Books matching: inclusive representation
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Save:A vibrant, inclusive, and atmospheric adult fantasy with strong, complex women at the helm and a fresh twist on fae lore. If you’re here for sisterhood, sapphic love, and new magical worlds, jump in - just be ready for some open questions until book two.
Faebound by Saara El Arifi is a high fantasy novel following two sisters, Yeeran and Lettle, in a world with elves, fae, humans, and drum magic. The story is told from dual POVs, with one sister in a F/F relationship and the other in a F/M relationship. The plot revolves around their journey as elves into the world of the Fae, with elements of war, magic, diverse characters, and political intrigue. The writing style is praised for its unique magic system, inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ characters, and well-developed world-building, drawing readers in with its rich history and complex lore.
Her first breaths were tinged with the smoke and ash of her mother’s dying enemies. And when Yeeran screamed, she joined the rallying cry of her tribe as they rode into battle. Soldiers giving birth o...January 2024•400 pages - #2
Save:A quirky, heartfelt, queer romance wrapped up in a magical New York City adventure - with lovable characters, madcap hijinks, and sweet found family feels. If you vibe with ‘slow burn but make it weird and wonderful,’ hop aboard!
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a queer romance novel with a unique twist of time travel. The story follows August, a millennial college student, who meets Jane, a mysterious girl stuck in time since the 1970s. August embarks on a journey to help Jane figure out her past and find a way to bring her back to her own time. The book is praised for its diverse cast of characters, inclusive representation, and engaging writing style that seamlessly blends romance with elements of science fiction.
That’s the first thing the guy with the tattoos says when August settles onto the rubbed-off center cushion of the brown leather couch—a flaking hand-me-down number that’s been a recurring character t...June 2021•454 pages Fresh, inclusive, and full of clever twists on classic vampires - this anthology is a must for modern supernatural fans, but maybe skip it if you just want traditional Count Dracula vibes.
Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite is an anthology edited by Zoraida Cordova and Natalie C Parker, featuring eleven diverse vampire stories. Each tale offers a unique twist on vampire lore, showcasing variations of the myth that breathe new life into the genre. With different formatting styles, including blog posts and newspaper articles, the book keeps readers engaged and breaks away from traditional storytelling. While some stories leave readers wanting more and others might seem incomplete, the overall collection provides a refreshing take on vampires that appeals to a wide audience.
The writing style is vibrant and modern, combining fresh perspectives with classic themes. Readers are taken through a range of emotions, from heart-wrenching struggles with chronic illnesses to dark and thrilling climaxes. The anthology not only explores love, transformation, and morality but also emphasizes inclusivity by featuring diverse characters. Some stories stand out more than others, but each one presents a compelling invitation to rethink what a vampire story can be.
He’d found me because of the art pinned to the wall at El Café, where I worked. I’d brought in a few sketches and tried to stick them to the exposed bricks with putty, then cussed until Thomas said if...September 2020•280 pages- #4
Save:A warm, clever, and much-needed queer romcom - perfect if you’re seeking sweet romance, heartfelt representation, and a side of culinary competition. Come for the baking, stay for the feels!
Dahlia unexpectedly finds herself as a contestant on a popular cooking show after her divorce, hoping to win to ease her financial burdens. As the competition unfolds, the romance between Dahlia and London blossoms amidst the challenges of the show. The book is filled with longing, yearning, and adorable moments, all intertwined with the cooking competition setting. Anita Kelly's writing style is smart and clean, crafting well-developed characters and a beautifully paced romance with a touch of spice in the sex scenes.
The first even slices, the cross hatching. The comfort in how logical and perfect it was. Dahlia had put in the work, onion after onion, until she could create consistent knife cuts every time. Until...January 2022•377 pages - #5
Save:'Space for More' by Emily Antoinette is a delightful FFM romance set in the Spire Station series. The story follows Dr. Eden Morris, a plus-sized human attending a medical convention on Spire, who gets entangled in a secret mission with her partner, Dr. Phelix Lafar, and his estranged mate, Mezli. The book beautifully explores the relationships between the three main characters, delving into themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming insecurities. The plot is filled with spicy and romantic moments, balanced with elements of humor and suspense, creating a heartwarming sci-fi romance that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style of Emily Antoinette in 'Space for More' is praised for its inclusive representation, body positivity, and intricate character development. Readers appreciate the balanced dynamic between the characters, the emotional depth of the relationships, and the engaging storytelling that combines elements of second chance romance, fated mates, and sci-fi intrigue. The book is commended for its unique blend of genres, captivating plot twists, and the author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
“All incoming passengers must submit to decontamination and a routine inspection of their bags. Please see a dock attendant if you have questions about this procedure.” A glowing hologram of a lithe,...February 2024•336 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Spire Station ) - #6
Save:'In the Light of the Moon' by Noelle Upton is a paranormal romance set in a small town filled with witches, elementals, and shapeshifters. The story follows the main character, Sylvie, as she returns to college to finish her degree and encounters an injured man who acts strangely. As Sylvie delves deeper into the mystery of the missing townspeople, she discovers a world of true crime, magic, and romance. The plot unfolds with engaging characters and complex relationships, offering a blend of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural elements.
