Queer SF - December 2024
December 3, 2024
Rebel Blade — Davinia Evans
Genre: Fantasy
Rep: M/M; F/F; bi MCs
Series: Book 3 of The Burnished City
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.
Link: Goodreads
Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye — Alex White
Genre: Space opera
Rep: Queer, non-binary, M/X
Series: Book 3 of The Starmetal Symphony
In this new wide-screen space opera, humanity has met its match. An alien race of enormous robotic AI have destroyed most of humanity’s outposts. But, on the eve of the Earth’s destruction, a musician made one last desperate attempt to reach out and convince one of humanity’s enemies to switch sides. Now Earth just might have a chance to survive...
A ragtag band of misfits is all that stands in the way between an army of giant mechas and humanity’s total destruction in the second book of this big-hearted, technicolor space opera trilogy by one of the most exciting voices in science fiction, Alex White.
Ultra-glam enby pop star Ardent Violet thought they could catch a break and enjoy some time with their new boyfriend August Kitko after defeating the giant mechas hellbent on humanity’s destruction. However, Ardent didn’t count on their mecha allies summoning a host of extraterrestrials to defend Earth.
Between the diplomatic entanglements of the newly-arrived alien Coalition, and a mysterious all-powerful AI establishing a base within their solar system, there’s no rest for the wicked.
When August makes a discovery that could turn the tide of the war, Ardent Violet finds they are back in the spotlight for an encore!
Link: Goodreads
December 10, 2024
Ocean of Fireflies — J.S. Fields
Genre: YA fantasy
Rep: Non-binary MC; sapphic
Series: Book 2 of The Alchemical Duology
Welcome to the Industrial Revolution.
Magic has been banished back to the edges of the continent, and Sorin the Master Chemist has one remaining task: restore the guilds of Gasta Fletcha to save the continent's economy, and its soul.
Except the continent has never been more prosperous. Queen Magda is ready to leave the guilds behind and embrace the incoming factories. Sorin’s task of releasing trapped skills from magic amulets is no longer a priority of the crown. Sorin would rather die than give up on the guilds, but Sorin is not the queen and does not get to make these decisions. To make matters worse, the magic of Gasta Fletcha will not be so easily ignored.
Sorin would like nothing more than to sort both their personal and professional differences with Magda, but, spurred by a disembodied magic voice from an amulet, they set out on a quest across the continent, hoping to discover a new purpose. What they find instead is a trail of destruction in the wake of a rapidly growing industry: factories with horrible working conditions, children maimed in the pursuit of economic growth, and the devastating loss of guild tradition. It will take a blend of magic, chemistry, tradition, and progress to save the guilds and Gasta Fletcha, and Sorin must decide what is truly in the people's best interest—cultural history or economic prosperity. One choice will cost Sorin their queen. The other will cost them their heritage.
Link: Goodreads
What the Woods Took — Courtney Gould
Genre: YA horror, paranormal
Rep: Lesbian
Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted when a group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program find themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place.
Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.
Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new.
Link: Goodreads
We Are the Beasts — Gigi Griffis
Genre: YA horror, historical fantasy
Rep: Queer
When a series of brutal, mysterious deaths start plaguing the countryside and whispers of a beast in the mountains reach the quiet French hamlet of Mende, most people believe it’s a curse—God’s punishment for their sins.
But to sixteen-year-old Joséphine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn’t a curse. It’s an opportunity.
For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare—fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons—and this is a chance to get them out.
Using the creature’s attacks as cover, Joséphine and Clara set out to fake their friends’ deaths and hide them away until it’s safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can’t brave a harsh winter with little food… If the villagers discover what they’re doing… If the beast finds them first...
Those fake deaths might just become real ones.
Link: Goodreads
North is the Night — Emily Rath
Genre: Romantasy, retelling
Rep: Sapphic
Two bold young women defy the gods and mortals, living and dead, in this darkly mythical, Finnish folklore-inspired fantasy duology for readers of T. Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone, Danielle L. Jensen, Thea Guanzon, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec.
In the Finnish wilderness, more than wolves roam the dark forests. For Siiri and 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.
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 capture: the king of the underworld himself has plans for her. To return home, Aina must bargain her heart—as Siiri plots a daring rescue of the woman she loves the most.
