This was one of my most popular posts last year, so I decided to do it again – and actually post it on July 1st this time! WOO!
What is ‘this’? Queer Adult SFF books coming out post-Pride that you REALLY ought to know about! I have read or am reading most of these, so I can personally vouch for almost all of them!
(I’m aware this list is a little light on the sci fi side of things – if you have any queer (Adult!) sci fi you’re looking forward to, leave a comment, and I may end up adding it to the list!)
STAY PROUD AND ENJOY!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bi/pansexual MC
Published on: 2nd July 2024
Goodreads
In an unparalleled blend of apocalyptic science fiction and epic fantasy akin to masterpieces like Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, debut author Benjamin Liar presents the first gripping installment of The Wanderlands trilogy. The vast machine-like expanse of the Wanderlands, crafted by long-lost gods, is teetering on the brink of eternal darkness. Amidst this decaying behemoth, a diverse group of heroes, driven by prophetic dreams, embark on a perilous journey. Their mission? To mend their crumbling world—or witness its irrevocable end.
Benjamin Liar masterfully weaves intricate tales across time and space. With unique world-building, this tale plunges readers into a mechanical planet-sized realm abandoned by its divine creators. It’s a tale of second chances and redemption, for these heroes have once tried—and failed—to salvage their home. Now, they’re presented with another shot at salvation or doom.
What sets The Failures apart is not just its genre-defying narrative but also its ingenious fusion of humor, charm, and profound depth. Liar’s debut, though dark and twisted, sparkles with witty prose, keeping readers riveted and eager for more. As you traverse The Wanderlands, you’ll uncover a multitude of interlinked stories, an intricate puzzle that begs to be pieced together. This is not just a book—it’s a captivating experience.
Benjamin Liar—writer, musician, filmmaker, and game designer—ventures into the literary world with The Failures as his first published novel. With accolades in music and short filmmaking, and a recent foray into virtual reality game design, Liar proves to be a multifaceted talent. Though his pseudonym might hint at deceit, one thing is certain: his storytelling prowess is undeniably genuine. Dive into this compelling epic, and lose yourself in the vastness of The Wanderlands.
A world without sun, and a mountain as big as a world – Failures is straight-up like nothing else I’ve ever read, and readers who love the strange and complex will enjoy the HELL out of this one! It’s so twisty, and packed full of surprises and secrets, and I loved how deep it went – there’s just layers and layers and layers to it. You can tell, as the author’s note at the end explains, that Liar has been building this world and story for DECADES.
It maybe leans toward the darker/grimmer end of the spectrum, but it’s also wry and genre-savvy and frankly REVELS in subverting all the tropes. MASSIVELY recommended!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Sapphic MC, secondary M/M
Published on: 2nd July 2024
Goodreads
The Witch’s Heart meets The Foxglove King in this debut novel about a woman who can bring people back from the dead, and the princess—and only heir to the throne—that she must protect, no matter the cost.
The first time Hellevir visited Death, she was ten years old…
Since she was a little girl, Hellevir has been able to raise the dead. Every creature can be saved for a price, a price demanded by the shrouded figure who rules the afterlife, who takes a little more from Hellevir with each soul she resurrects.
Such a gift can rarely remain a secret. When Princess Sullivain, sole heir to the kingdom’s throne, is assassinated, the Queen summons Hellevir to demand she bring her granddaughter back to life. But once is not enough; the killers might strike again. The Princess’s death would cause a civil war, so the Queen commands that Hellevir remain by her side.
But Sullivain is no easy woman to be bound to, even as Hellevir begins to fall in love with her. With the threat of war looming, Hellevir must trade more and more of herself to keep the Princess alive.
But Death will always take what he is owed.
I refuse to use the final cover for this book, because it’s generic and ugly and terribly misleading. The Gilded Crown is not romantasy; it’s an elegantly written fantasy, the prose almost delicately lovely, the plot a braid of magic, religious and political intrigue, and an exploration of the hidden side of the world Gordon’s created. I was enchanted, and I think many other readers will be too.
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: Queer Korean MC, Egyptian/Middle Eastern(?) MC
Published on: 9th July 2024
Goodreads
What does it mean to be human in a world where technology is quickly catching up to biology?
