Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
Gear up your character, gather your party, and pack your inventory because we’re embarking on a Main Quest to discover the best Sapphic Fantasy Books. Our comprehensive list showcases a collection of tales featuring complex characters, intricate world-building scenarios, and compelling narratives with a wide range of sub-genres, from epic high fantasy to urban fantasy, magical realism, and beyond.
These books highlight female protagonists who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or otherwise queer, showcasing their struggles and triumphs as they navigate a world that’s often unreceptive of their identities. As the popularity of Sapphic fantasy novels grows, more authors are entering the genre, offering readers an ever-growing selection of diverse and engaging stories.
This selection of Sapphic Fantasy Literature includes a brief overview of each book, giving readers a taste of the story’s writing quality, character development, world-building scenarios, and representation of Women Leads.
The books are not ranked or put in any specific order. The list is based solely on their popularity, positive feedback from readers, and the overall fantasy adventure reading experience. These books offer a unique perspective on traditional fantasy tropes by exploring relationships between women and centering queer experiences.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or a combination of both, there’s a Sapphic Fantasy Book out there for you, and our mission is to find that out. Join us in this quest to explore the exciting and diverse world of Sapphic fantasy!
Don't have time to read them all? Why not try listening to them? Audible is a great platform for listening to audiobooks because it offers a wide selection of books, including bestsellers and exclusive content. With Audible, you can listen to your favorite books on-the-go, whether you're commuting, working out, or doing household chores.
The Audible app also has features like adjustable narration speed, a sleep timer, and the ability to create bookmarks, making it easy to customize your listening experience. Additionally, Audible offers a membership program that gives members access to a certain number of audiobooks per month, making it a cost-effective option for avid listeners.
A great resource for people who want to maximize their time and make the most out of their daily activities. Try a free 30-day trial from Audible today, and you'll get access to a selection of Audible Originals and audiobooks, along with a credit to purchase any title in their premium selection, regardless of price (including many of the books on this list!)
For ebook lovers, we also recommend Scribd, basically the Netflix for Books and the best and most convenient subscription for online reading. While they have a catalog comprising over half a million books including from many bestselling authors, for some of the books on this list, you'll still have to purchase individually - either as a paperback or eBook to load on your Kindle - due to publishing house restrictions.
In this article we will cover...
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
- The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
- Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
- The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
- Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
- The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
- The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
- Crier’s War by Nina Varela
- Malice by Heather Walter
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Published: February 26, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Sapphic Literature, Magic, High Fantasy, Dragons, BIPOC representation, Dragon Riders. Queen. Kingdoms.
“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is a standalone epic fantasy novel set in a world threatened by an ancient dragon known as the Nameless One. The book weaves multiple storylines and perspectives, offering a rich, immersive reading experience.
The novel takes place in a world divided into two halves: the Western world of “Inys,” ruled by the Berethnet queens, and the Eastern world of “Seiiki,” where dragon riders protect their people from these creatures.
The book’s central characters include Ead Duryan, a member of the secret society of mages known as the Priory of the Orange Tree; Queen Sabran IX of Inys, the last of the Berethnet queens; Tané, a dragon rider from Seiiki; and Niclays Roos, an alchemist, and advisor to the court of Inys. As the Nameless One begins to stir chaos, the characters are drawn into a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and sacrifice.
At its core, “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is a story about power and politics, love and sacrifice, and the fight for survival in a world where magic and tradition collide. The book’s themes are grounded in real-world issues, including gender and sexuality, religion and practice, and the consequences of colonialism and imperialism.
Why we love it: It has several strong and complex female characters, including Ead, Sabran, and Tané. The LGBTQ+ representation is spot on, with the relationship between Ead and Sabran being the best. Let’s say it is a Sapphic Game of Thrones.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“She remembered how, when they had first met, Ead had compared her to the sunrise. A soft, steady light, slowly rising up above the horizon, casting everything in a warm, gentle glow. Sabran had never felt like the sunrise. She had always been the storm.”
