You all know my absolute favorite thing to do is pushing queer SFFH books (for adults) on other people, and that does not just mean the shiny and new that just came out, but also backlist titles! To get this whole blogging thing going again and highlight as many queer books as possible, I’ll hopefully keep this new regular roundup started, where I talk about all the queer science fiction, fantasy and horror books I’ve read the past month, starting this January (2025).
Not having read much at all in recent years but now having activated my hyper focus on audiobooks (a new hobby like knitting can easily do that) I’m playing catch-up and reading both new releases and all the queer SFFH stories that I hadn’t had a chance to get to previously.
Note: when I say “queer stories”, I mean just stories that have at least one queer main character. They aren’t necessarily about being queer (though sometimes they are).
Queer SFFH for adults read in January
These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart by Izzy Wasserstein
- scifi
- crime
- trans fem mc
I can’t say much without spoiling anything but the way Wasserstein took a common scifi trope and not only turned it on its head but how she made it a very unique trans take was A+. Also loved the overall setting and the (broken) found family aspect.
The Undetectables (The Undetectables #1) by Courtney Smyth
- fantasy
- crime
- sapphic mc
- disabled mc
Very “be gay, solve crimes” with a very interesting murder case. My favorite part of the whole book was the disability rep though. It’s always great seeing disabled characters getting to have adventures too but I especially liked the exploration of how a (newly diagnosed illness) can change friendship dynamics.
Navigational Entanglements (The Universe of Xuya) by Aliette de Bodard
- scifi
- autistic mc
- sapphic mc
- ff
- Asian mc
I’ll never get tired of Aliette de Bodard’s Xuya stories and this one might be a new favorite of those. I mean, it comes with space jellyfish and martial arts clans!? I also really enjoyed the autistic rep.
Club Contago by Eliane Boey
- scifi
- (gender)queer mc
- asian mc
New favorite alert! Loved this one a lot. It’s very slow but the story at its heart, of a mum struggling with getting by, just wanting to take care of her kid, dealing with depression,… and what all that leads to, what it makes her do, makes for such a good book. I also loved how the plot twist wasn’t a big TADA!! and out of nowhere but you can see it creeping up thanks to little hints everywhere but the MC doesn’t which makes it all the more interesting to follow along.
In the Shadow of the Ship (The Universe of Xuya) by Aliette de Bodard
- scifi
- sapphic mc
As one can see, I’m playing catch-up with Aliette’s Xuya stories and I’m glad I have some more to read. They just never disappoint. Once again dealing with some interesting well done themes, especially self-discovery.
In the Pit of Your Stomach by Arden Powell
- horror
- nb
Can’t even remember the last time I’ve read any type of Choose Your Own Adventure story, so this was extremely fun. Went through it multiple times to see what different outcomes I could get (very motivated as my first ending was possibly the worst one, as in most sad/horrible)
It Came From the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror
- nonfic
- horror
- queer
I crew up on horror and still love it to this day, but only figured out a lot about myself re being (gender)queer way later in age, so it was really interesting to see authors reflect on these horror stories, many of which I consumed in my teens, from a queer standpoint.
The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap
- crime
- historical fic
- gay mc
Be gay, do crime by unintentionally becoming the accomplice of a body snatcher. This one got the perfect blend of historical crime (heavily inspired by true events), and cute romance between adorable characters. It’s deliciously disturbing and fun. What a great debut. Can’t wait to read more by the author.
Other Minds by Eliane Boey
- scifi. cyberpunk
- queer mc
Had to snatch this one immediately after finishing Club Contago, as it’s two stories set in the same universe. Again, enjoyed both a whole lot, especially how it tackles the topics of living under capitalism and mental illness in this near-future society. Bonus points for featuring older queers!
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
- fantasy
- sapphic mc
- ff
Does anyone ever NOT want to just leave all responsibilities behind and open up their cozy little shop of their dreams!? What a cute, cozy fantasy. This was giving me what a certain other well celebrated cozy fantasy book was lacking for me *ahem*
The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
- scifi
- trans masc mc
As someone only figuring out a lot of stuff about themself/their gender at an adult age, the concept of having a portal to be able to visit your teenage self and go “everything will be okay, you’ll figure it out” is extremely up my alley and it did not disappoint.
Queer SFFH: YA + MG
Usually I only highlight adult science fiction and fantasy book in my queer recommendation lists, but I do still branch out in my reading from time to time and why not highlight those reads here as well!?
Dead Girls Don’t Dream by Nino Cipri
- YA
- horror
- Lesbian mc
Loved that I started my year off with a new Nino Cipri book. I’m a HUGE fan of their novellas and was very excited to read a full length novel too. And it did not disappoint. Loved the different themes and I’m always here for a good tragedy-kids story, especially when it comes to dealing with fucked up parents.
Why on Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology
- ya
- scifi
- trans mc
- nb mc
- queer mc
This anthology was a big hit for me! I loved that it’s not just stories all around the same topic, but that they make one cohesive story. There wasn’t a single story in there that I did not enjoy a whole lot (which tends to happen with anthologies, usually, which is normal)
Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans
- mg
- fantasy
- demiboy mc
Uh oh, what if the wishes you make have Bad consequences!? The book is a great mix of monstrous aspects while also dealing a lot with anger about the world and your place in it, and staying true to yourself. I like that the MC is quite flawed but finds space to learn.
The Last Bookstore on Earth Lily Braun-Arnold
- YA
- scifi
- dystopia
- sapphic mc
- ff
Who can say no to a (post)apocalypse that is set in a bookstore!? I like that this was less about the horrors of such a scenario (did enjoy the few scenes that were really all about that though) but more about relationships and the MC’s life before.
I really had an amazing month shock-full of great queer SFFH books (and also some non-SFF titles, maybe I should start talking about those too…). I’m really happy that after years I found my way back to also read in print again more regularly because I have so many titles still to read that are simply not available on audio, especially indie books. These new monthly wrap-up won’t be getting shorter anytime soon, I hope.
steph
Feb 2nd, 2025Yayyy, here’s to more reading and wrap-ups!
I’ve never read a Choose Your Own Adventure type thing, so I’m really curious about what I’d think of it as a format, haha. I don’t think I ever really heard of them while growing up, so either I was living under a rock (quite possible) or it’s not that common here, haha.
I’m quite intrigued by the sound of Chain-Gang All-Stars – I read the author’s short story collection and, although it wasn’t a fave (I have yet to find a collection I call a fave!) I still remember the titular ‘Black Friday’. I’m also keen to try the Claudie Arseneault books! The other one that really jumps out to me here is The Ressurectionist, because… historical crime and cute romance 🤭