Happy Pride Month! To celebrate, we’ve curated a list of ten science fiction and fantasy novels that showcase the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ narratives.
These stories span a variety of genres and settings — from precolonial island nations and cyberpunk metropolises to gothic castles and magical circuses. Each book features queer protagonists navigating complex worlds, offering readers both escapism and profound reflections on identity, love and resilience.
Whether you’re seeking high-stakes adventure, witty horror or poignant romance, this collection has something for every reader.
Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil
In the precolonial island nation of Maynara, inspired by Filipino mythology, divine magic and political power intertwine as Queen Hara Duja Gatdula’s strength wanes. Her heir, Laya, wields the power of the skies with unpredictable fervor, while rival matriarch Imeria Kulaw plots to claim the crown. Amidst secrets, betrayals and passionate entanglements, these formidable women navigate a world where ancient magic and personal ambition collide.
Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
In this genre-defying space opera AI pilot Demeter becomes entangled in a quest for revenge against Dracula, assembling a crew of classic monsters — including a werewolf and a reanimated engineer — to aid her mission. Truelove blends horror and sci-fi elements with wit and emotional depth to create a queer love child of pulp horror and classic sci-fi, exploring themes of identity and humanity in a universe where the lines between machine and monster blur.
Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase
Exiled after witnessing her mother’s execution by her father’s hand, Princess Vita lives in obscurity, her only companions the crows at her window. When offered a perilous choice — marry an enemy general or face death — she encounters Soline, a lady-in-waiting who introduces her to the volatile magic of alchemy. Together, they ignite a rebellion fueled by forbidden love and unbridled rage.
Local Heavens by Kris M. Fajardo
In a cyberpunk reimagining of The Great Gatsby, netdiver Nick Carraway is hired to investigate the enigmatic billionaire Jay Gatsby in a fractured 2075 New York City. As Nick delves deeper into Gatsby’s world of opulence and secrets, he confronts questions of morality, desire and the cost of truth in a society teetering on the edge.
House of Dusk by Deva Fagan
This romantic epic fantasy is a tale of forbidden love, dark betrayal and mythic intrigue that centers on a fire-wielding nun seeking redemption and a young spy torn between her mission and a growing attraction to an enemy princess. As they uncover the truth behind ancient legends and a rising god, their intertwined fates could determine the world’s future.
The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends by Jamie D'Amato
This queer paranormal rom-com is perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. College sophomore Brennan’s life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a vampire. Navigating his new undead existence, he finds solace — and complications — in a budding romance with a charming librarian. Balancing vampire puberty, a secretive clan and a series of mysterious campus attacks, Brennan must uncover the truth while embracing his newfound identity.
Pantomime by L.R. Lam
In a Victorian-inspired world, intersex teenager Gene escapes a life of societal expectations by joining a mysterious circus as Micah Grey. As Micah navigates the wonders and dangers of circus life, secrets from the past and magical abilities come to light, challenging notions of identity and belonging.
The Sapling Cage by Margaret Killjoy
Lorel, a trans girl yearning to become a witch, swaps places with her childhood friend to join a coven in a world where witches are all women. As she embraces her true identity, Lorel confronts societal norms, magical challenges and the complexities of self-invention. Killjoy’s novel is a powerful exploration of trans witchcraft, earth magic and the struggle for autonomy.
Volatile Memory by Seth Haddon
This is How You Lose the Time War meets Ex Machina in this sapphic sci-fi adventure. In her search for valuable tech, struggling scavenger Wylla stumbles upon a corpse wearing a MARK I HAWK mask — an AI device not designed to retain consciousness. Upon contact, the mask activates, revealing a sentient mind that recognizes and accepts Wylla in ways no one else has. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to confront the man who discarded the AI.
The Mercy Makers by Tessa Gratton
In an empire governed by mystical forces, Iriset, a prodigious outlaw, crafts magical disguises under the alias Silk for her father’s criminal enterprise. Her true ambition lies in transcending human limitations — bestowing wings, night-sight and reshaping the very essence of identity. When her father is captured, Iriset must infiltrate the palace, navigating a web of political intrigue and forbidden desires. Entwined with the emperor and his sister, she confronts the perilous balance between love and rebellion, where the most enigmatic magic resides within her own heart.