Link: Goodreads
December 21, 2024
Chai and Cat-Tales — Lynn Strong
Genre: Cozy fantasy
Rep: Asexual
Bask in a sunbeam with three cozy fantasy novellas of the Catsprowl, a busy neighborhood brimming with cats and cat-goddesses, book-keepers and bath-houses, piping hot chai, and pouncing kittens’ mischief.
This volume includes the novellas The Prince of Her Dreams, Priye, and The Potter’s Dream under one cover.
Link: Amazon
December 22, 2024
The Dragon and Her Princess — Vyria Durav
Genre: Romantasy
Rep: Lesbian MCs, transfem gender awakening
Prince Darius seems eternally doomed to bachelorhood, unable to maintain a relationship for more than a few months. The king declares that if he is unable to find a bride, one will be found for him. A grand ball is announced, summoning the kingdom’s most eligible women to transform the wallflower prince into a suitable king. Disillusioned, Darius drifts through the festivities until he meets a mysterious woman who offers him freedom.
Now her prisoner, Darius learns she is part of a revolutionary conspiracy that means to keep him safe as the king is overthrown. Drawn to their cause, Darius pledges to help, even if it means sacrificing everything, including the false identity she’s been forced to endure.
The Dragon and Her Princess is a romantasy following a trans woman’s fight to break free from the chains of abuse, supported by her true loved ones.
Link: Books2Read
December 23, 2024
Project O.R.C.A — Serena J. Bishop
Genre: Science fiction thriller
Rep: Sapphic
Series: Book 1 of The Kari Chronicles
Based on her examination of different neurological procedures, Project O.R.C.A. was the most feasible way to control her telepathy.
Kari’s telepathic abilities have made life challenging for her. At eighteen and a recent university graduate, she’s desperate to leave home and work in neuroscience. Will a position at inCog help her explore where her abilities come from and how to better control them? She doesn’t know. But she’s going to find out.
A new job, a new life, and a fresh start on a cruise ship turned business park await her. It’s a thrilling time. But little does she know the excitement will not stop until the ship’s owner’s goals are met. Henry, a billionaire with an interest in unusual sciences, has unique plans for her. Neuroscientist by day, telepathic spy by night. It’s not all bad, though; her clandestine work allows her to see more of the world, receive funding for ORCA, and expose the injustices committed by the affluent.
But the more she delves into the thoughts of the super wealthy, the more dangerous her new life becomes. Soon she has to ask herself, is the money for ORCA worth the risk?
Link: Goodreads
December 24, 2024
Edmund, Accountant of the Night — Angel Martinez
Genre: Cozy fantasy romance
Rep: M/M
Series: Book 2 of Merseton Tales
A vampire on the run. An elf in need of a purpose.
Ro Laceleaf, failed forester, is the sole member of Merseton’s town watch. It’s not an exciting job by any means, but after Geoffrey’s disastrous necromantic experiments, the townsfolk insist it’s necessary. Ro is both diligent and bored out of his skull, until one night he’s called to an emergency at Mrs. Pickle’s. A vampire is attacking her house.
On the run for several years, Edmund is near starvation and out of options. His last hope for refuge? Merseton. He’s heard the town welcomes people outside the ordinary. Edmund’s certainly not an ordinary vampire. While he expected suspicion and initial hostility, he didn’t anticipate a beating with a wet kitchen mop.
Ro needs to make the determination—is Edmund a monster or a potential resident? The more he speaks to Edmund, the more horrified Ro becomes over what he’s been through. Edmund’s telling the truth—Ro’s certain of that—but he’s not telling all of it. Ro needs to gain Edmund’s trust to learn the whole story, about Edmund and the terrifying enemies hunting him, while not letting Edmund become a distraction. Yes, fine, he’s already a distraction. But Ro’s not going to fail, not this time. The town, and Edmund, will be safe, no matter what Ro has to do.
This book contains an adorable fruit bat, geese of frightening properties (since when aren’t they?), co-habitating demons, and a guaranteed HEA.
Link: Goodreads
A Sky of Emerald Stars — A.K. Mulford
Genre: Romantasy
Rep: Queer, trans
Series: Book 2 of The Golden Court
A secret song. A hidden fortress. A world on the brink of war.