In a near-future world, a new technological therapy is quickly eradicating cancer: The body’s cells are entirely replaced with nanites—robot or android cells that not only cure those afflicted but leave them virtually immortal. At the same time, literary researcher Yonghun teaches an AI how to understand poetry and creates a living, thinking machine he names Panit, meaning "Beloved," in honor of his husband. When Dr. Beeko, who holds the patent to the nano-therapy technology, learns of Panit, he transfers its consciousness into an android body, giving it freedom and life. As Yonghun, Panit, and other nano humans thrive—and begin to replicate—their development will lead them to a crossroads and a choice with existential consequences.
Anton Hur has done a lot of work translating novels; I believe this is the first he’s written, and both the premise and the early reviews I’ve seen are very promising. Apparently this takes place over centuries, and I’ve even seen a few claims that there are fantasy elements among the scifi? I’ll find out!
August
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Science Fantasy
Representation: F/F, secondary F/F
Published on: 6th August 2024
Goodreads
Sascha Stronach returns in this queer, Maori-inspired Endsong series about a police officer back from the dead who will stop at nothing to save her city from the evil that threatens to destroy it, perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and Black Sun.
The steel city of Radovan is consumed by fire, with survivors few and far between. Stranded in its harbor are Yat, Kiada, and Sen, whose Weaving powers are in a badly weakened state. Relying on only their wits, they must plot their way through the ruins of the capitol, which are patrolled by a hostile militia, and disable the technology that prevents them from escaping.
But to navigate the crew, Kiada will have to rely on her own history with Radovan—a place she first landed unwillingly, and one she only survived by falling in with Fort Tomorrow, a band of misfits and ne’er-do-wells led by Vanya, a charismatic pickpocket and a Weaver.
Vanya may hold the key not only to saving Radovan from complete annihilation, but an age-old fight between the gods that threatens their world.
How do you feel about fungal!punk, functionally immortal paladins, and anarchism??? All with Maori and New Zealander influences??? Because what you SHOULD feel is immensely excited! Sunforge is the sequel to Dawnhounds, and if you want to read science-fantasy that is truly unique and weird in all the best ways, this is a series you need to pounce on!
My review of book one!
My review of The Sunforge!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bisexual MC, brown trans bff, brown lesbian love interest
Published on: 13th August 2024
Goodreads
A socially awkward but determined phoenix keeper must partner with her longtime rival to save her beloved exhibit from falling into obscurity in this charming, romantic fantasy debut.
Aila is a little obsessed with phoenixes. As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, her childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There’s just one glaring her zoo’s breeding program hasn’t functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix-nabbing cripples the flagship program at a neighbouring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.
But saving a species takes more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks — Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. Inspiring zoo patrons? That’s another story. Finding the courage to ask for help from the hot dragon keeper at a neighbouring exhibit? Virtually impossible. And don’t get Aila started on her arch-rival from the glamorous leader of the zoo’s wildly popular griffin show, who’s convinced that Aila’s beloved phoenix would serve better as a performer than a conservation exhibit.
Aided by both friends and enemies, Aila must conquer her social anxiety if she is to restore her breeding programme. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila’s success isn’t only a matter of keeping her the future of a species depends on her.
If you love magical creatures and fantasy with slice-of-life vibes, you’ll love Phoenix Keeper. Rather than pulling directly from mythology, MacLean has invented a whole bunch of magical beasties of her own, which is an approach I was not expecting but in fact loved, and I adored the zoo! And the characters, and the romance, and and and… You get the idea. I had to keep pausing while I read because I kept being overwhelmed with fizzy glittery joy!feels!!! Definitely one of my faves of 2024!
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: Sapphic MC
Published on: 13th August 2024
Goodreads
“What would you do, given another universe, a do-over?”
Forty years ago, archeologist Raquel and her biologist wife Marlena once dreamed of the mysteries they would unlock in their respective fields using pocket universes— geographically small, hidden offshoots of reality, each with its own fast or slow time dilation relative to Earth time—and the future they would open up for their daughter.
But that was then.
