PLEASE read these inclusive fantasy books

2024/7/21 Edited to

... Read moreHey bookworms! As someone who's always diving into the vast world of young adult fiction books, I've seen firsthand how important it is for stories to be diverse and inclusive. Kids soak everything up, so being mindful about what they're reading is super important. It's truly amazing to find new releases that offer fresh perspectives and rich, imaginative worlds where everyone can feel seen and understood. That's why I'm excited to share some truly incredible YA fantasy books that have captured my heart! First up, let's talk about the world that brings us 'Sheine Lende.' This isn't just a fantasy ride with ghost dogs and woolly mammoths, or magical rings that transport you across space and time. It's an incredibly touching story woven around themes of grief, community, and love. It beautifully explores healing while keeping memories of those you've lost alive, which felt incredibly personal to me. While it delves into intense subjects like child death, violence, and even enslavement – making it a profound read for those ready for such depth – it truly emphasizes finding belonging and connection amidst hardship. Then there's 'Raybearer,' a book that had my eyes glued to the pages from start to finish. It’s a masterful tale of destiny and loyalty, following a young girl raised in isolation with a chilling mission: to gain a crown prince's trust and then kill him. The world-building in this story is nothing short of extraordinary and so immersive. Every character felt rich and deeply personal, pulling me further into their complex lives and difficult choices. If you’re looking for a plot that's captivating and characters you’ll wholeheartedly invest in, this is it. For those craving vibrant, action-packed stories with a powerful message, 'The Sunbearer Trials' is an absolute must-read. This series introduces a group of semidioses thrust into a life-or-death competition within a world that is so colorful and expansive. What truly sets it apart, though, is how incredibly inclusive and queer normative it is – a breath of fresh air in YA fantasy! Plus, the dialogue is genuinely funny, making me laugh out loud countless times. I've been lucky enough to read the epic conclusion to the duology already, and I can promise you it’s unforgettable. These are the kinds of amazing YA fantasy books I’d love to see on everyone's shelves. When you’re on the hunt for your next great read, whether it's an epic journey like what's hinted at in 'Storm Descends: Aiden's Hunt for Blood and Belonging,' or a book with an intricate plot you'd love a 'Vow of Thieves' summary for, remember to seek out these diverse and inclusive titles. Many of these fantastic young adult fiction books are also available as diverse and inclusive YA audiobooks, making them perfect for listening on the go! And just like you might check an 'On Wings of Ash and Dust' age rating, it's always a good idea to look for content warnings or age recommendations to ensure a book is the right fit. Let's keep trading out old, harmful books for some amazing new releases!

12 comments

✨Luka✨'s images
✨Luka✨

I would love to hear your take on “the girl who drank the moon” I think you give some really good book recommendations!

Related posts

Read These Books to Become That Girl✨🎀
📚How These Books Helped Me Become That Girl ✨ 1️⃣ 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest Brianna Wiest's essays gave me a new perspective on life. Each piece challenged my old habits and encouraged me to think deeper about my choices and goals. This book helped me
irianna

irianna

2016 likes

Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once
Some books just stick with you forever. You know the ones—the stories that change how you think, make you feel things you weren’t ready for, or completely shift your perspective on life. I’ve read plenty of books, but a few? They hit differently. They made me question justice, rethink love, unde
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

1338 likes

A collection of Greek mythology retelling books, including 'A Thousand Ships', 'The Shadow of Perseus', 'Stone Blind', 'Circe', and 'The Song of Achilles', with the title 'greek mythology retellings' overlaid.
The book 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, a 393-page feminist and witchy retelling about Circe's powers and banishment, held by a hand with blue nail polish.
The book 'A Thousand Ships' by Natalie Haynes, a 349-page feminist Trojan War retelling from women's perspectives, held by a hand with blue nail polish.
books for the greek myth girlies
Raise your hand if you were raised by the Percy Jackson series 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ If so, this one’s for you!! Percy Jackson started a lifelong love of Greek mythology for me, and as an adult reader i still loveeeeee books centered around Greek myths. There are many many more amazing retellings out
molly

molly

3297 likes

Books By Black Authors | My Library 📚
There’s something special about curating a collection filled with Black stories, voices, and perspectives. From gripping fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, my library is a celebration of Black authors and their incredible work. Whether you’re looking for historical narratives, contemporary
Keanna Kris

