Fantasy has always been a genre of grand adventures, sprawling worlds, and deeply personal journeys. While traditional epic fantasy often revolved around heteronormative narratives, today's fantasy landscape is bursting with diverse characters and relationships that reflect a wider range of identities and experiences. Whether you're looking for sapphic warriors, gender-fluid necromancers, or gay pirate queens, there's something here for every LGBTQ+ reader to dive into.
This list celebrates epic fantasy books that center LGBTQ+ characters and themes, blending rich storytelling, immersive worldbuilding, and groundbreaking representation. If you're ready to embark on a fantastical journey where queerness is embraced, here are some of the best books to add to your reading list.
Epic Fantasy Standalones & Series Starters
The Jasmine Throne (Burning Kingdoms #1) by Tasha Suri
A sweeping epic inspired by the history and mythology of India, The Jasmine Throne tells the story of Malini, a princess imprisoned by her brother, and Priya, a maidservant with secret magic. When their paths intertwine, the two women become entangled in a plot of resistance and power. With lush worldbuilding and a compelling sapphic romance, this novel is a must-read for fans of political intrigue and slow-burn relationships.
She Who Became the Sun (The Radiant Emperor #1) by Shelley Parker-Chan
A gender-bent reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, She Who Became the Sun follows Zhu, a young girl who takes on her deceased brother's identity to fulfill his destiny of greatness. This novel explores themes of gender identity, ambition, and resilience, featuring a powerful queer romance between Zhu and a formidable general.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
For readers craving a massive standalone epic, The Priory of the Orange Tree delivers dragons, political intrigue, and a central sapphic relationship between Queen Sabran and her protector, Ead. With multiple perspectives, ancient prophecies, and a battle between light and darkness, this book is perfect for those who love sprawling fantasy worlds with rich queer representation.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle #1) by Nghi Vo
This novella is short but powerful, weaving a tale of political intrigue, magic, and resistance. The story follows Chih, a non-binary monk who uncovers the history of Empress In-yo through artifacts and storytelling. With lyrical prose and a focus on queer and non-binary characters, this book is a beautiful, contemplative read.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy #1) by Marlon James
A dark, mythical fantasy rooted in African folklore, Black Leopard, Red Wolf follows Tracker, a mercenary with an extraordinary nose who is hired to find a missing boy. Along the way, he encounters shape-shifters, witches, and demons. Tracker's queer identity is an integral part of his character, and James crafts a gritty, complex narrative that challenges traditional fantasy conventions.
Queer Characters & Unique Magic Systems
The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates #1) by A.K. Larkwood
Orcs, assassins, and cosmic gods collide in this lesbian-led epic fantasy adventure. Csorwe, an orc priestess, is destined for sacrifice until a mysterious sorcerer offers her a new path. As she embarks on a journey across dimensions, she encounters betrayal, love, and a sapphic romance that unfolds against a backdrop of shifting loyalties and magical intrigue.
Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #1) by Tamsyn Muir
A genre-defying mix of gothic horror, science fiction, and fantasy, Gideon the Ninth introduces us to Gideon, a sword-wielding lesbian with a sharp tongue. She is forced into an uneasy alliance with her childhood nemesis, Harrowhark, as they compete in a deadly trial for necromantic power. Darkly humorous and wildly inventive, this book is a must-read for fans of complex LGBTQ+ characters and intricate worldbuilding.
The City We Became (The Great Cities #1) by N.K. Jemisin
Blurring the line between fantasy and reality, The City We Became envisions New York as a living, breathing entity—one that must be defended against an invading cosmic force. The novel features an incredibly diverse cast, including queer and non-binary characters who become the avatars of their respective boroughs. This urban fantasy is a love letter to both queer identity and the resilience of marginalized communities.
The Bone Shard Daughter (The Drowning Empire #1) by Andrea Stewart
Set in an empire where bone shard magic fuels strange constructs, this novel follows multiple perspectives, including a central sapphic romance that unfolds as characters grapple with shifting allegiances and rebellion. The book offers intricate political drama alongside inventive magic.
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
This novel leans into the sci-fi-fantasy hybrid realm, following an arranged marriage between two men—one a disgraced prince and the other a reluctant diplomat. As they uncover a galactic conspiracy, they must navigate trust, love, and political intrigue. It's a perfect blend of space opera and queer romance.
LGBTQ+ Centered Fantasy with Rich Worldbuilding
The Tensorate Series (The Black Tides of Heaven & The Red Threads of Fortune) by Neon Yang
Set in a world where gender fluidity is the norm, The Tensorate Series follows twin siblings Mokoya and Akeha as they navigate a rebellion against their powerful mother. This Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy delivers stunning representation of non-binary and gender-fluid identities, along with compelling magic and political upheaval.
Silver in the Wood (The Greenhollow Duology #1) by Emily Tesh
A gentle, folkloric fantasy featuring a centuries-old forest guardian and the historian who stumbles into his world. Their blossoming queer romance is woven with lush descriptions of nature and mythology, making this an enchanting, fairy-tale-like read.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
A dark, gothic retelling of Dracula's brides, A Dowry of Blood explores a queer polyamorous romance filled with passion, power struggles, and betrayal. This poetic, deeply emotional novel is perfect for readers drawn to darkly romantic tales.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
A queer, magical reimagining of The Great Gatsby, where Jordan Baker is a bisexual Vietnamese socialite with supernatural abilities. This novel infuses 1920s decadence with ghostly enchantments and themes of identity and belonging.
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
This book delivers a slow-burn romance between a prince and his stoic bodyguard, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and an empire's economic struggle. For fans of well-developed queer relationships and royal drama, this is a must-read.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy has always been a realm of boundless possibilities, and in recent years, the genre has embraced a more inclusive and representative future. From grand battles to intimate love stories, these novels prove that LGBTQ+ characters belong in the heart of epic fantasy. Whether you're looking for high-stakes adventure, slow-burn romance, or mythological retellings, these books offer unforgettable journeys where queerness is celebrated and embraced.
Have you read any of these books, or do you have favorites that belong on this list? Let us know what epic LGBTQ+ fantasy stories have captured your imagination!
