as was highly requested: (some!) adult fantasy book recs by trans authors!
(i couldn’t include everything i’ve read; please don’t be too grumpy with me in the comments)
(young adult fantasy coming next!)
📚 books mentioned:
- Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde
- The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
- Fate's Bane by C.L. Clark
- The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia
- The Deep by Rivers Solomon
👗💄:
- dress is from Free People, rented from Nuuly
- corset is from Scarlet Darkness
- eyeshadow is In A Trance palette from Colourpop
- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!)
thank you to Tordotcom for the gifted copy!
#fantasybooks #fantasybookrecs #adultfantasy #nycinfluencer #transbooks @Riverhead Books @Tor Publishing Group @Saga Press Books 🛸🧙🏿♀️🔪 @nuuly @Free People @Scarlet Darkness @ColourPop Cosmetics
Trans authors have brought refreshing diversity and complex narratives to the adult fantasy genre, offering stories that explore identity, belonging, and resilience in magical settings. For example, 'Vagabonds!' by Eloghosa Osunde combines an omniscient spirit narrator with vivid, mini-world chapters capturing both pain and joy, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. Similarly, 'Fate's Bane' by C.L. Clark presents decadent writing and vivid atmosphere that challenges the notions of legacy and agency, central themes in fantasy literature. 'The Bruising of Qilwa' by Naseem Jamnia follows the journey of a nonbinary refugee forced to rebuild their life, with a twist where a deadly disease begins to shift, blending personal struggle with fantasy elements. Rivers Solomon's 'The Deep' tells a magical, passionate, and lyrical story narrated in audiobook form by Daveed Diggs, portraying a memoryholder's flight to the surface and the creation of a joyful, communal life. Each book stands out for its powerful storytelling and unique perspectives, emphasizing themes of identity, transformation, and community. These works not only enrich the fantasy genre but also offer nuanced representations of trans experiences within vividly imagined worlds. These selections demonstrate the growing importance of diverse voices in fantasy, opening doors for readers seeking authentic stories beyond conventional tropes. For anyone interested in exploring fantasy books by trans authors, this list provides a starting point filled with emotionally rich and stylistically innovative titles. These narratives tackle complex issues through the lens of fantasy, making the genre more inclusive and representative. Whether you are a dedicated fantasy reader or new to the genre, diving into these stories will broaden your understanding and appreciation of diverse storytelling in adult fantasy.