7 Best Lesbian Fantasy Books That Avid Readers Will Love

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Fantasy books make for great escapism – you find yourself lost in a whole other world. But what’s even better is a fantasy book with spice, it really takes things to the next level. And for some of us, the best spice scenes are ones with women only.

7 Best Lesbian Fantasy Books That Avid Readers Will Love

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you some of the most epic lesbian fantasy books out there at the moment. They tick all the boxes – great plot, characters whose stories you find yourself invested in, adventure, romance, and plenty of lesbian heat.

I’ll give you a brief synopsis on each, so you know what to expect, but there’ll be no spoilers. I’ve also got the links for you in case you want to buy them. And without further ado, let it begin…

(The following books aren’t listed in any particular order.)

Never Tilting World

The Never Tilting World (Never Tilting World, 1)

This is a captivating tale of a world split between day and night. Aeon is a land that has long been ruled by generations of twin Goddesses.

But one sister betrayed the other which resulted in a Great Abyss that split the realm into two, one scorched beneath an ever-burning sun home to the sand-locked Golden City, and the other cloaked in eternal night, home to the frozen fortress of Aranth.

This time around, however, the queens set out on dangerous journeys, intent to heal the rift of their broken world, even if it means great sacrifice.

This epic fantasy story has excellent world building, and is told through four deeply intertwined character points of view, for a richer reader experience.

It packs star-crossed f/f romance, elemental magic, spectacular action and adventure, and lots of surprises along the way. Not to mention fierce sisterhood.

Never Tilting World is the first in a duology of two books, with the second book titled The Ever Cruel Kingdom.

But bear in mind that this novel is aimed at Young Adults rather than New Adults, and that’s a significant distinction when it comes to romance scenes. It is not graphic.

The Jasmine Throne

The Jasmine Throne (The Burning Kingdoms, 1)

It was no surprise to me that this book has won the world fantasy award for best novel.

It tells of the story of the ruthless princess Malini who was exiled by her tyrannical brother, and is now imprisoned in an ancient, decaying cliffside temple.

Then there’s the powerful priestess Priya, who actually serves in Malini’s household, cleaning her chambers.

But once Malini learns of Priya’s powers, the destinies of the two become irrevocably tangled. One with her eye on the throne, the other hell-bent on saving her family. Together, who knows what they’ll do.

This epic sapphic fantasy has complex world building that’s carefully and intimately imagined. Publishers Weekly perfectly described it as “A fierce, heart-wrenching exploration of the value and danger of love in a world of politics and power.”

It’s nothing short of a feminist masterpiece.

She Who Became The Sun

She Who Became the Sun (The Radiant Emperor Duology, 1)

This award-winning sapphic fantasy is a dazzling reimagining of the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor.

And it has been described by the author of The Priory of the Orange Tree, as “Magnificent in every way.”

The tale begins in 1345 with China lying under harsh Mongol rule, in a village struck with famine, and it focuses on the Zhu family, and the prophecy of a fortune-teller.

The eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is prophesied a fate of greatness, and the whole village is mystified as to how it could ever come to pass, while as expected, the family’s clever and capable second daughter, Zhu, is predicted a fate of nothingness.

However, the brother gets attacked and dies. Desperate to escape the same fate, Zhu pretends to be her brother to enter a monastery as a novice.

She always refused to be nothing, and as her confidence grows, she will do whatever it takes to survive and evade her fate.

When the monastery is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu commits to claim her brother’s abandoned greatness.

This epic tale has it all – war, desire, ambition, rebellion, politics, and revenge. There are close, sensual intimate scenes and climactic battle sequences.

One reader described it as being “reminiscent of Mulan crossed with A Song of Ice and Fire”.

It has deftly, poetically written prose, and the author is a master storyteller.

Fireheart Tiger

Fireheart Tiger

Another award-winning book, this time set in a pre-colonial Vietnamese-esque world.

It tells the story of Thanh, a princess and former hostage who returns to her mother’s court, haunted by magical echoes of the royal palace fire, and by memories of her romance with the charismatic Eldris of Ephteria.

Her new role as a diplomat puts her back in the path of her first love. Eldris is a powerful woman who knows what she wants, romance and power, and she won’t take “no” for an answer.

It is time for quiet Thanh to find the freedom to shape the fate of her country and her own!

This is the first book in The Radiant Emperor Duology, with the second book titled He Who Drowned The World.

This is a high-stakes lesbian love triangle with compelling characters and intense character growth. It is a commanding and captivating story, with sapphic yearning, power plays, fiery magic and more.

But before you pick up the book, please be aware that it contains references to trauma and abusive relationships.

Gideon The Ninth

Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb Series, 1)

This is a story that’s like anything else you’ve read…weird and wonderful.

It’s a gothic sci-fi fantasy, featuring intriguing characters such as Gideon, who’s a lesbian and a servant of the emperor, and has been summoned back from beyond.

There’s also a powerful lesbian necromancer by the name of Harrowhark, a reverend daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire.

The emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses, including Harrowhark, to a deadly trial of wits and skill. The prize? Immortality.

However, no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier, which means that Harrow needs both Gideon and her sword.

This book has cut-throat politics, swordplay, and skillfully drawn characters that leap of the page.

This is the first book in a trilogy of three books, The Locked Tomb Series, and the second book in the series, titled Harrow The Ninth, and the third, Nona The Ninth, have also proved to be a big hit.

Priory Of The Orange Tree

The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos)

This is such a marvelous book, an epic tale in the fashion of the famous Game of Thrones series, but with a distinctively feminist bent.

Behold a world divided. Queen Sabran and her House of Berethnet have been ruling for a thousand years. But the queen is heirless and has to conceive a daughter in order to prevent the whole realm from destruction. Especially when there are trained assassins with a target on her head.

Meanwhile, there’s Ead Duryan, once an outsider and now a lady-in-waiting. Ead belongs to a secret society of mages, and she keeps an eye on the queen, protecting her with forbidden magic.

At the same time, you’ve got Tane who’s always dreamed of being a dragon rider, but is met with a dilemma that could alter the course of her life forever.

Then, an ancient enemy awakens and the whole realm is in peril.

This is a standalone story with amazing world building, with nuanced portrayals of fully fleshed out strong women characters and character growth. It’s very well written and comes highly recommended.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn

Girl, Serpent, Thorn

This is an incredibly moving story The protagonist, Soraya, is a princess who is cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and has to hide away from everyone she cares about, alone.

Her twin brother is due to marry, and Soraya must decide if she’s prepared to attend the wedding. It turns out that her curse can be lifted, but unfortunately it would come at a high price.

There are flawed, complex characters, and plenty of suspense, and lots of intriguing elements, such as a queen with a secret and a knowledgeable demon imprisoned in the dungeon below whose face has not been seen. All with their own agendas.

It’s a Persian-inspired dark fairy tale. You will become fully immersed in this mythical world. And there will be things that you won’t have seen coming.

And with so many chapters ending in cliffhangers, you’re not going to be able to put the book down, especially toward the end!

In the official synopsis of the book, there’s nothing to suggest that it’s an f/f romance, it was likely intended to be a surprise for the readers.

But bear in mind that this novel is aimed at Young Adults rather than New Adults, and that’s a significant distinction when it comes to romance scenes. It is not graphic.

Wrap Up

And that’s a wrap for now, people! I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing. I’m sure you’ll agree that there are some very interesting recommendations for you here. Happy reading!

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