Today, quite by accident, marks exactly 2 years and 1 month since we posted a sapphic YA fantasy list. Obviously, this means it’s time to post an achillean equivalent. So, after much head scratching (and a few faves sadly left out (for now)), here it is! And, of course, Anna’s sapphic YA fantasy list can be found here should you want to check that out at the same time.
A lot of these titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)
The Witch King
H. E. Edgmon
Goodreads
Rep: gay trans mc, Black achillean li, sapphic side characters, nonbinary lesbian side character, Native American bi side character
CWs: transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming, violence
Why Should I Read It?
The great thing about this book is the way it lets the main character not forgive his abusers. Seriously, that alone should be reason enough for you to give this one a go. But, in case you needed just one more, it’s so effortlessly gay you don’t want to be missing out.
The Relic Spell
Jimena I. Novaro
Goodreads
Rep: Argentine-Japanese American bi mc, nonbinary side character
Why Should I Read It?
Oh the angst of unrequited love! Delicious, isn’t it? And you can experience all that and more by reading The Relic Spell. I’ve described this a couple of times as something you’d like if you enjoy the Shadowhunter Chronicles in any way shape or form. I stand by that, though I would personally say this is better.
Runebinder
Alex R. Kahler
Goodreads
Rep: gay mcs
Why Should I Read It?
Granted I don’t recall a lot about this one—it’s been a fair while since I read it—but I do remember enjoying it. And, really, what more can you ask for from a book? Well, perhaps some demons, a gay love triangle (involving one of said demons—I think?) and a fast paced, action-packed plot. Runebinder delivers all that.
Flight of the Prince
James Tynion IV & Michael Dialynas
Goodreads
Rep: achillean mcs
Why Should I Read It?
Don’t have time to dive into an entire new world as contained in the pages of a book? Still want that sweet sweet fantastical serotonin? Wynd is the graphic novel to meet your needs. And the art is beautiful too!
These Rebel Waves
Sara Raasch
Goodreads
Rep: gay mc, bi li, sapphic side characters
CWs: past child abuse, past torture
Why Should I Read It?
Do you want a duology that’ll gently (not-so-gently) ruin you? A series which you’ll come out of with several new favourite characters and no clue what to do after? Trust me when I say that These Rebel Waves NEEDS to be your next read.
The Girl at Midnight
Melissa Grey
Goodreads
Rep: gay mc, Black bi mc
Why Should I Read It?
At some point in the past, I described this one as Daughter of Smoke and Bone crossed with Six of Crows which, to the best of my recollection, is sort of accurate? Clearly this means I’m due a reread. But anyway! Really, all that should convince you to read this is the following quote: So. Here we are. A flame-throwing thief, a deposed prince, an apprentice healer, an ex-royal guard, and a career scoundrel taking on a war on two fronts. […] What could possibly go wrong? What could go wrong indeed!
The Uncrossing
Melissa Eastlake
Goodreads
Rep: bi mc, gay li
Why Should I Read It?
If you’re looking for something more along the lines of urban fantasy, then this is the book for you. It’s set in a fantastical New York, where mafia-esque families control magic. One of the main characters works for them, unravelling curses, and then, woops!, there he goes falling in love with the sheltered youngest son of the family. It feels like star-crossed lovers in the best kind of way.
Beneath the Citadel
Destiny Soria
Goodreads
Rep: bi mc, gay mc, ace mc
Why Should I Read It?
It’s hard to say much about this one without spoilers but the ending of it remains one of my favourite YA fantasy endings ever and for that reason alone, you need to be reading this. Of course, in case that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find such wonders as found families, betrayal, angst, and romance. A win for everyone, right?
The Gilded Wolves
Roshani Chokshi
Goodreads
Rep: Spanish Filipino bi mc, Black achillean mc
Why Should I Read It?
Let’s be real: we all knew this one was coming. If you haven’t, for some godforsaken reason, yet picked up The Gilded Wolves and its sequels (although I must admit here to still not having read book #3, woops sorry), then you’re missing out enormously. Lush writing, gorgeous settings, and characters who’ll tear your heart out, all wrapped up in discussions of colonialism and shaping yourself into your own or others’ narratives. Basically the perfect read.
Wonders of the Invisible World
Christopher Barzak
Goodreads
Rep: gay mcs
Why Should I Read It?
Firstly, I think Anna would have ended our partnership if I hadn’t included this one, which just goes to show how much they (rightfully) rate it and how imperative it is that you read it. Think similar vibes to The Raven Cycle, although a bit more ghostly, and you’ll have some idea of what this one is like. Only. More than that (and you’ll have to read it to see what I mean. Get what I’m doing here?).
What would you rec?
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