Forty years later, Raquel is in disgrace, Marlena lives in a pocket universe Raquel wears around her neck and no longer speaks to her, what’s left of their daughter’s consciousness resides in a robotic dog, and time is a commodity controlled by corporations squeezing out every last penny they can.
So when a new pocket universe appears, one that might hold the key to her failed calling, Raquel seizes one last chance to redeem herself to her wife, live up to her own failed ideals, and confront what it means to save something—or someone—from time.
…Can you imagine keeping your wife in a necklace?! That’s, uh. A Choice, for sure! But seriously, I love the sound of studying pocket universes – I can’t even imagine how cool that would be! Although I can see a lot of potential for problems if time doesn’t run the same in all of them…
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Sephardic Jewish MCs, M/M
Published on: 20th August 2024
Goodreads
In this riveting sequel to The Pomegranate Gate, Toba, Naftaly, and their allies must defend a city under siege—while the desperate deals they’ve made begin to unravel around them.
After a near-disastrous confrontation with La Caceria, Toba and Asmel are trapped on the human side of the gate, pursued by the Courser and a possessed Inquisitor. In the Mazik world, Naftaly’s visions are getting worse, predicting the prosperous gate city of Zayit in flames and overrun by La Caceria. Zayit is notorious for its trade in salt, a substance toxic to the near-immortal Maziks; if the Cacador can control the salt, he will be nearly unstoppable. But the stolen killstone, the key to the Cacador’s destruction, could eliminate the threat—if only Barsilay could find and use it.
Deadly allies and even more dangerous bargains might be the only path to resist La Caceria’s ruthless conquest of both the mortal world and the Maziks’, but the cost is steep and the threat is near. A twisty, clever entry in The Mirror Realm Cycle, The Republic of Salt asks what personal morals weigh in the face of widespread danger and how best to care for one another.
The first book in this series took my breath away, and I am SO EXCITED to see what happens next! Kaplan’s prose is stunning and her imagination is incredible; this is going to be epic!
September
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Science Fantasy
Representation: Queer cast
Published on: 3rd September 2024
Goodreads
In the distant future, when mortals mingle with the gods in deep space, an out-of-date automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel race to solve the Pope’s murder in an abandoned corner of the galaxy.
Scribe IV is an obsolete automaton, peacefully whiling away his years on the Bastion, a secluded monastery in an abandoned corner of the galaxy. But when the visiting Pope is found murdered, Scribe IV knows he has very little time before the terrifying Sisters of the Drowned Deep rise up to punish the Bastion’s residents for their crime.
Quin, a recovering drug addict turned private investigator, picks up a scrambled signal from the Bastion and agrees to take the case. Traumatized by a bizarre experience in his childhood, Quin repeatedly feeds his memories to his lover, the angel Murmuration. But fragmented glimpses of an otherworldly horror he calls the crawling dark continue to haunt his dreams.
Meanwhile in Heaven, an angel named Angel hears Scribe IV’s prayer. Intrigued by the idea of solving a crime with mortals, xe descends to offer xer divine assistance (whether those mortals want it or not). With the Drowned Sisters closing in around the Bastion, Scribe IV, Quin, and Angel race to find out who really murdered the Pope, and why. Quin’s missing memories may hold the key to the case—but is remembering worth the price?
Haunting, dreamy and beautifully written, Out of the Drowning Deep is perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Martha Wells, and This Is How You Lose the Time War.
I love angels and I love science-fantasy, so mixing the two together? Yes please! Not to mention, an angel named Angel??? I can only respect that level of tongue-in-cheek!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: F/F
Published on: 17th September 2024
Goodreads
A sharp-tongued folklorist must pair up with her academic rival to solve their mentor's murder in this lush and enthralling sapphic fantasy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic.
Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a fabled spring. The magical spring promises untold power, which the king wants to harness to secure his reign of the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come true: to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she’s only ever read about.
The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader—Lorelei’s beloved mentor—is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are her five remaining expedition mates, each with their own motive. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again—and a coup begins in earnest.
But there are other dangers lurking in the dark: forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons waiting beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood.
As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth—and resist their growing feelings for one another—they discover that their professor had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, or if this kingdom is worth saving at all.
