10 Best LGBTQ Fantasy Novels in 2022 (Cassandra Clare, Wesley Chu, and More)

The Perfect Assassin, written by K.A. Dore, is an exciting addition to any fantasy bookshelf. It's set in the desert of Ghadid, a strange magical land where quite a few people have been turning up dead. Join Amastan, a wet-behind-the-ears assassin, who has to solve a string of murders before he ends up on the wrong side of a blade...or worse. 

The novel is the first of a trilogy. The story is woven in the third person with a full range of characters, an expertly crafted world, and just enough murder that none of your favorite characters are safe (no spoilers).

Readers weren't afraid to mention that the end felt a bit predictable, but even the worst reviews marveled at the exquisite world-building. This cloak and dagger story is described as an overall treat for lovers of fantasy with LGBTQ themes and characters.

Of Fire and Stars is a politically-charged, romantic fantasy novel written by Audrey Coulthurst. Step into the throneroom of Havemont where betrothed Princess Denna must make a choice between duty and her own firey secrets. 

Princess Denna has a natural affinity for fire that makes her a threat to two kingdoms, including her own. She does what any self-respecting fire sorceress would do and seeks a teacher, Princess Mare. It isn't long before something more develops between the two of them, but how will they recover after an assassination rocks both kingdoms?

The novel seamlessly leaps between the POV of the two main characters. While the novel can be read as a stand-alone story, you may be happy to hear it's part of a currently two-book series. There are complaints about the trope of Denna being a sheltered princess. There are worries about the overall pacing of the novel too. 

At the end of the day, most readers said that this a novel they simply could not put down. And more than a few stated they had never found such a delicate balance between LGBTQ romance, fantasy, and deep-rooted political intrigue. 

The first book in a trilogy, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir dares to venture into the great beyond in this edgy LGBTQ fantasy gem. This story is written in the third person about a lesbian necromancer and a hard-living, no-nonsense swordswoman.

Chase after Gideon on her journey through the stars in aid of Harrow, an ambitious "bone-witch." Don't be fooled by the style of the cover; Gideon the Ninth is anything but explicit. While there are some choice words littered throughout the book, the focus is on the characters as warriors and wise-cracking heretics, not lovers.

However, readers did voice concern for certain plot inconsistencies and the in-your-face tone of the novel. It's similar to 80's action movies where one-liners run rampant. 

But, the excellent word-smithing, true-to-form story, and well-crafted LGBTQ heroines put this insane science fantasy novel in a stratosphere of its own. (See what we did there?)

You'll be familiar with these characters if you've read The Mortal Instruments series. Don't worry if you haven't, because this beautifully written novel will bring you up to speed. Go out on the town with warlock Magnus Bane and his Shadowhunter boyfriend Alec Lightfoot. 

Just when they think all is well, a demon-obsessed cult snaps them both back into the devilish dangers of their world. To make things worse, Magnus started the cult nigh 400 years prior. He had no idea such an action would come back around to bite him. 

This incredible addition to The Mortal Instruments universe uses romance to propel it's action-orientated plot forward. The novel is ripe with an intricate world, established rules of magic, and fully realized characters. The Red Scrolls of Magic is the first of a standalone trilogy. And it's written in the third person to give us the perfect mix of beauty and magic that we crave!

Readers had an issue with its rehashed story beats and sexual content. However, the good reviews overwhelm the bad as many readers praised the exciting pacing and beautiful world-building. 

Follow Rune Saint John, the last of a once-powerful court, and his bodyguard Brand as they search for the son of a royal. In the process, they uncover a murderous plot, an ancient beast, and more. 

This novel was written in the first person by K.D. Edwards, and it's not afraid to take its time crafting a compelling story. The LGBTQ elements are well-pronounced in this exciting adventure story. 

Some readers didn't like the personality of the main characters. Rune Saint John and Brand might be a bit crass for some readers. But, most reviewers loved the use of battle magic and the time the story takes to fully develop the world. 

Silver in the Woods follows the story of Tobias Finch, a not-quite-human with green magics that protects a forest flush. Tobias is content with his plot in life until a handsome man comes to town and threatens to uproot everything Tobias holds dear. 

This novel by Emily Tesh is written in the third person to give us the full view of the world it's set in. Keep in mind that this quick-read is about 200 pages shorter than most fantasy novels but still takes the time to craft the LGBTQ elements.

Some reviewers felt the story was a bit predictable because of its strong inspiration from classic English myths. Many more reviews applauded the novel's poetic writing and themes of spirituality. This short novel is perfect for those of us who are too busy to commit to epically-long books.

Black Wings Beating tells the story of twins Brysen and Kylee as they fight to save their kingdom. To do so they must hunt and magically tame the mighty Ghost Eagle. This great bird of war is their only hope of restoring order to the chaos. 

This is definitely a must-read for those of us that love epic fantasy. It's written in the third person by Alex London and is the first in a series. The plot is superb, and the love story between Brysen and his dream guy is perfectly nuanced. 

Readers left negative remarks about certain cliches and the likeability of some characters. That being said, the novel is mainly described as riveting due to its portrayal of LGBTQ characters and world-building. 

Sawkill Girls takes place in the small community of Sawkill Island. This island is an ominous place where something wicked lurks in the woods and preys on young girls. 

Join Marion, Zoey, and Val as they try to put an end to that which haunts them once and for all. This dark fantasy novel is written in the third person by Claire Legrand. The story shifts between character spotlight flawlessly, and it's not afraid to speak about all the dangers teen girls face. 

Some readers didn't like the dialogue and felt the pacing was uneven at times. However, the novel has mostly positive reviews from readers who loved the authentic female empowerment and creepy atmosphere. 

Cloaked in Shadows is set across multiple intricately-crafted elven continents. You'll slip into the tunic of Zacriah Trovirn, a hunter with strange magical powers, as he's thrust headfirst into a war that's destined to change everything.

This gem of a novel is written in the first person and truly excels in world-building. It does an amazing job of slowly giving us need-to-know information without dumping it all out at once. And the romance between Zacriah and his ex, Peter, is relatable. 

Some readers stated that they felt the amount of R-rated language was a bit much. They also weren't fans of the typos sprinkled throughout the novel. Aside from this, most readers really loved the expert world-building and relatable characters.

Priory of the Orange is almost a modern classic. It's a bit of a longer read but that's to accommodate the complex story and wide cast of characters. LGBTQ relationships are interwoven into the fabric of the story and the world around it. 

Set in the magical land of Inys, Priory of the Orange tells the story of Queen Sabran the 9th who must conceive a daughter to save her queendom. She and her secret Lady-in-Waiting bodyguard, Ead, must escape powerful forces set on tearing their worlds apart.

The novel is written in the third person, which gives it the freedom needed to world-build. Some readers complained about the many relationships in the book, as they found it distracting from the main plot. However, most readers raved about the rich detail and riveting story.