If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So* - An epic fandom, a scavenger hunt for a lost love and an ode to cultural inheritance - this is a wonderfully heartfelt and joyously queer romance.
She’s Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard - A retelling of Dorian Grey where the portrait is a film photograph of a girl who hates being photographed, and her love interest, who for various plot-reasons absolutely has to ignore this boundary and take photos of her all the time. I wasn’t a fan of that continual crossing of boundaries, so the romance didn’t do it for me - but I loved the amping up of the bad luck the photograph caused them. More thriller than anything else!
Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman - Fandom, vampires, queer trans romance, claustrophobia, archives and library collections - this is delicious and incredibly thoughtful and personal. Wonderful.
Flèche by Mary Jean Chan - A poetry collection about fencing, mother-daughter relationships, queer relationships and the Asian American experience. One to reread and mull over. This was my favourite poem.
Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders - A space opera epic in the classic style - with a modern revamp. A girl from Earth is taken to lead an alien race to victory, and brings her best friend along for the ride. The love interest is a trans girl, which was so nice to see! Lots of fun, and I’m excited to see where the sequel takes the cast.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston* - An absolute wonder of a book - heartfelt and funny and full of the best kind of 90s rom-com scavenger hunt hijinks. I loved the diverse cast here, with a bisexual lead, lesbian moms, and genderqueer side characters too.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake - An adult romance about a player who goes back to her hometown and falls for the stay-at-home mom who she totally ignored in high school. A lot of fun - I would eat up a movie of this.
Witch by Rebecca Tamás - Queer, witchy poetry with a visceral, dark tone. I ate this up.
I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre - A younger teen romance about a group of friends making a short film for a festival. Lots of NYC and filmmaking content, as well as relationship dramas of all varieties (including enemies-to-lovers girls in love!).
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling - A girl who can tell how people will die by touching them meets a vampire girl who isn’t mortal, and has no death. This is a great take on the classic ‘American High School Vampire Romance’ trope - so much fun!
*gifted by publisher
If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So* - An epic fandom, a scavenger hunt for a lost love and an ode to cultural inheritance - this is a wonderfully heartfelt and joyously queer romance.
She's Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard - A retelling of Dorian Grey where the portrait is a film photograph of a girl who hates being photographed, and her love interest, who for various plot-reasons absolutely has to ignore this boundary and take photos of her all the time. I wasn't a fan of that continual crossing of boundaries, so the romance didn't do it for me - but I loved the amping up of the bad luck the photograph caused them. More thriller than anything else!
Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman - Fandom, vampires, queer trans romance, claustrophobia, archives and library collections - this is delicious and incredibly thoughtful and personal. Wonderful.
Flèche by Mary Jean Chan - A poetry collection about fencing, mother-daughter relationships, queer relationships and the Asian American experience. One to reread and mull over. This was my favourite poem.
Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders - A space opera epic in the classic style - with a modern revamp. A girl from Earth is taken to lead an alien race to victory, and brings her best friend along for the ride. The love interest is a trans girl, which was so nice to see! Lots of fun, and I'm excited to see where the sequel takes the cast.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston* - An absolute wonder of a book - heartfelt and funny and full of the best kind of 90s rom-com scavenger hunt hijinks. I loved the diverse cast here, with a bisexual lead, lesbian moms, and genderqueer side characters too.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake - An adult romance about a player who goes back to her hometown and falls for the stay-at-home mom who she totally ignored in high school. A lot of fun - I would eat up a movie of this.
Witch by Rebecca Tamás - Queer, witchy poetry with a visceral, dark tone. I ate this up.
I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre - A younger teen romance about a group of friends making a short film for a festival. Lots of NYC and filmmaking content, as well as relationship dramas of all varieties (including enemies-to-lovers girls in love!).
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling - A girl who can tell how people will die by touching them meets a vampire girl who isn't mortal, and has no death. This is a great take on the classic 'American High School Vampire Romance' trope - so much fun!
*gifted by publisher
Happy International Asexuality Day!
We’re switching things up this year from Asexual Awareness Week to International Asexuality Day, because why not and also because who wants to wait a whole year to get a great list of ace books?? That said, a bunch of books from the last list are newly available or will be soon, so make sure you take a look there too! (Books from 2022 have been reposted here.) Available Now(ish) At the End of…
I feel like I never see any recommendations for this kind of rep, so I did it myself! Feel free to add on more 💓
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers - A lyrical, poetic and deeply heartfelt take on the most fun of tropes: shotgun wedding in Vegas! A Black woman who has just finished her astronomy degree and is facing deep burnout wakes up married to a Japanese radio presenter of a show about cryptids, and she moves to NYC to be with her. So lovely, and really captures the experience of being in your twenties and struggling to cope with the pressures of establishing a career.
Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard* - A noblewoman in a fantasy pre-colonial Vietnam falls in love with a princess, befriends a fire spirit and has to decide what her future will be. I loved the inter-country political negotiations, which was detailed enough to feel realistic without dragging. The length here was just right too: a novella with bite, a queer love triangle and realistic relationships.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo - An incredibly well researched spotlight on a fascinating time in history - 1950s San Francisco for a queer Chinese American. I loved how much the story extended beyond the teenage protagonist, showing us the lives of her parents and relatives both in America and China. The lesbian club was developed with a real nuance and complexity. Staggeringly good, and worthy of all the awards it is receiving.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston - time travel shenanigans on the NYC subway line! The strong queer friendship group was a standout part of this novel for me, as well as the swoon-worthy butch love interest. I can’t wait for Casey’s next book!
The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams - A plot-light literary novel about an overworked and underpaid intern fact-checking a dictionary filled with false whimsical entries. Fun for people who love word play, and very relatable for early-twenties publishing professionals.
*gifted by publisher
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas - As a writer of my own LGBT ghost YA novel, I was a bit nervous to read this, but it's so lovely! Both Jules and Yads were really well developed characters, with some incredible discussion of transphobia and sexuality alongside the action-packed ghost drama. I was also blown away by the development of the magic system of this world, inspired by Latin American culture.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters - Wow! I have not stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. This is the book about trans womanhood, written by a trans women and featuring a whole range of experiences. So much thought has been put into discussing the complicated experiences of these women, and yet it was definitely a plot-driven novel - it didn't feel preachy at all, which is a hard line to judge. I'm in awe. Note: definitely not for young adult readers!
Sword Dance by A.J. Demas - A country house murder mystery set in a Classical Rome inspired world, where a disabled ex-soldier has to team up with a non-binary spy to untangle a web of espionage, theft, and assassination
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan* - This lives up to the well-earned hype - it's a masterpiece of feminist, character-driven action, set in a fantasy historical Ming Dynasty. I'm so glad I saved this one for after my book slump, because it deserved to be appreciated for the stunner it is.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers* - A short novella set in a future world that's gone very right - humans acted in time to stop climate change, giving land back to nature and building green, adaptive cities with vertical farms. Out in the wilderness, the descendants of robots from the 'factory-age' live in freedom, after developing sentience. This is sci-fi I've been craving for years, as a climate fiction writer, and it was such a breath of fresh air to read about goodness and human kindness, while addressing our flaws and failings as a society running on fossil fuels.
Plus, the characters are so loveable: both Dex and Mosscap are wonderfully realistic, agender characters - with really funny, casual dialogue that made me laugh. I can't wait for the next installment of the monk and robot adventures (why has noone done that pairing before?!). So excellent.
* gifted by publisher
The Boy I Am by K.L. Kettle* - Speculative YA set in a dystopian future where boys are sold off to the female elite. I loved the poetic writing style in this!
Briarley by Aster Glenn Gray - A World War II-era retelling of Beauty and the Beast between a dragon man and a parson. Short and lovely, with the best dilapidated manor house!
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune* - I didn't connect with this one as much as T J Klune's debut, but it has the same type of lovely, gentle characters who you can't help but root for. I really admire Klune's creativity in the magical realism space, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
The Bachelor's Valet by Arden Powell - I loved this 'Jeeves and Wooster' style novella about a noble lord and his valet, set in a world with magic. The protagonist is utterly clueless, in the best possible way.
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun - Unexpected romance between a producer and ‘the bachelor’ on a reality TV show set. Super cute!
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell - A incredible sci-fi romance with royal fake dating, ice-torn wilderness survival and sneaky political manoeuvring. This one is for fans of Lois McMaster Bujold (AKA, I adore it and need 17 more...)
Life of Melody by Mari Costa - A really imaginative graphic novel about magical creatures raising a daughter together - I read this in one sitting and it was pure joy!
*gifted by publisher
My climate activism newsletter hits 30 issues next week, so I’m running a huge book giveaway of the titles I’ve featured this year with our publishers. Some of the books included:
Here’s the latest issue, on animals in fiction: “But appropriating other species’ voices and experience for artistic satisfaction and profit, at a time when we are literally killing them? That seems the grossest human consumption.“
A friend mentioned they were looking for science fiction and fantasy books with ace/aro representation the other day, so I went and compiled a list of some I’d recommend and some I’ve been meaning to read. I figured I’d stick it here under a cut in case anyone wanted the list.
Green Rising has been published for two whole months today! I have no idea how it’s gone so quickly. I appreciate every single one of your reviews and comments on the book.
It’s the COP26 climate change conference this week, which is the perfect time to share this art of Hester and Theo at the end of their personal green uprising on the Warren Space module in Earth’s orbit. It was drawn by the incredibly talented Brogan Bertie.