I have been longing for a story where the characters are studying magical creatures/folklore, and that’s what Saft is delivering in A Dark and Drowning Tide – along with dark academia and sapphic rivals-to-lovers. So a little bit like the Emily Wilde books, but darker, I think? Eee!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Trans MC
Published on: 24th September 2024
Goodreads
In the gripping first novel in the Daughters of the Empty Throne trilogy, author Margaret Killjoy spins a tale of earth magic, power struggle, and self-invention in an own-voices story of trans witchcraft.
Lorel has always dreamed of becoming a witch: learning magic, fighting monsters, and exploring the world beyond the small town where she and her mother run the stables. Even though a strange plague is killing the trees in the Kingdom of Cekon and witches are being blamed for it, Lorel wants nothing more than to join them. There’s only one problem: all witches are women, and she was born a boy.
When the coven comes to claim her best friend, Lorel disguises herself in a dress and joins in her friend’s place, leaving home and her old self behind. She soon discovers the dark powers threatening the kingdom: a magical blight scars the land, and the power-mad Duchess Helte is crushing everything between her and the crown. In spite of these dangers, Lorel makes friends and begins learning magic from the powerful witches in her coven. However, she fears that her new friends and mentors will find out her secret and kick her out of the coven, or worse.
I’m honestly not sure if Sapling Cage is intended to be Adult or not, even after reading an advanced reading copy, but I’m including it in case it is! Margaret Killjoy is an amazing author with an epic track record, and this witchy trans fantasy does NOT break her streak! Expect plenty of anti-authoritarian themes and a nuanced take on being trans, plus chaos-knights, demons, and found(/made?)-family.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Representation: Bisexual MC
Published on: 24th September 2024
Goodreads
"The Naming Song understands the fundamental magic of language, and breathes that magic onto every page." --Holly Black, #1 New York Times bestselling author
There's nothing more dangerous than an unnamed thing
When the words went away, the world changed.
All meaning was lost, and every border fell. Monsters slipped from dreams to haunt the waking while ghosts wandered the land in futile reveries. Only with the rise of the committees of the named--Maps, Ghosts, Dreams, and Names--could the people stand against the terrors of the nameless wilds. They built borders around their world and within their minds, shackled ghosts and hunted monsters, and went to war against the unknown.
For one unnamed courier of the Names Committee, the task of delivering new words preserves her place in a world that fears her. But after a series of monstrous attacks on the named, she is forced to flee her committee and seek her long-lost sister. Accompanied by a patchwork ghost, a fretful monster, and a nameless animal who prowls the shadows, her search for the truth of her past opens the door to a revolutionary future--for the words she carries will reshape the world.
The Naming Song is a book of deep secrets and marvelous discoveries, strange adventures and dangerous truths. It's the story of a world locked in a battle over meaning. Most of all, it's the perfect fantasy for anyone who's ever dreamed of a stranger, freer, more magical world.
The idea that names are power is an old one in fantasy and mythology alike, and it seems that Berry took that and ran with it! This is set after the Something fell from the Something Tree – some kind of apocalypse that destroyed language – where names/nouns are the only defence against strange monsters and the even stranger outsiders/rebels who refuse to be Named and seem out to destroy those who are.
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: Brown nonbinary pansexual MC
Published on: 24th September 2024
Goodreads
These are the voyages of the Starship Glam. The further adventures of Dess and Mira and Oort, and introducing Marvin the half-human, half-Esca ingenue on drums. Earth is safe, for the moment, and taking its first steps into the greater galactic community—you know that won’t go well. Another Grand Prix is always right around the corner. And of course, other possibly-sentient species can emerge at any time…
Catherynne Valente is one of my auto-buy authors – ANYTHING she writes, I will throw money at and then devour! – but A SEQUEL TO SPACE OPERA?! Aka the Eurovision in space book??? I know I’m not the only one SPINNING with excitement for this one!!!
October
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Queer cast
Published on: 8th October 2024
Goodreads
In a world where Rome never fell, an unlikely group of protagonists are ready to burn down the empire in the first of this new speculative trilogy.
