Welcome to my new feature where I want to share lists of diverse (adult) science fiction books and stories about different topics / based on different factors.
This is only the first of many ideas that I have for such lists, so be prepared to see a lot more of these.
Only just having read a Pale Light in the Black and still being head over heels in love with Gideon the Ninth, it was a no-brainer as to what list I wanted start this feature with. And of all the queer characters in the scifi books I’ve read, lesbians definitely seemed to be the most represented.
A Pale Light in the Black by K.B. Wagers
Not out yet but I already have to hype this one up, because it gotta be one of my absolute favorite lesbian rep: the MC, Rosa, is happily married and has children. It’s so refreshing to see 1) an older lesbian, and 2) an already well established relationship.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
What I love about the lesbian rep in Gideon the Ninth is how it’s so damn obvious without every making use of the word. You can tell just by the way Gideon thinks about and observes all the other characters. Also: Gideon is a badass (and sassy little shit) and I love her.
A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe by Alex White
This series has one of my favorite f/f couples, especially because they’re kind of enemies-to-lovers and it’s just super fun to watch/read. I was shipping them pretty much the moment they first set eyes on each others.
Phantom Song (Toccata System #2) by Kate Sheeran Swed
These ladies are some badass babes and that they are exes made this so refreshing! Most books featuring romance start at the beginning of a relationship but this book tackles the romance from a completely different direction.
The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley
The book also known as “Lesbians in Space” which really is the most fitting one. Men aren’t allowed here. No, really. No men in the book. NONE.
Barbary Station by R.E. Stearns
Lesbians on a space ship of pirates, and a rogue AI pretty much killing them all. If THAT doesn’t make you want to read the book, I can’t help you. (also: said lesbians are a couple)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Maybe I’m cheating with this one because one of the two in the f/f relationship is an alien but 1) said alien identifies as “she” and 2) they are just too adorable to dismiss them and 3) it gets even better because: polyamorous relationship.
Space Unicorn Blues by T.J. Berry
This is another case of a lesbian human/alien relationship that again is too hard to leave out. Especially as the human lesbian is also Māori and in a wheelchair. Yep, you read that right. A wheelchair. In space. Disabled people can have adventures in space just as well (and boy does she kick ass)
Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone
The main character in this book is basically a lesbian Tony Stark, not kidding. There is a f/f relationship developing in the book and I liked it a lot because it features some excellent character growth.
Ancestral Night by elizabeth Bear
This book is quite different to the others in that its main character suffers from PTSD caused by a previous relationship. It’s also set in a future where people suppress all kinds of feelings, including the main character and her sexual and romantic attractions. (that might be put to a test though)
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Ninefox Gambit depicts a society where sexuality isn’t actually remarked upon which in itself makes this already a great read. Attaching our own labels though, the main character would be considered a lesbian.
With scifi, especially space operas being queer AF lately, as well as the many backlist books still on my TBR, I wouldn’t be surprised if a part 2 of this specific list isn’t too far into the future. I already have a few books in mind.