The writing style of the book is described as cozy and inviting, with well-developed world-building that allows readers to easily immerse themselves in the fantasy elements. The characters, particularly Sylvie and Orion, are praised for their organic and natural development as they navigate challenges, growth, and romance. The author's inclusion of diverse and inclusive characters, such as a black witch, individuals on the autism spectrum, and non-binary characters, adds depth and authenticity to the story.
“That’ll be thirty dollars and sixty cents,” I pasted a pleasant smile on my face, aimed at the two teens that had just ordered, and spun the register’s tablet around for them to see their total. They...March 2024•436 pages - #7
Save:A funny, spicy, and inclusive holiday novella that’s great for a quick hit of romance - just don’t expect deep character development or a slow burn. Perfect if you love cinnamon roll heroes, body diversity, and holiday cheer!
'Meet Me in Los Feliz' by Kelly D. Reynolds is a novella that revolves around the heartwarming and humorous story of Nora and Bowie. The plot beautifully unfolds over the holiday season, starting at Thanksgiving and culminating at Christmas. Nora, a self-assured and confident female lead, meets Bowie in an amusingly awkward bathroom encounter, leading to a delightful romantic journey filled with laughter, passion, and genuine connection. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, inclusive and diverse representation, and the perfect balance of humor, heart, and spice. Despite being a novella, the story is packed with depth, engaging readers with its vivid characters and charming storyline.
Garlic and goat cheese mashed potatoes, to be exact – about as bougie as mashed potatoes can get. Then again, you’d be hard-pressed to find something non-bougie about Los Angeles these days. From the...October 2022•148 pages - #8
Save:The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron is a vibrant middle grade novel exploring a world where vampires are a known threat, recently thought to be extinct. The story follows Boog and her friends, who are determined to uncover the mystery behind their friend's disappearance and the strange behavior of their parents. The novel blends humor, adventure, and friendships while tackling themes of family dynamics and societal fears surrounding the supernatural.
Bayron's writing style is engaging and inclusive, featuring a diverse cast of characters, including a Black nonbinary character. While some readers found the pacing slow and noted a lack of editing, many praised the book for its humor and compelling character interactions. The blend of classic vampire lore with new spins keeps the readers intrigued, making it a recommended read for young fans of spooky adventures.
Most people are in that last category. They’ve moved on. They’ve let many of the old ways go. And Jules is right. Vampire populations had been shrinking for generations and there were barely any left...September 2022•265 pages - #9
Save:Cruel Seduction, the latest installment in Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series, delves into the intricate relationships and power dynamics among the characters in the city of Olympus. The story follows the tangled emotions and sizzling tension between Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Adonis, and Pandora, as they navigate a web of desire, manipulation, and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of a looming threat to the Thirteen of Olympus, the narrative unfolds with a mix of steamy romance, political intrigue, and mysterious plots, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Katee Robert's writing style shines in Cruel Seduction, with readers praising her ability to craft a fast-paced, action-packed story that seamlessly weaves together multiple perspectives and complex character relationships. The book is noted for its inclusive representation of sexual orientations, gender identities, and diverse relationships, offering a refreshing take on the mythology-inspired world of Olympus while building up anticipation for future installments in the series.
Even as a child, I knew I wouldn’t marry for love. Love is a fairy tale, a fantasy built on lies as fine as gossamer wings. Normal people marry for love. They settle down, do the white-picket-fence th...August 2023•370 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dark Olympus ) - #10
Save:A cozy, queer, deeply human post-apocalyptic adventure that tugs at the heartstrings - especially recommended for fans of found family, trans representation, and stories that mix warmth with dystopian grit.
Every now and then a really special book comes along that isn't like anything else out there, one that you didn't know you needed, one that fills a hole you didn't realize needed filling. World Running Down was a joy of a story to fall into. Al Hess masterfully introduces us to characters that we can't resist falling in love with. He puts them through hard times, but this isn't an apocalypse story that focuses on how the world is falling apart. Rather, it reveals how people hold it together even as it's running down and turn it into something better with grace, humor and empathy. Valentine and Osric are the kind of heroes the world needs right now. This is a comfort read you'll come back to over and over again, Reader. I know I will. What an absolute, unadulterated delight I didn't even know Cozy Post Apocalyptic was a thing, but if this is an example, sign me up Within about ten pages I was willing to die for Val and Osric, and that didn't change throughout the book. I love the world building, I love the premise, I love the characters, I love the themes. Valentine's struggles with dysphoria and finding access to medical care and doubts about his lovability broke my heart, as did Osric's struggle to make sense of his body and identity. One of the most important ideas in the story is about self sacrifice, which is shown to be the flip side of making your own choices rather than having them made for you, even when they are made for you out of love and a desire to help, and this plays out in both overt and subtle ways.
This was not a dignified place to die. Sepia hills sat beneath a chalky sky, salt flats and barren desert rolling away in all directions like a crappy abandoned landscape painting. Hexagonal ridges of...February 2023•335 pages