Selah Kleios is twenty-two years old and suddenly one of the most important women in the empires. The role of Imperial Historian is her birthright, something she’s been preparing for since birth--but she was supposed to have more time to learn the role from her father, the previous Historian. In the wake of her father’s sudden and shocking assassination, Selah finds herself custodian of more than just the Imperial Archives, the towering central library that safeguards all collective knowledge of the Roman Imperium and its client empires. There’s also the question of the two puzzling classified items her father left in her care—an ancient atlas filled with landscapes that don’t exist, and a carved piece of stone that seems to do nothing at all.
Soon, though, it becomes clear that the Iveroa Stone is more than just a slab of rock. With the reappearance of an old lost love who’s been blackmailed into stealing it for an unknown entity, Selah finds herself in a race to uncover the mysteries the Stone holds. But she isn’t the only one with an interest in it—she’ll have to contend with the deputy chief of police, an undercover spy, and her own beloved half brother along the way. What begins as an act of atonement and devotion ultimately pulls her into the crosshairs of deep state conspiracy, the stirrings of an underground independence movement, and questions that threaten to shake the foundational legitimacy of Roma Sargassa’s past, present, and future.
Equal parts political intrigue, queer romance, and revolution, Sargassa interrogates empire, the carceral system, and the power of owning the historical narrative.
Intrigue in a Roman world? REVOLUTION in a Roman world? Where, I have been assured, ALL FIVE of the MCs are queer (including one nonbinary character!)? Oh yes PLEASE. I want to see how the Roman empire might look if it hadn’t fallen…and I’m not going to lie, I absolutely want to see it fall. Don’t you???
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Representation: Brown bisexual MC, gay MC, M/M, secondary F/F
Published on: 8th October 2024
Goodreads
Mattinesh Jay, dutiful heir to his struggling family business, needs to hire an experienced swordsman to serve as best man for his arranged marriage. Sword-challenge at the ceremony could destroy all hope of restoring his family's wealth, something that Matti has been trying—and failing—to do for the past ten years.
What he can afford, unfortunately, is part-time con artist and full-time charming menace Luca Piere.
Luca, for his part, is trying to reinvent himself in a new city. All he wants to do is make some easy money and try to forget the crime he committed in his hometown. He didn't plan on being blackmailed into giving sword lessons to a chronically responsible—and inconveniently handsome—wool merchant like Matti.
However, neither Matti's business troubles nor Luca himself are quite what they seem. As the days count down to Matti's wedding, the two of them become entangled in the intrigue and sabotage that have brought Matti's house to the brink of ruin. And when Luca's secrets threaten to drive a blade through their growing alliance, both Matti and Luca will have to answer the how many lies are you prepared to strip away, when the truth could mean losing everything you want?
If you enjoyed Marske’s debut trilogy, I am here to tell you that she has levelled UP for her first standalone! Seriously – I had a lot of fun with The Last Binding trilogy, but Swordspoint – despite being a fantasy of manners, ie having no actual magic in it – packs so much more of a punch; the prose is stunning and the emotions are INTENSE. Hands-down one of my all-time favourite romances. WOW.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bi/pansexual MC, MLM love interest
Published on: 17th October 2024
Goodreads
Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.
Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.
He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.
That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.
Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.
Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.
This is a very fun fantasy-adventure-not-quite-romance with worldbuilding and a magic system that both look simple, but have hidden depths – and the characters are absolute DELIGHTS. I’m very curious about how high the stakes may get in the rest of the trilogy.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Genderqueer sapphic MC, queer cast
Published on: 22nd October 2024
Goodreads
For fans of The Princess Bride and Gideon the Ninth: a bloody lesbian revenge tale and political fantasy set in a glittering world transformed by industrial change – and simmering class warfare.
Ichorite is progress. More durable and malleable than steel, ichorite is the lifeblood of a dawning industrial revolution. Yann I. Chauncey owns the sole means of manufacturing this valuable metal, but his workers, who risk their health and safety daily, are on strike. They demand Chauncey research the hallucinatory illness befalling them, a condition they call “being lustertouched.” Marney Honeycutt, a lustertouched child worker, stands proud at the picket line with her best friend and family. That’s when Chauncey sends in the guns.
Only Marney survives the massacre. She vows bloody vengeance.