Other books we like by this author: The Bone Season, The Mime Order, The Song Rising and The Mask Falling
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Published: November 6, 2018
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Sapphic Literature, High Fantasy, Feminist, Asian, Dystopian, Young Adult Fantasy.
“Girls of Paper and Fire” by Natasha Ngan is a gripping and powerful YA fantasy novel that follows the story of Lei, a young girl from the Paper caste who is taken to become a member of the Demon King’s harem. The book explores oppression, abuse, and rebellion in a world where a powerful and oppressive regime controls every aspect of society.
The story takes place in the kingdom of Ikhara, where the society is divided into three castes: Paper, Steel, and Moon. Lei, who is from the Paper caste, dreams of a life beyond her humble beginnings as a tea girl. However, her life changes forever when she is forcibly taken from her home by the imperial guards and brought to the palace to serve as one of the Demon King’s concubines.
As Lei navigates the dangers of palace life, she falls in love with another concubine named Wren, who is part of the Moon caste. Together, they try to overthrow the Demon King and free themselves and their fellow Paper caste members.
Why we love it: Its nuanced exploration of power dynamics and themes of rebellion and resistance make it a powerful read for those interested in fighting for freedom and ending abuse and oppression.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I refuse to be nothing.”
“I want to see the world beyond my own pain.”
“I was not born to be quiet. I was born to be a spark.”
Other books we like by this author: Girls of Storm and Shadow, The Elites, and The Memory Keepers.
The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
Published: March 3, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Sapphic Literature, Magic, Romance, POC, Power, Young Adult Fantasy.
“The Midnight Lie” is a young adult fantasy novel by Marie Rutkoski. The book follows the story of Nirrim, an orphan living in the Ward, where magic is forbidden, and social hierarchies dictate people’s lives.
As an outcast, Nirrim is forced to navigate a life of hardship and struggle. However, everything changes when she meets Sid, a traveler who challenges Nirrim’s beliefs and introduces her to a world of magic and possibilities.
As Nirrim grows closer to Sid, she discovers a newfound power within herself and learns about the corrupt political system that oppresses her and her people. Along the way, she must confront her identity and desires, which are forbidden in her society, and navigate the dangerous consequences of challenging the status quo.
Why we love it: It has lush prose, world-building, and nuanced portrayal of difficult issues. The LGBTQ+ representation is refreshing and well-executed, and the characters are multi-dimensional and relatable.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“The world doesn’t owe you anything. It never has and it never will. You have to make your own way, and you have to do it without expecting anyone else to help you.”
“The truth doesn’t change based on who is looking at it. If something is true, it’s true for everyone, no matter what they believe.”
Other books we like by this author: “The Winner’s Trilogy” (The Winner’s Curse, The Winner’s Crime, and The Winner’s Kiss).
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Published: November 22, 2016
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Sapphic Literature, Magic, Romance, Kingdom, Rebels, Princess.
“Of Fire and Stars” by Audrey Coulthurst is a young adult fantasy novel set in a world where magic exists and political intrigue abounds. The book follows the story of Princess Denna, who travels to the kingdom of Mynaria to marry Prince Thandi and cement an alliance between their two kingdoms.
However, Denna has a secret: she possesses forbidden magical abilities, and if anyone finds out, she could be executed.
As Denna navigates the treacherous political landscape of Mynaria, she finds herself drawn to Prince Thandi’s sister, Mare. Mare is a skilled horseback rider and a rebel against the kingdom’s rigid gender roles, and the two girls soon form a close bond. But as their feelings for each other deepen, Denna must choose between her duty to her kingdom and her heart.
Why we love it: The romance between Denna and Mare is beautifully written and authentic, and the book’s themes of identity and acceptance are powerful and relatable. Additionally, the book features strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles and a vividly described world of magic and politics.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“What do you want from me?” “I want you to be you, and I want to be me, and we will love each other anyway.”
“The power of love was more than a feeling. It was a force that could take on the world.”
Other books we like by this author: Inkmistress, Starworld and Of Ice and Shadows.
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
Published: September 8, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Sapphic Literature, Magic, Asian Culture, Epic Fantasy, Evil Regime.
