Fernanda Monteiro

I’m Fernanda, the author of Revista Ética, and I created this space to share my book reviews, with a special focus on works that explore themes like identity, love, and representation. I believe that literature has the power to transform and connect, and here on the blog, I aim to provide in-depth analyses of books that authentically and engagingly explore the human experience.

The Journey of Queer Representation in Fantasy Over the Decades

The Journey of Queer Representation in Fantasy Over the Decades

Fantasy has always been a genre of boundless imagination, transporting readers to worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. Throughout its history, fantasy has explored themes of heroism, destiny, and the battle between good and evil. However, for much of its existence, it largely centered on heteronormative narratives, leaving queer identities in the …

Exploring Queer Themes in Retellings of Classic Fairy Tales

Exploring Queer Themes in Retellings of Classic Fairy Tales

Classic fairy tales have long been a cornerstone of storytelling, passing down moral lessons, cultural values, and timeless archetypes. From Cinderella’s transformation to Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted sleep, these stories often reinforce traditional roles, including heteronormative romance and rigid gender expectations. While they have captivated audiences for centuries, they have also excluded diverse identities, particularly queer …

How to Start Reading LGBTQIA+ Fantasy: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Start Reading LGBTQIA+ Fantasy: A Beginner’s Guide

Fantasy literature has long been a realm of boundless imagination, where worlds are built from scratch, magical creatures roam free, and the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. However, for many years, the genre lacked diverse representation, particularly in terms of gender and sexuality. Characters who reflected the wide spectrum of human experiences were often marginalized …

Behind the Pen: Interviews with LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Authors

Behind the Pen: Interviews with LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Authors

The fantasy genre has long captivated readers with its boundless imagination, and in recent years, a growing number of LGBTQIA+ authors have been shaping the landscape of this beloved genre. Their voices bring fresh perspectives, diverse narratives, and deeper emotional connections that resonate with readers worldwide. Representation matters, especially in a genre that thrives on …

The Most Heartwarming Found Family Stories in Queer Fantasy

The Most Heartwarming Found Family Stories in Queer Fantasy

In fantasy stories, the concept of “found family” — where characters form deep, meaningful bonds beyond biological ties — resonates powerfully with readers. For the queer community, these stories often mirror real-life experiences of creating supportive families of choice. Found family narratives highlight themes of acceptance, trust, and unconditional love, making them especially impactful in …

Queer Fantasy with a Historical Twist: Top Recommendations

Queer Fantasy with a Historical Twist: Top Recommendations

Fantasy literature has always been a space for exploring the unknown and challenging the rules of reality. When combined with a historical twist, these stories take us back in time to reimagine the past through a fantastical lens. Now, imagine blending this historical imagination with queer representation—where characters of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities …

Exploring Queer Identities Through Fantasy Narratives

Exploring Queer Identities Through Fantasy Narratives

Fantasy literature has long served as a gateway to worlds beyond reality, offering authors and readers the freedom to explore themes that challenge societal norms. Among these themes, identity—particularly queer identity—finds a powerful space to flourish. Fantasy narratives create settings where gender, sexuality, and self-expression are not confined by real-world limitations, allowing for fluid and …

Breaking Taboos: LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Books Challenging Traditional Tropes

Breaking Taboos: LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Books Challenging Traditional Tropes

Fantasy has long been a genre of limitless possibilities—offering readers mythical creatures, epic battles, and magical realms beyond imagination. However, for much of its history, fantasy fiction has followed traditional storytelling patterns, often reinforcing heteronormative relationships, gender binaries, and rigid hero archetypes. The genre has frequently sidelined or misrepresented LGBTQIA+ characters, leaving queer readers longing …

The Best LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Novels Set in Urban Landscapes

The Best LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Novels Set in Urban Landscapes

Fantasy literature has always been a genre that invites readers into worlds of imagination, magic, and adventure. Over the years, one subgenre that has gained significant attention and popularity is LGBTQIA+ fantasy, a genre that centers on stories featuring diverse, LGBTQIA+ characters navigating fantastical realms. The growing presence of LGBTQIA+ themes in fantasy is a …

How Self-Published LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Authors Are Redefining the Genre

How Self-Published LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Authors Are Redefining the Genre

Fantasy has long been a genre of limitless imagination, transporting readers to worlds of magic, adventure, and heroism. From the epic quests of The Lord of the Rings to the complex political intrigue of A Song of Ice and Fire, fantasy has evolved over centuries, incorporating new themes, perspectives, and storytelling techniques. However, for much …