Greetings, adventurers, and dreamers of otherworldly realms! If your imagination yearns to explore lands where magic knows no bounds and love transcends the ordinary, then you’ve found your sanctuary. We’re going on a quest into the enchanting universe of Lesbian Fantasy Books, where heroines wield power, face epic challenges, and discover love along their journey. These tales are not just about the fantastical or the mythical; they’re about seeing oneself in the tapestry of narratives, in worlds where love between women flourishes amidst dragons, spells, and quests for justice.
Lesbian fantasy refers to a subgenre of fantasy literature that features lesbian or sapphic relationships as central elements of the story. It covers fantasy, such as magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural worlds, with LGBTQ+ representation, specifically focusing on lesbian characters and their romantic and emotional connections.
In lesbian fantasy books, the primary characters or protagonists are women who identify as lesbians or are involved in same-sex relationships with other women. These stories explore love, desire, self-discovery, and the challenges in fantastical settings.
So, ready your gear, summon your courage and set off on a journey to realms where the heart’s desires are as vast as the skies and as deep as the oceans, in stories where every turn of the page is a step into the unknown.
10 Lesbian Fantasy Books (Sapphic Novels)
Fantasy literature allows you to escape into imaginative worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. Sapphic fantasy adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement by incorporating LGBTQ+ characters and their journeys within these fantastical settings. Now, I’ll discuss ten books about lesbian fantasy. They will provide a sense of belonging and inspire self-acceptance and self-discovery. Let’s go!
| Name | Pages | Rating (Goodreads) |
|---|---|---|
| Ash | 264 | 3.6/5 |
| Huntress | 371 | 3.7/5 |
| The Priory of the Orange Tree | 848 | 4.2/5 |
| Girls of Paper and Fire | 385 | 3.8/5 |
| Of Fire and Stars | 389 | 3.7/5 |
| The Tiger’s Daughter | 526 | 3.8/5 |
| The Alchemists of Loom | 395 | 3.9/5 |
| The Dark Wife | 264 | 3.8/5 |
| The Queen of Ieflaria | 182 | 3.7/5 |
| The Unbroken and The Faithless | – | 4.3/5 |
1. Ash by Malinda Lo
Ash is a captivating retelling of the Cinderella story with a lesbian twist. Malinda Lo presents a rich tapestry of magic and romance, immersing readers in a world where fairy tales come alive.
The protagonist is a strong-willed and independent young woman who finds solace in the company of a mysterious fairy. The lyrical prose and brave character development make this a must-read for fans of fantasy WLW representation.
2. Huntress by Malinda Lo
In “Huntress,” Malinda shows a mesmerizing story of adventure and forbidden love set in a beautifully imagined fantasy world. The story follows two girls with a powerful connection. They go on a perilous journey to save their kingdom from an encroaching darkness.
The skillful storytelling and exploration of complex emotions make this a gripping and enchanting read. Somehow, I sometimes felt a bit bored, but never for long.
3. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Samantha delivers a sweeping epic in “The Priory of the Orange Tree,” featuring diverse characters, including strong lesbian protagonists. With dragons, political intrigue, and a richly detailed world, she creates an immersive reading experience.
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, adding depth and complexity to an already enthralling narrative.
4. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Girls of Paper and Fire is a spellbinding dark fantasy novel that centers on a young woman chosen to serve in the court of the Demon King.
Natasha masterfully explores identity, power, and forbidden love against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted world. The lesbian romance at the heart of the story is tender and beautifully written, making this book exciting.
5. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Audrey weaves a story of magic, political intrigue, and a forbidden love affair in “Of Fire and Stars.” The story follows Princess Dennaleia, who possesses the ability to control fire. She faces the treacherous court of a foreign kingdom.
The skillful character development and the slow-burn romance between Dennaleia and her intended betrothed sister create a heartfelt narrative. The romance was great, but the fantasy was not good enough.
6. The Tiger’s Daughter by K Arsenault Rivera
The Tiger’s Daughter is an evocative and epic sapphic fantasy novel that explores a complex lesbian relationship. Rivera masterfully crafts a world inspired by Asian history and mythology, following the lives of two warrior princesses destined to save their empire.
The poetic prose and deep emotional bond between the protagonists make this a remarkable and unforgettable read.
7. The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova
Elise brings together intricate world-building, a diverse cast of characters, and a compelling lesbian romance in “The Alchemists of Loom.”
The story unfolds in a steampunk-inspired world where alchemy and magic intertwine. A skilled thief and a dragon emissary form an unlikely alliance and forge a powerful connection that drives the narrative forward.
8. The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer
The Dark Wife retells the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, exploring a lesbian relationship between the two goddesses.
Sarah crafts a compelling and poetic story that shows love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Diemer breathes new life into an ancient myth through her lyrical prose, offering a fresh and captivating perspective.
9. The Queen of Ieflaria by Effie Calvin
Effie Calvin introduces readers to a delightful fantasy world in “The Queen of Ieflaria.” Princess Esofi’s journey to find a suitable wife leads her to a charming and mysterious dragon slayer.
The book combines adventure, political intrigue, and a sweet lesbian romance with a diverse and endearing cast. Calvin’s light-hearted writing style and engaging plot make this a joyous and uplifting read.