I’m obsessed with so many of the details here - Hester’s exhaustion, their tender forehead touch, the mushrooms exploding from Theo’s space suit, the sunlight rising on a newly green planet Earth outside the window. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know what a big moment this is for them both. I’ve had the drawing set as my computer background ever since I first saw it.
“A smart, brilliantly realised call to arms.” – The Observer “A terrifically bold and original take on climate fiction” – The Bookseller
“In this love song to our planet, Green Rising effortlessly mixes magic and science with strong, likeable characters and a smart plot. But most of all, this book provides the clearest explanation yet as to what’s caused climate change, and more importantly, what we can do to prevent it.” – Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
“This has the makings of a modern eco-classic with its scathing attack on the 1% who are responsible for the most pollution on earth for corporate reasons, but also empowers with reminders of the impact of grassroots protest.” – Lilyfae “Smart and sharp and witty and fun, with a magic system that springs perfectly from current events and winds perfectly around some really big real-world themes – but manages to avoid being didactic.” – Stephanie Burgis, author of The Raven Heir
“Green Rising is a whip-smart tale that asks big, bold questions of how we can save the planet, with or without Greenfinger magic. Beautiful imagery, a strong scientific underpinning and well-rounded characters. A must-read for teens today.” ― Laura Lam, Sunday Times bestselling author of Goldilocks and Seven Devils
“Frighteningly clever and richly imagined, Green Rising is a book that combines lush, compulsive storytelling with an urgent message, and everyone who reads it will be stirred by its call to arms. I loved it.” ― Laura Wood, author of A Sky Painted Gold
In a climate catastrophe, resistance is taking root …
Set in a near-future world on the brink of ecological catastrophe, Lauren James’ novel is a gripping, witty and romantic call to arms.
Gabrielle is a climate-change activist who shoots to fame when she becomes the first teenager to display a supernatural ability to grow plants from her skin. Hester is the millionaire daughter of an oil tycoon and the face of the family business. Theo comes from a long line of fishermen, but his parents are struggling to make ends meet.
On the face of it, the three have very little in common. Yet when Hester and Theo join Gabrielle and legions of other teenagers around the world in developing the strange new “Greenfingers” power, it becomes clear that to use their ability for good, they’ll need to learn to work together. But in a time of widespread corruption and greed, there are plenty of profit-hungry organizations who want to use the Greenfingers for their own ends. And not everyone would like to see the Earth saved…
As they navigate first love and family expectations, can the three teenagers pull off the ultimate heist and bring about a green rising?
A Young Adult climate change thriller about nature, geoengineering and civil disobedience in the face of overwhelming corporate negligence. This is THE POWER meets GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE and THE MARTIAN.
Word count: 82,000 Ages 13+
Exclusive Cover Reveal: Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
I’m thrilled to welcome myself to the site today to reveal the cover of my next contemporary f/f YA romance, Home Field Advantage, which releases June 7, 2022 from Wednesday Books! It’s the story of an aspiring cheer captain, her school’s very unwelcome first female quarterback, and all the forces that stand between them, and I’m so excited to share it with you! Here’s the official copy: Amber…
Happy Pride month from me and my LGBTQ+ characters! Featuring: Clove (gay) and Ella (bi) from The Last Beginning Lowrie, Maya (bi) and Riz (trans) from The Quiet at the End of the World Harriet (pan), Kasper (bi) and Felix (gay) from The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker Hugo and Dorian (queer) from The Watchmaker and the Duke series 🏳️🌈
anyway since pride month is coming up and my local barnes and nobey has once again decided to only put young adult books in their corporate mandated rainbow display, y'all want some queer reading recs that aren't YA?
alright gang here we go, one queer-ass book for every day of pride month, plus a lot of bonus recs by extension because most of these authors have written more than one book. remember to buy from bookshop dot org or directly support a local indie by ordering through them 🖤
To add to this list:
Among the Hollow by Roman Ankenbrandt: Lesbian 'resident blight on humanity' necromancer and nonbinary body-less soul embark on a journey though byzantine style empire to stop the potential return of a god soul.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir: Lesbian necromancer and her lesbian cavalier, in space, in the future, kind of turns into an And Then There Were None situation on the path to learning secrets of the past and the path to ultimate lyctorhood. (However be prepared for some major character deaths, I cried for a half hour after I finished the first book).
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman: Badass bisexual Librarian spy secret agent Irene and fellow Librarian Kai work for an interdimentional library and defend the multiverse from fae and dragons.
New Releases: June 1, 2021
Young Adult The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother, and a David Beckham in training. He’s also transgender. After transitioning at his old school leads to a year of isolation and bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at Oakley, the most liberal private school in Ohio. At Oakley, Spencer seems to have it all: more accepting…
Hello beaujester fans I made a little list of f/f book recs for no reason other than i love beaujes and i love sapphic books
(the last two are bonus vexleth + some of my general fave f/f books by authors of colour)
more info and transcript below the cut;