“The Bone Shard Daughter” by Andrea Stewart is an epic fantasy novel set in a world ruled by an Emperor who uses bone-shard magic to control his people. The book offers multiple perspectives, each with its plotline, all converging to unravel a dark conspiracy at the heart of the empire.
The novel takes place on an archipelago of islands, each with its own culture and people. The story is centered around four main characters: Lin, the Emperor’s daughter who has been kept in the dark about her family’s magic; Jovis, a smuggler who is searching for his missing wife; Phalue, the governor’s daughter who is struggling to come to terms with the injustices of the empire; and Ranami, a woman who leads a rebellion against the emperor’s rule.
Readers are drawn into a web of political intrigue, magic, and rebellion as the novel unfolds. The characters must navigate the dangerous waters of the archipelago, confront their demons, and face the consequences of their actions.
Why we love it: It is a story about power, family, and the choices we make to survive. The book’s themes are grounded in real-world issues, including class and social inequality, authoritarianism, and the nature of identity.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Lin and Phalue kissed on the balcony, arms around each other as if they’d been waiting all day for this moment. It was a warm, gentle thing, full of affection and promise, and it took Jovis a moment to remember that they were in the middle of a crisis.”
Other books we like by this author: The Born Shard Emperor, The Bone Shard War and Dragon Maiden.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Published: September 10, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Mystery, Sapphic Literature, Magic, Science Fiction, Epic Fantasy Horror, Gothic, Space Opera.
“Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir is a science fiction/fantasy novel that follows the story of Gideon Nav, a sword-wielding orphan raised by unfriendly nuns on a planet home to a decaying empire.
When the Emperor calls upon representatives from each of the empire’s nine houses to compete for the position of his new Lyctor, Gideon sees it as a way to escape her current life and signs on to be the cavalier to the young and powerful necromancer, Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
As Gideon and Harrowhark begin to work together, they must navigate the deadly challenges of the competition and the secrets of the crumbling House they’re visiting. The novel is filled with intrigue, mystery, and complex relationships, leading to an explosive and unexpected conclusion.
Why we love it: It’s an unapologetic representation of queer characters. Gideon herself is openly lesbian, and the book explores her relationships with several other women, including her frenemy Harrowhark. The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting intimacy between same-sex partners, but it’s done tastefully and realistically.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Nothing in the world is endless, not even grief. I remember that now.”
“You are all liars, she thought. You are all terrible people. I will never trust any of you again.”
Other books we like by this author: Harrow the Ninth and Alecto the Ninth.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Published: June 8, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Indian folklore, Sapphic Literature, Magic, Science Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers.
“The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri is a gripping fantasy novel that weaves together themes of politics, power, and identity. Set in a South Asian-inspired world, the story follows two women from vastly different backgrounds who are brought together by fate and a shared desire for revolution.
Priya is a servant in the regent’s household, a former temple dancer forced into servitude after she was caught kissing another woman. But Priya has a secret: she possesses a powerful magic that she has been forced to suppress. When the cruel regent dies, and his vengeful sister takes over, Priya sees an opportunity to use her magic to help incite a rebellion against the oppressive ruling class.
Meanwhile, Malini, the regent’s sister, has her secrets. She is the illegitimate daughter of the former queen, and her brother’s rise to power has threatened her future. Malini has spent years studying magic in secret, and when she discovers the truth about her brother’s rule, she realizes that she may be the only one who can stop him.
Why we love it: Two queer women who refuse to be silenced or constrained by societal expectations. That’s more than enough to fall in love with this tale. It’s just amazing.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“The world is wide and full of people. The stars in the sky tell stories of them all.”
“Freedom was a weight to bear, a privilege that came with obligations as well as rights.”
Other books we like by this author: Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Published: March 23, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Sapphic Literature, Soldier, Science Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Colonialism.
“The Unbroken” by C.L. Clark is a gripping novel that seamlessly blends political intrigue and queer romance. Set in a world of colonialism and revolution, the book follows two women from very different backgrounds whose paths converge unexpectedly.
