I still see many people on social media thinking there aren’t a lot of diverse books in adult SFF, that there aren’t many/no books by women, and especially by minority voices in SF. That’s not true though. They just don’t fall into your lap, they aren’t as talked about as YA books are. (I’m not saying we couldn’t use more, that the genre doesn’t still need to see a lot of changes but the books that are already out there often get dismissed and fall under the table because it needs a bit more work to find them).
I’m already featuring the many diverse books I’ve read on my Instagram account and try to remember to talk about them on Twitter but I thought it would be a good idea to start a new feature on the blog so people can find them more easily. From now on, I want to post a list each month of all the diverse books I read (including the ones I didn’t like, as they might still appeal to others).
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
This one was actually a reread but I love it so much, I already read it for the third time since May and can’t not mention it. Gideon is the most obvious lesbian without ever making use of the word or featuring any romance which I LOVED. She’s also a sassy, little shit and I adore her.
The Survival of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson
The second book in the Molly Southbourne novella series features a bisexual MC, making this even better (and just as fucked up) as the first one. If you like murderous anti-heroes, I highly recommend this series.
Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone
This was another reread and another new favorite from earlier this year. Empress of Forever features a lesbian as well, who is also a WOC. This one actually does feature an f/f relationship.
The Stars Now Unclaimed by Drew Williams
This is a debut as well as the start of a new series and one of the most action-packed space operas I’ve read. While it didn’t quite manage to get the 5 stars from me, I still loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. (the main character is a WOC)
Emergency Skin by N.K. Jemisin
This is my new favorite short story by Jemisin. Not only covers it the current climate crisis and how we *could* solve it, but has an interesting way to include the topics of gender and skin color.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
This was the most gorgeous story I have read in a while and pretty much the only book I would ever say is on the same level as The Night Circus (in terms of writing and originality). The main character is a WOC in a world of white man, trying to hold her back.
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
We all know to expect diverse characters in McGuire’s books and especially her Wayward Children series, but this one is my new favorite of hers now (after Every Heart a Doorway kept that spot before) because it features more of the characters again throughout the whole story, including my favorite, and an f/f relationship.
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
Not only is this a latinx ownvoice book (with many other diverse aspects/characters to it) but also the epic start to a super fun and all around amazing space opera series. Definitely a new favorite for me. (all I’m saying is: Psychic. Cats.)
Maraia
Oct 15th, 2019I’m so excited for Come Tumbling Down! I have three others on hold and am impatiently waiting for them. Emergency Skin was amazing. I need to reread it soon. I’m looking forward to more posts like this. 🙂