Keanna Kris

2811 likes

A person holds a stack of books in front of a bookshelf, with the text overlay "Books I'll never Shut Up about," indicating a list of favorite reads.
A hand holds V.E. Schwab's "A Darker Shade of Magic," described as adult fantasy with amazing witty banter, elemental magic, and palatable political intrigue.
A hand holds N.K. Jemisin's "The Fifth Season," characterized as dystopian sci-fi fantasy featuring a revengeful mother and unique Earth-based magic.
I could talk about these books forever ❤️
This list will continue to grow but these are some STAPLES in my reading history! Such incredible storytelling from beginning to end, and the characters from these books continue to stick with me everyday. What are your all time fav reads? #lemon8bookclub #Lemon8Diary #lemon8challeng
cassie 📚

cassie 📚

2007 likes

5 books to get you out of a slump
I go through a reading slump every other month I swear to god. I believe it’s due to the fact that my favorite books are just unmatched and popular books normally don’t do it for me as much as indie authors and fantasy books that feel unique to me. Here are just 5 books that I really think coul
Spookyrevioos

Spookyrevioos

2948 likes

convince me to read these books
have you read any of these series? convince me to read them in the comments. #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8bookclub #bookrecommendations #books #romancebooks #booktok #readersoflemon8 #booksoflemon8 #bookaesthetic #fantasybooks
romance books

romance books

3625 likes

An open book with pink tulips on its pages, featuring the text "Fantasy books with toe curling spice" and chili, fire, and flushed face emojis. The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom left.
The book cover for "Chained" by Lacey Lehotzky, depicting a dagger and chains on a dark background. Text bubbles highlight its "unrelenting spice," "feral MMC energy," and "captor-captive" theme, with a 5/5 spice level.
The book cover for "What Lies Beyond the Veil" by Harper L. Woods, featuring a dark design with snakes and red/gold lettering. Text bubbles describe it as having "Fae + spice," "possessive & deadly MMC," and "painful angst," with a 4.5/5 spice level.
Fantasy books with toe curling spice
You ever read a book so spicy that you physically *have* to put it down for a second? Like, “let me collect myself before I combust” level spice? These books?? They DELIVER. They understood the assignment. Here's your “forbidden magic, powerful (and possessive) beings, dark fantasy worlds, a
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

617 likes

books to read if u wanna look cool 😎
Everyone wants to be that ~cool~ and ~mysterious~ girl by the pool, and these books definitely give off that vibe. I recently finished I Who Have Never Known Men and let me tell you…for a book that short, it really packs a punch. I will be thinking about it for a very very long time and i think
molly

molly

1267 likes

An open book titled 'BOOK LOVERS' with the overlay 'HOW TO ANNOTATE YOUR BOOKS'. The book's pages are marked with colorful sticky tabs, each labeled with annotation categories like 'quotes,' 'romance,' 'humor,' 'banter,' and 'sexy.'
A graphic displaying various pens for book annotation, including colorful Midliner Pens, Le Pen Pens, and Muji Gel Pens. Each pen type has a description of its features and uses for writing, drawing, and highlighting.
A graphic showcasing different styles of sticky notes and flags, including multi-colored sets. Text explains their use for annotation, suggesting they can be drawn on and mentioning the availability of 'Annotation Kits' online.
Annotate your Books - How and what you’ll need!
Want to annotate your books like this?? Let me show you how! 🤍 SAVE this post for inspo and different things you’ll need for annotating your books. it’s easy AND totally customizable. You’ll want highlighters, pens and sticky notes to jot down and draw out the various themes and important deta
Dani 🪩