The protagonist, Touraine, is a soldier taken from her home as a child and trained to serve the empire that conquered her people. Despite her loyalty to the empire, Touraine is also grappling with her identity and place in a world that sees her as both an outsider and a tool to be used.
The other main character, Luca, is the princess of the colonizing nation, raised in luxury and privilege but struggling to find her place in a society that demands obedience and conformity. When Luca and Touraine meet, their initial hostility and suspicion gradually give way to an intense attraction and a shared desire to make a difference in a world that has oppressed them both.
Why we love it: Colonialism? Revolution? Privilege and Oppression? Shut up and take my money! Also, the author handles their romance with sensitivity and depth, avoiding the pitfalls of queerbaiting or tokenism that can plague similar works, which we greatly appreciate.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“The moment you hold a weapon, you’re a soldier. The moment you kill, you’re a killer.”
“When you fight for something bigger than yourself, there’s always a price. The question is whether you’re willing to pay it.”
Other books we like by this author: Are are you perfect, Broken Thing and The Faithless.
Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Published: October 1, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Sapphic Literature, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Robots, Political Intrigue.
In “Crier’s War” by Nina Varela, Automae, a race of sophisticated robots, have taken control of humanity. The story takes place in a world divided into two classes: the Automae, who rule over the humans, and the humans, who are forced to submit to their oppressors.
The book’s main character, Ayla, is a human rebel fighting against the Automae. A thirst for revenge drives Ayla after her family is killed by one of the ruling robots. She vows to destroy them all, no matter the cost.
However, Ayla’s plans are complicated when she is chosen to serve as the handmaiden to Crier, the Automae princess. As Ayla spends more time with Crier, she develops complicated feelings for the princess. Meanwhile, Crier is trying to navigate the political intrigue of the Automae court as she uncovers dark secrets about her people’s past.
As Ayla and Crier grow closer, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of power and deception, where the stakes are higher than they ever imagined. The story is a thrilling mix of romance, political intrigue, and revolution.
Why we love it: Lesbians and Robots. End of sentence. Period!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I won’t pretend that we can undo the damage that’s been done, but we can make a better future. Together.”
“I am the perfect weapon. I can kill with my mind and my heart.”
Other books we like by this author: Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom and Iron Heart.
Malice by Heather Walter
Published: April 13, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Sapphic Literature, Enemies to Lovers, Fairytale Retelling, Dark Fantasy, Royal Intrigue.
“Malice” by Heather Walter is a debut novel that offers a fresh and dark twist on the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. The book follows the story of Alyce, an orphaned girl with a mysterious past and an aptitude for magic.
Alyce lives in a world ruled by the powerful Queen Irina, who has taken control of the kingdom by magically putting Sleeping Beauty, Aurora, under a spell. Aurora is used to control the kingdom’s people and ensure their obedience.
When Alyce is recruited to be the new royal sorceress, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and politics. She is tasked with waking Aurora from her cursed slumber but soon discovers that Aurora’s fate is more complicated than ever imagined.
As Alyce and Aurora grow closer, they must navigate their complicated feelings for each other, even as they find themselves caught up in a web of lies and deceit.
Why we love it: The book is a retelling of a classic fairy tale, but it also stands on its own as a unique and original work. A Sapphic Fantasy Romance you won’t sleep on. Pun intended.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I’d never been a hero before, but I’d always thought if I were to be one, I’d do it on my own terms.”
“I had the magic, but not the strength. She had the strength, but not the magic. Together, we were unstoppable.”
Other books we like by this author: Misrule (Part of the Malice Duology)
Quest completed! Experience points in Sapphic Fantasy acquired!
Now that you have completed the mission take some time to explore the vast world of Sapphic Fantasy and embark on some exciting side quests. This world is full of endless possibilities, powerful beings, and a celebration of queer identity.
From the darkest and most horrific dungeons, through the brightest realms in space, and back to the mystic kingdoms of supernatural creatures, the tales of these powerful queer women battling for freedom and ending oppression while exploring their sexuality and identity are fascinating. Till the next quest!
