and sex a joyless duty. However, everything changes when she meets Aven, a gentle and considerate man. As they embark on a tropical honeymoon, a surprising bond forms between them. Yet, beneath the surface of their society, danger lurks, threatening their newfound connection and the world they know. Unpainted is a queer arranged marriage fantasy romance with magical elements and a focus on intimate relationships.
Why I am excited about this: I love interconnected stories and the world that Dan created in The Living Waters is one I want to return to. This one promises a lot of kissing. 😀
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Fantasy | Goodreads
In a world where the Emperor relies on necromancers, Gideon is tired of her life as a servant and a potential reanimated corpse. Determined to escape, she gathers her sword, dirty magazines, and belongings to make her daring getaway. However, her plans are halted when Harrowhark, a powerful bone witch and Gideon’s childhood rival, requires her assistance. The Emperor has called for a deadly trial, and Harrowhark needs Gideon’s sword to succeed and secure immortality for her House. But some things are better left buried.
Why I am excited about this: I love playing Diablo as a necromancer so trying out their life in a book sounds like a great plan.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Historical Fantasy | Goodreads
She who became the sun is a historical fiction novel set in famine-stricken 14th century China under Mongol rule. When two children, a boy destined for greatness and a girl condemned to nothingness, are orphaned, the girl assumes her brother’s identity to escape her fate. Disguised as a male novice in a monastery, she discovers her own resilience and determination to survive. After the monastery is destroyed, she seizes the opportunity to claim her brother’s abandoned destiny and embarks on a journey to fulfill his role. This captivating tale explores themes of identity, fate, and the lengths one will go to shape their own future.
Why I am excited about this: Ariel and Lauren both enjoyed this one and I am drawn to books they like.
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Fantasy | Goodreads
In this captivating fantasy series, a young Indigenous woman named Anequs disrupts the status quo as she enters a dragon academy run by colonizers. After bonding with a dragon hatchling on the remote island of Masquapaug, Anequs faces resistance from the Anglish conquerors who have strict ideas about how dragons should be raised. Reluctantly allowed to attend an Anglish dragon school, Anequs must overcome social and academic challenges while maintaining her identity and determination. With her dragon by her side, Anequs realizes the power within them and sets out to change the world and its outdated norms.
Ariel’s Review – To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
Why I am excited about this one: Ariel adored this one and it had just come out when I was reading Babel. It will follow nicely in themes.
Of course, these books represent only a fraction of the diverse and empowering literature that celebrates love, resilience, and the importance of representation. 🌈📚
Thank you for taking the time to read this post! Have you discovered any books from this selection that pique your interest?
Remember to bookmark this page, as I will be updating it annually. You can easily locate this list in the Featured Articles section of my blog.
Stay tuned for Part Two, featuring contemporary and historical fiction recommendations, which will be released on June 23rd!
Updated: June 2023
Cover image: Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
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