Dani 🪩

31.2K likes

A hand holds the book "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, with text overlay "Books to read after A Court of Thorns and Roses." The background shows a wooden table with flowers, a croissant, and an iced drink.
The book "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black is displayed, with text highlighting its morally gray characters, forbidden romance, faerie intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers theme. An open book and a textured fabric are in the background.
The book "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is featured on a desk, surrounded by text describing its witty banter, slow-burn romance, witchy vibes, and enemies-to-lovers plot. A bedroom setting is visible.
Books to read after a court of thorns and roses
Craving more Feyre & Rhysand Vibes? 📚✨  Okay, hear me out, fellow fantasy lovers! I just finished binging the ACOTAR series (again), and I'm in desperate need of another magical fix. You know the feeling, right? That book hangover where you're craving more swoon-worthy romance, epic
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

209 likes

fantasy books I want to read 🧚🏻🪄
my two biggest blind spots as far as genres go have always been YA and fantasy. Though I don’t naturally gravitate towards them i still like to keep an open mind and add them to my TBR when I come across them. This year I’m making more of a concerted effort to find books I like within these genres.
bookrvws

bookrvws

526 likes

A collection of books titled 'weird books for weird girls' on a fluffy brown surface. Titles visible include 'The Virgin Suicides', 'Tender Is the Flesh', 'Organ Meats', 'One's Company', 'The Only Good Indians', and 'Our Share of Night'.
The book 'Cursed Bunny' by Bora Chung, a collection of short stories, is shown with summaries describing it as blurring magical realism, horror, and science fiction, featuring a dystopian gynecology office and a cursed rabbit lamp. It is 256 pages.
The book 'Lapvona' by Ottessa Moshfegh, a novel, is displayed with summaries about a motherless shepherd boy in a medieval fiefdom facing occult forces. It is categorized as horror, historical fiction, and magical realism, with 320 pages.
books that’ll make you say “wtf did i just read”
Want summer reading full of absolutely strange and surreal and deranged books?? Me too! This one’s for my weird girlies out there who want some classic weird literature. These books have everything from extreme cults, to cannibalism, to delusional women, to visceral details… so if that sounds l
molly

molly

9745 likes

A hand holds a stack of books, with pink text overlay "BOOKS I WILL ACCEPT ZERO CRITICISM ON" and "Lemon8 @mollz.y" in the corner.
The book cover for "Young Mungo" by Douglas Stuart is displayed with five white stars. Overlays provide a Goodreads summary and details like "416 pages," "literary fiction," "LGBTQ+," and "heartbreaking," along with a trigger warning.
The book cover for "The Spear Cuts Through Water" by Simon Jimenez is shown with five white stars and "six star read!!". Overlays include a Goodreads summary and details such as "576 pages," "epic fantasy," "LGBTQ+," and "quest plot."
molly’s must read books!! 📚
5 standalone novels and 2 trilogies you HAVE TO READ!! I’ve read almost 50 books this year and these are some of my favorites so far. You’ll notice that not all of them are 5 stars and yet I still classify them as a must read. That’s because I don’t just rate books out of 5 stars, I rank them ba
molly

molly

551 likes

Books by Black Authors I’ve Read in 2025 ✊🏾📚
I’ve been diving into some amazing reads by Black authors this year, and every single one has been 🔥! Highly recommend checking these out if you haven’t already. Which of these have you read? Let’s talk books! 👇🏾 🔮 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury– 4/5 (Dark urban fantasy, loved the concept!)
Keanna Kris

Keanna Kris

623 likes

read these trans & nonbinary books!
queer voices and stories matter and these ones (just a tiny selection of trans and nonbinary books i’ve read & loved) are phenomenal! 📚 books mentioned: - Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto - Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde - Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White - The Sunbearer Tri
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

1411 likes

An open book rests on a white textured surface, with the title overlay "BOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ" and subtitle "FEMININE EMBODIMENT & HEALTH," introducing a selection of recommended readings.
The book "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is displayed, highlighted as a guide for women to unleash their inner wild woman through amazing storytelling.
The book "Pussy: A Reclamation" by Regina Thomashauer is shown, described as providing feminine embodiment tools to celebrate sensuality and reclaim personal power.
BOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ
Feminine embodiment & women’s health books that I truly believe every woman NEED to read. These books changed my life and I promise they will change yours too, if you allow them to open your mind and shake everything you’ve ever been told by society. WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES by Clarissa
August Rhianna