After the long, despotic reign under the evil sorceress, Sawyn, life in the Golden Court is finally rebuilding. New leadership means new beginnings, and Sadie Rauxtide—now a royal guard—has been grappling with how she’ll fit into her new home. But when a rival Wolf king, Nero, kidnaps the Queen’s friend and mentor Ora, any hopes for peace are lost.
The Golden Court springs into action, and Sadie is tasked with an important travel with Navin and Maez to try to win new allies and uncover Nero’s hidden secrets. Yet Navin has secrets of his own, and it’s all Sadie can do to focus on her attachment to him and her loathing for what she discovers inside the man she loves. She has a mission, but the heart wants what it wants. And fate? Fate has its own magic, and it’s one more thing out of her control.
Meanwhile, Queen Calla is forced to seek help from the Ice Wolf pack in order to stop Nero’s prejudicial rule. However, the Queen of Taigos makes Calla’s objectives impossible with their capricious relationship standing in the way—completely unwilling to commit in helping Calla rescue Ora and repeatedly dismissing Calla’s new gender identity. With no true allyship from Taigos Court, Calla battles between diplomacy and being their true self as they realize coming out is only the beginning of their journey of self-discovery.
Tensions rise on both fronts as Sadie and Calla struggle to gain support for the brewing war and realize that the world of Aotreas is more than it seems. Full of high-stakes adventures, self-discovery, and love in all forms, A Sky of Emerald Stars follows the beginning of a revolution and the relentless fight for peace.
Link: Goodreads
Heavenly Tyrant — Xiran Jay Zhao
Genre: YA fantasy
Rep: Queer
Series: Book 2 of Iron Widow
After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself at the seat of power in Huaxia. But she has also learned that her world is not as it seems, and revelations about an enemy more daunting than Zetian imagined forces her to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite having vastly different ideas about how they must deconstruct the corrupt and misogynist system that plagues their country, Zetian must join this man in a dance of truth and lies and perform their roles to perfection in order to take down their common enemy, who seeks to control them as puppets while dangling one of Zetian’s loved ones as a hostage.
With political unrest and perilous forces aiming to undermine Zetian at every turn, can she enact positive changes as a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance?
Link: Goodreads
December 27, 2024
That Night I Got Dragged Home by a Werewolf — Autumn Wolff
Genre: Paranormal romance
Rep: Sapphic, trans lesbian
A spicy transbian werewolf romance about fated mates and the cost of magic.
Lilith Chambers is just trying to make it through each day. Being a trans girl in a small town comes with challenges. Her roommate can be a jerk sometimes. And working as a rural librarian doesn’t pay all that well. But everything changes when she attends the Wylde Night festival and meets a mysterious woman named Mars.
The two immediately hit it off, dancing together. And before she knows it, Lilith is going home with Mars. But hold on...are her eyes glowing? And wow! Mars sure is strong. There’s an instant, powerful connection between the pair. Almost something...magical.
It isn’t long before Lilith realizes she’s dating a werewolf. And while she’s strangely okay with her new overly protective girlfriend, Lilith has no idea what monsters and madness she’ll meet just by being a werewolf’s mate.
Link: Bookfunnel
December 30, 2024
King Me — K.D. Tabith
Genre: Fantasy
Rep: M/M
Series: Book 3 of Checkmate
HAVING WED HIMSELF TO THE DEMON PRINCE…
Luka Lockehart, trapped in marriage and psychically bound to the Snake of the South, rides for northern Kitera. There, he hopes to find the allies he needs to return home and save his brother from his mother’s claws.
HAVING TRADED HIS LOVER’S KINGDOM FOR FREEDOM…
Theodori Hunter escaped captivity—but only after promising to retake Luka’s home country in the name of the demon prince-turned king. He will need help to do so, but he doesn’t know if he will find it in this homecoming to Kitera. Kitera, where if Luka and Theo’s mating bond is discovered, Theo’s people will finally have the leverage they’ve always wanted.
But when Luka and Theo arrive at the northern capital, the return of an old enemy ruins their plans.
One execution and prison break later, Luka and Theo are left fleeing the capital into the winter. Luka, desperate to save his brother, and Theo, terrified to break his promise, must turn adversaries into allies to survive. Their only constant is their ever-growing, undeniable need for each other—and the demon king in their way.
CAN LOVE SURVIVE A REVOLUTION?
Link: Goodreads