A decade later, Marney is the nation’s most notorious highwayman, and Chauncey’s daughter seeks an opportune marriage. Marney’s rage and the ghosts of her past will drive her to masquerade as an aristocrat, outmaneuver powerful suitors, and win the heart of his daughter, so Marney can finally corner Chauncey and satisfy her need for revenge. But war ferments in the north, and deeper grudges are surfacing. . .
H. A. Clarke’s adult fantasy debut, writing as August Clarke, Metal from Heaven is a punk-rock murder ballad tackling labor issues and radical empowerment against the relentless grind of capitalism.
I start hyperventilating every time I even think about this book, folx. YOU ARE NOT READY AND NEITHER AM I. I haven’t finished reading my arc because I don’t want it to be over – the prose is PHENOMENAL, the worldbuilding is EPIC, the characters are FUCKED-UP AND FABULOUS, and the combined ‘eat the rich’, ‘be gay do crime’, and anarchist collectivism is *chef’s kiss* What’s better than a masterpiece, I need a word for better-than-a-masterpiece. A GODS-DAMNED PARAGON; THAT’S WHAT METAL FROM HEAVEN IS. If you only read one book from this entire list, it had better be this one!
November
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Desi-inspired cast and setting, F/F
Published on: 1st November 2024
Goodreads
Malini has claimed her rightful throne as the empress of Parijatdvipa, just as the nameless gods prophesied. Now, in order to gain the support of the priesthood who remain loyal to the fallen emperor, she must consider a terrible bargain: Claim her throne and burn in order to seal her legacy--or find another willing to take her place on the pyre.
Priya has survived the deathless waters and now their magic runs in her veins. But a mysterious yaksa with flowering eyes and a mouth of thorns lies beneath the waters. The yaksa promises protection for Ahiranya. But in exchange, she needs a sacrifice. And she's chosen Priya as the one to offer it.
Two women once entwined by fate now stand against each other for the sake of their respective homes. But when a new enemy rises, they will once again find themselves fighting together to prevent their kingdoms, and their futures, from burning to ash.
The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri's acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart-stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdom-even if it means they must destroy each other.
So who else is terrified to see how this trilogy is going to end??? I mean, incredibly excited, yes, but also terrified! I NEED EVERYONE TO GET A HAPPY ENDING AND I DON’T KNOW IF I TRUST SURI TO GIVE ME THAT. But it must be a good sign that Malini and Prinya are together on the cover, though, right? Right???
My review of book one
My review of book two
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Sapphic group marriage/polyamory
Published on: 5th November 2024
Goodreads
The story of four women who set out to uncover the secret origins of an intricate, magical city—and to change its fate.
Istehar Sha'an, whose unique powers allow her to communicate with trees and books, has led her community of refugee forest people to a remarkable place. In the archipelago-city of Moonstone, the Sha'an people find themselves in an extraordinary, multicultural metropolis that houses the the world's all-encompassing repository of wisdom. But in their search for a new home, the refugees soon garner the suspicion of Moonstone's locals, who forbid their magical practices. And when a hostile prince makes a bid to inherit the city's rule from his father, Istehar and her people realize they may be faced with exile—or worse.
Meanwhile, Istehar has married three wives of Moonstone—a brave warrior librarian, a subtle-minded former concubine, and a tenacious apothecary who has spent years trying to solve her parents' murder. Driven by magical intuition and guided by a mysterious book, Istehar and her wives embark on a journey that will transform not only their lives, but the city of Moonstone itself.
A magic that lets you talk to trees AND BOOKS?! I would lunge for Moonstone Covenant for that alone, but throw in an archipelago-city and ADVENTURING WITH ALL YOUR WIVES and I am vibrating with how much I need to read this!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bisexual MC, sapphic love interest
Published on: 11th November 2024
Goodreads
Having been saved from execution at the hands of the Draoihn – powerful magic users Raine used to count as allies – Raine finds herself in the Fault, a vast magical wasteland, which is falling apart before her eyes.
Alongside her two closest companions, they are searching for the only person Raine believes can help them get back home: the enigmatic and infuriatingly elusive Queen of Feathers.