August Rhianna

4578 likes

A dark, atmospheric image featuring old books, a plant, and a skull, with mist, overlaid with the title "MY FAVORITE WITCHY BOOKS" in white text.
The cover of "Weyward" by Emilia Hart, featuring a black bird on a branch, held by stylized hands. Tags highlight it as a "NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER" with "multiple POV," "magical realism," and "strong fmc's."
The cover of "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman, showing a black boot with a crescent moon on a golden background, held by stylized hands. Tags describe it as a "25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION" with "cozy vibes," "power of sisterhood," and "magical realism."
Books with Witchy Vibes!
My sister in law asked me for some witchy books in anticipation of spooky season and I made this list and figured I should share it here! Weyward: read this recently and it immediately spoiled the book I read after it because it was so good! An engaging tale of strong women told through 3 POV&#
Raquel N

Raquel N

4595 likes

A collection of books with decorative spines and stenciled edges, featuring various designs like flowers, birds, and a ship. The image has a text overlay that reads 'My Prettiest Books'.
Three books from 'The Celestial Kingdom Duology' by Sue Lynn Tan are displayed. The covers feature intricate illustrations with celestial and floral motifs in orange, blue, and pink hues.
The stenciled edges of three books from 'The Celestial Kingdom Duology' are shown. The edges feature detailed illustrations of a yellow dragon, a blue swallow, and a tree with peaches.
My Prettiest Books 📚✨
I’ve been collecting pretty books for years. Here’s some of my favorites! 🩵 The Celestial Kingdom Duology + Novella ❀ I’ve yet to read this series and I’ve had it for years 😭 I seriously need to get to it. But these stenciled sprayed edges are probably the most detailed and intricate in my col
Avaˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Avaˏˋ°•*⁀➷

541 likes

Reading the most banned books
Confession time: I've been sneaking around with some *forbidden* reads lately. 🤫📚 You know, the kind that get people all riled up, the ones they try to hide away. And honestly? It's been *wild*. These books have taken me on an emotional rollercoaster – I've laughed, cried, gotten fir
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

609 likes

A flat lay shows seven fantasy books on a white bedsheet, including "Divine Rivals," "Never," "Serpent & Wings of Night," "Ruthless Vows," "Gothikana," "Iron Flame," and "Fourth Wing," with the overlay "FANTASY BOOKS I'm reading THIS MONTH."
A close-up of the book "Gothikana" by Runyx, featuring a dark, gothic cover with an ornate gate and a black rose, resting on a white textured surface.
A close-up of the book "Never" by Jessa Hastings, displaying a vibrant cover with a person running towards another figure in a fantastical landscape, on a white textured surface.
fantasy books I’m reading in april 🌸📚
I am new to fantasy and have only read the first book in the Caraval series, Cruel Prince, and Powerless by Lauren Roberts. These are the books that I have planned to read this month, so let’s see if I’m secretly a fantasy girlie. Books I’m reading: Gothikana by Runyx Never by Jess’s Ha
Hannah Pilgrim

Hannah Pilgrim

59 likes

Fantasy books I’m begging you to read! ✨📚
Here are 5 fantasy books I’m absolutely obsessed with that I think you will be too! Fantasy can be an intimidating genre, but all of these are really easy reads that I think you’ll love as a beginner or experienced fantasy reader! ✨📚 #lemon8partner #lemon8bookclub #fantasybooks #bookrec
Bethany Taylor

Bethany Taylor

154 likes

Cozy fantasy books
Calling all fellow bookworms! 🐛📚 I've stumbled upon a great group of reads that I simply MUST share. Imagine worlds where magic simmers in the air, friendships bloom brighter than wildflowers, and every page is a cozy escape from reality ✨ These aren't just stories, they're soul-soot
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