10. The Unbroken and The Faithless by C.L. Clark
The first two books in the Magic of the Lost trilogy, offer a rich and compelling examination of colonialism, political intrigue, and personal relationships. The Unbroken focuses on Touraine, a conscript soldier, navigating her complex ties to both her homeland and the empire that raised her.
The Faithless continues these themes, shifting the story to the empire itself. While the sequel dials up the romance and political maneuvering, it slows the action compared to the first book, setting the stage for a thrilling finale
WINTER IS COMING.
5 Lesbian Sci Fi Fantasy Books
- “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers
Part of the Wayfarers series, this book introduces readers to a diverse and inclusive universe. While it features a broad tapestry of characters and relationships, the slow-burning romance between the ship’s AI, Lovelace (Lovey), and engineer Jenks, as well as the nuanced representation of different forms of love and bonds, including same-sex relationships, mark it as a standout in LGBTQ+ sci-fi literature. The series is celebrated for its heartwarming portrayal of diversity and inclusivity.
- “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir
The first book in The Locked Tomb series, “Gideon the Ninth,” blends necromancy, mystery, and a sapphic main character in an unforgettable story of intrigue and dark humor. Gideon Nav, a swordswoman, and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a necromancer, must work together to unravel the secrets of a haunted Gothic palace. Their complex relationship, filled with witty banter and deep-seated tensions, evolves compellingly against the novel’s richly imagined backdrop.
- “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
In this epistolary novel, two time-traveling agents from rival factions, Red and Blue, begin to leave letters for each other across time and space. What starts as taunts between adversaries slowly blossoms into a deep, forbidden love. The novel is a beautifully written exploration of time, war, and love that transcends the boundaries of their existence.
- “The Stars Are Legion” by Kameron Hurley
Known as “Lesbians in Space,” this novel is set on a decaying organic starship fleet called the Legion. It follows Zan, who wakes up with no memory, and Jayd, her companion, as they face the complex politics and warfare of the Legion’s world-ships. The book is notable for its all-female cast, inventive world-building, and exploring themes such as memory, identity, and belonging, all interwoven with lesbian romance.
- “Ash” by Malinda Lo
A retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale with a sapphic twist, “Ash” follows the story of Aisling (Ash), a young woman who finds herself torn between the fairy realm and her love for the King’s Huntress, Kaisa. Lo’s storytelling weaves together elements of traditional fairy tales with a beautiful lesbian romance, offering a fresh and enchanting take on a classic story.
5 Spicy Lesbian Fantasy Books
- “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon
This epic fantasy novel offers a rich tapestry of magic, dragons, and intrigue, with a slow-burning sapphic romance at its heart. The story unfolds across different continents, focusing on a world on the brink of war and the legends that could either save it or doom it to destruction. The romance between Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting and secret mage, and Queen Sabran the Ninth, whose lineage is key to protecting the realm from the draconic threat, is both tender and fraught with tension, adding layers of emotional depth to the sprawling narrative.
- “Girls of Paper and Fire” by Natasha Ngan
Set in a richly imagined world where the caste system dictates one’s place in society, this book follows Lei, a member of the Paper caste, who is taken to serve the king as one of his Paper Girls. Lei finds herself drawn to another girl, Wren, and together, they go on a dangerous journey of rebellion and self-discovery. The romance between Lei and Wren is intense and central to their fight against oppression, making for a compelling and spicy read.
- “Crier’s War” by Nina Varela
In a world where Automae has overthrown the human rulers, Crier is an Automae, the daughter of the sovereign of Rabu, and Ayla is a human servant in her household, driven by a desire for vengeance. As their lives intertwine, they find themselves unexpectedly attracted to each other, complicating their allegiances and plans. The book explores themes of power, identity, and resistance, with the sapphic romance adding an emotional and spicy edge to the narrative.
- “The Midnight Lie” by Marie Rutkoski
This novel is set in the same world as Rutkoski’s Winner’s Trilogy but focuses on a new set of characters and a sapphic romance. It tells the story of Nirrim, who lives in the Ward, where crime runs rampant and the residents are impoverished. When she meets Sid, a traveler who speaks of a world beyond the Ward, Nirrim questions everything she knows. Their growing attraction leads to a sweet, spicy romance set against mystery and social upheaval.
- “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir
While primarily a necromantic fantasy with a heavy dose of action and mystery, “Gideon the Ninth” also includes a simmering undercurrent of sapphic tension. The complex relationship between Gideon, a swordfighter with a sharp wit, and Harrow, a necromancer and scion of a decaying house, evolves amidst a deadly tournament and dark secrets. Their dynamic is filled with banter, tension, and an undeniable attraction, contributing to the book’s spicy and captivating atmosphere.
Last Words
We hope this journey has filled your soul with wonder, your mind with possibilities, and your library with new worlds to conquer. Each story, a beacon of light in the portrayal of love and heroism, reminds us that the quest for belonging and acceptance is universal, transcending the boundaries of our world and the realms of fantasy. As you close one book and perhaps open another, remember that the magic of these stories lies not just in their fantastical elements but in their ability to reflect the richness of the human (and not-so-human) experience.
Until our paths cross again in another enchanted forest or atop a distant tower, keep the spirit of adventure alive, cherish the love that defies the odds, and may your journey through the pages of fantasy be as boundless and beautiful as the stars above. Happy reading, and may the power of love and fantasy guide you through every adventure to come!
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