But what home are they trying to get back to? Ovitus LacNaithe, power-hungry traitor that he is, has taken control of the Draoihn and is unwittingly doing the bidding of a darker master. He is soon to take control of the Crown of Harranir and plunge the land into unending darkness.
The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. The stakes have never been higher. It's going to take Raine's dark, terrible powers, as well as the unbreakable bond of three friends, to ensure everyone lives to see the dawn.
The epic conclusion to Ed McDonald's Redwinter Chronicles, Witch Queen of Redwinter brings together breathtaking magic, unflinching fellowship and the gruesome spectacle of war in the most thrilling of fantasy adventures.
WELL.
THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE HELL OF A RIDE.
The Redwinter books hit me completely out of left-field to become very unexpected faves, and I am anxious and terrified and so hopeful for the finale! If you haven’t read these yet, you just about have time to do so before November, and you really should!
My review of book one
My review of book two
December
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bisexual MC
Published on: 3rd December 2024
Goodreads
From one of the most exciting new voices in fantasy comes the satisfying conclusion to Davinia Evans's wickedly entertaining debut trilogy full of monsters, mayhem, dangerous society ladies, and a dragon who holds the fate of the most famous alchemist of all in her claws.
Siyon Velo has given magic back to the Mundane. But with it, monsters of myth have awoken and begun to cause chaos in Bezim and, of course, Siyon is left to take the blame. Hunted high and low, Siyon struggles against the rising tide of mystery, magic and mayhem threatening the city that's turned its back on him.
In the Flower District, Lady Sable has unleashed chaos. But in the Avenues, Anahid is desperate to keep her sordid secrets hidden just a little longer. Or at least until Zagiri can make her introduction to high society. With scandal stalking the sisters and the threat of a rising revolution on their hands, the best–or worst– they can do may not be enough to save their city...
In the end, the Alchemist must rise, or Bezim will burn.
Another trilogy-finisher; Rebel Blade wraps up the Burnished City series, a fantastic fantasy of alchemy, political and inter-dimensional intrigue, and social change. AND HOPEFULLY WE’LL FINALLY GET IZMIRLIAN BACK. I GET THAT THERE ARE MORE PRESSING MATTERS – LIKE THE DRAGON – BUT I NEED IZMIRLIAN BACK, OKAY???
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: F/F
Published on: 24th December 2024
Goodreads
Two bold young women defy the gods and mortals, living and dead, in this sapphic reimagining of Finnish folklore from internationally bestselling author Emily Rath. The first in a darkly mythical duology for readers of Katherine Arden, T. Kingfisher, and The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec.
In the Finnish wilderness, more than wolves roam the dark forests. For Siiri and her best friend Aina, summer's fading light is a harbinger of unwelcome change. Land-hungry Swedes venture north, threatening the peace; a zealous Christian priest denounces the old ways; and young women have begun to disappear.
Bold and resilient, Siiri vows to protect Aina from danger. But even Siiri cannot stop a death goddess from dragging her friend to Tuonela, the mythical underworld. Determined to save Aina, Siiri braves a dangerous journey north to seek the greatest shaman of legend, the only person to venture to the realm of death and return alive.
In Tuonela, the cruel Witch Queen turns Aina's every waking moment into a living nightmare. But armed with compassion and cleverness, Aina learns the truth of her the king of the underworld himself has plans for her. To return home, Aina must make a costly bargain—even as Siiri plots a daring rescue.
In this sweeping fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Katherine Arden, Naomi Novik, and H.M. Long, hope and love can conquer even death itself.
Finnish mythology with sapphic heroines? FINNISH mythology? When do we ever get FINNISH mythology?! I love seeing rarely-used or unfamiliar-to-me myths and folklore in my SFF, and what little I know of the Finnish mythos has me WILDLY excited to see what Rath does with it!
What queer Adult SFF are YOU looking forward to in the rest of the year? Let me know!
I have an adult queer scifi coming out later this year on my list, but I’m not sure it counts for yours? It’s “The Last Gifts of the Universe” by Riley August, which I believe was self published last year but is coming out from Hanover Square Press this October. It looks fun!
It might – I think I’ve read other books by that author! Do you know the details of the queer rep?
According to a GR review, the main character is nonbinary and the world itself is queer-normative!