93 likes

Books I Wish I Could Read Again…
These books right here have put me through the wringer emotionally and I’ve always read them when I needed the emotions when I read these. These are the romance 💘 books that 1. My auto buy authors 2. I always recommend to others when they ask what books 📚 they should read or need to read and 3. las
Key

Key

602 likes

Three fantasy books, 'Fate of Wrath & Flame', 'One Dark Window', and 'Never', are stacked on a white bedspread. The image has overlaid text 'FANTASY books on my TBR' and a small fairy graphic.
The book 'Never' by Jessa Hastings, described as a Peter Pan retelling, lies on a white bedspread. Overlaid text indicates a predicted rating of 4 stars.
The book 'One Dark Window' by Rachel Gillig, described as a dark gothic fantasy, lies on a white bedspread. Overlaid text indicates a predicted rating of 5 stars.
fantasy books on my tbr 🧚🏼
i have so many books on my fantasy tbr always! it’s one of my favorites genres ever, but i definitely have to be in the right mood and headspace to get into a fantasy book. these are a few that I really want to get to soon! ✨Never by Jessa Hastings I’m not gonna like this book is not getting t
Alli Beachy 🤍

Alli Beachy 🤍

263 likes

A hand holds a stack of three books against a background of book pages and ivy. Text overlays read "books i am SCARED to read" and "Emmmm..." with a thinking emoji, indicating a list of daunting reads.
A hand holds the blue cover of M.L. Rio's book "If We Were Villains." Text overlays highlight its genres as "mystery," "shakespeare," and "dark academia," reflecting the author's apprehension about its character-driven and Shakespearean nature.
A hand holds the dark teal cover of Rachel Gillig's book "One Dark Window," featuring a castle and a figure. Text overlays describe it as "fantasy," an "eerie kingdom," and involving "monsters," capturing the book's mysterious and fantastical elements.
Books I am SCARED to Read!
We all have those books that while they sound amazing… they are daunting and therefore we put them off. Here is my list of books that I need a little push before I read! 1. If We Were Villains – M.L. Rio I must admit, the main reason I am scared to read this is twofold: it is character driven a
emma privitera

emma privitera

1628 likes

A top-down view of a bed with white bedding featuring black polka dots. Three books are stacked on the bed, with a phone and mug on a nightstand. The image has a text overlay that reads "BOOKS TO READ IF YOU'RE SAD" and "Emmmy".
A book titled "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson rests on white bedding with black polka dots. Three gold stars are displayed next to the book. A text bubble describes it as "A great distraction! Entertaining plot & fun twists that don't require much thought from the reader."
A book titled "The Do-Over" by Lynn Painter, featuring a pink cover with cartoon cars and people, is placed on white bedding with black polka dots. Three gold stars are shown. A text bubble describes it as "A fun YA romance that isn't gonna break your heart & is simple and pretty short!"
READ THESE BOOKS IF YOU’RE SAD ❤️‍🩹
Having a rough time? Here are some books I recommend! Reading can be hard to get into if you’re not in a great mental space but maybe these will help <3 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson If you just wanna totally take your mind off of everything - this book will definitely do t
KENNEDY ♡

KENNEDY ♡

60 likes

A hand holds a book in front of a bookshelf filled with various titles. An overlay reads "trans fantasy books with monster hunters," indicating a selection of fantasy novels with diverse themes.
A hand holds "The Undetectables" book by Courtney Smyth, featuring a cover with silhouettes and text "BE GAY. SOLVE CRIMES. TAKE NAPS." An overlay describes it as a story about a detective agency chasing a magical serial killer.
A hand holds "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi, a book with a cover depicting a young Black girl. An overlay explains the plot: a painting comes to life to hunt monsters in a city that is supposedly a utopia.
you won’t be able to put these fantasy books down
both of these books mix levity and darkness and definitely make you think! pet is one of those YA books that i think every adult should try. it explores utopia and justice and child predators and offers up some great reflection with an inclusive cast. and i usually recommend the undetectables
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

51 likes

See more