Epic world-building is the backbone of immersive fantasy and sci-fi stories. Vast kingdoms, intricate magic systems, and futuristic societies captivate readers, transporting them to realms beyond imagination. These settings not only provide escapism but also serve as mirrors that reflect and reimagine our own world.
In recent years, LGBTQIA+ representation in these genres has flourished, offering diverse characters whose identities are seamlessly woven into the fabric of expansive, well-crafted universes. No longer relegated to side roles or subtext, queer characters now take center stage, navigating complex political landscapes, embarking on grand adventures, and reshaping destinies.
The books highlighted in this article masterfully blend intricate world-building with deeply compelling LGBTQIA+ narratives. Whether through magical kingdoms, intergalactic empires, or dystopian futures, these stories prove that diversity and epic storytelling go hand in hand. Let’s explore some must-read titles that bring together the best of both worlds.
Why Representation Matters in Epic World-Building
Fantasy and sci-fi have long been genres of boundless imagination, allowing writers to build entirely new worlds with their own rules, societies, and histories. However, for many years, these worlds often reflected the same narrow perspectives seen in traditional storytelling, with LGBTQIA+ characters either erased, sidelined, or portrayed through harmful stereotypes. Fortunately, as storytelling evolves, so does the depth and authenticity of representation in speculative fiction.
The Role of Inclusive Storytelling in Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Inclusive storytelling ensures that everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories they love. When authors create diverse characters in richly developed worlds, they open the door for more readers to engage with and connect to the narrative. LGBTQIA+ representation in these genres is particularly impactful because it allows for exploration beyond the constraints of our reality—showing worlds where queer identities are normalized, celebrated, or even redefined in innovative ways.
How LGBTQIA+ Characters Enrich Expansive Fictional Universes
Well-developed LGBTQIA+ characters add depth and complexity to epic world-building. These characters can offer unique perspectives on power, identity, and belonging, enhancing the themes of a story. A society’s treatment of gender and sexuality can be as integral to world-building as its magic system, technology, or political structure. When done thoughtfully, this representation adds realism and nuance to a fictional world, making it feel fully lived-in and immersive.
For instance, a fantasy kingdom might have a long-standing tradition of nonbinary rulers, shaping its governance and cultural norms. A sci-fi civilization may have evolved beyond rigid gender binaries, incorporating fluid identity into their language, laws, and relationships. These details enrich world-building, making it feel organic and reflective of diverse human experiences.
Examples of How World-Building Can Reflect and Challenge Real-World Perspectives
Epic world-building isn’t just about crafting new settings—it’s also about reexamining existing ones. By integrating LGBTQIA+ themes, authors can challenge real-world biases, explore alternative social structures, and present possibilities for a more inclusive future.
- “The Tensorate Series” by Neon Yang introduces a world where gender fluidity is the norm, and individuals choose their gender identity through a ceremonial process. This challenges the rigid gender binaries often assumed in traditional storytelling.
- “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir presents a necromantic empire where queer relationships exist naturally within the society, proving that representation doesn’t have to be a plot point—it can simply be part of the world.
- “A Memory Called Empire” by Arkady Martine weaves queerness seamlessly into an intricate tale of politics, colonialism, and identity in a vast interstellar empire.
These examples demonstrate how inclusive storytelling in fantasy and sci-fi can expand the boundaries of what’s possible, creating narratives that are not only imaginative but also profoundly meaningful. By incorporating LGBTQIA+ representation into epic world-building, authors don’t just tell better stories—they build better worlds.
Must-Read Books Where LGBTQIA+ Representation Meets Epic World-Building
LGBTQIA+ representation and epic world-building go hand in hand, creating immersive stories where queerness is fully integrated into rich, expansive universes. Below are five must-read books that masterfully blend intricate settings with diverse and compelling characters.
The Tensorate Series by Neon Yang
Overview: Set in a world of political intrigue, rebellion, and elemental magic, The Tensorate Series follows the twin children of a powerful ruler as they navigate their roles in a deeply stratified society. The series explores themes of identity, oppression, and resistance.
World-Building Elements: The world of the Tensorate is shaped by its unique magic system and the fact that gender is not assigned at birth—individuals choose their gender when they come of age. This societal structure is seamlessly woven into the story, making queerness a natural and accepted part of the world.
Why It Stands Out: Neon Yang’s writing challenges traditional narratives by placing gender fluidity at the heart of the world’s social structure, making it one of the most innovative takes on identity in fantasy.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Overview: In a universe ruled by a necromantic empire, Gideon the Ninth follows Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, as she is forced to serve her lifelong rival, Harrowhark, in a deadly competition filled with secrets and betrayal.
World-Building Elements: The novel is set in a gothic, space-faring empire where each noble house wields its own form of necromancy. The book blends elements of horror, mystery, and dark humor to create a setting that feels both eerie and exhilarating.
Why It Stands Out: The central relationship between Gideon and Harrow is a queer enemies-to-lovers dynamic that is refreshingly complex. Unlike many stories where queerness is either hidden or tragic, this book presents it as a given, allowing the narrative to focus on the plot’s grand stakes.
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Overview: When Mahit Dzmare, an ambassador from a small space station, arrives at the heart of the powerful Teixcalaanli Empire, she finds herself entangled in political machinations, cultural conflicts, and an assassination mystery.
World-Building Elements: The novel’s world-building is dense and deeply thought out, with a richly developed imperial culture, an intricate linguistic system, and a unique form of memory preservation that allows individuals to inherit the consciousness of their predecessors.
Why It Stands Out: Queer relationships are effortlessly woven into the social fabric of this interstellar empire, proving that representation can be integrated into a story without being the sole focus. The novel is also a brilliant exploration of colonialism, identity, and power.
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Overview: Csorwe, a young orc priestess raised to be a sacrificial offering to a god, escapes her fate to serve a cunning sorcerer. Her journey takes her across multiple worlds, through ancient ruins, and into deadly conflicts.
World-Building Elements: The book features a multiverse filled with warring factions, forgotten gods, and magical artifacts. Each realm Csorwe visits has its own distinct culture and history, making the setting feel vast and lived-in.
Why It Stands Out: The protagonist’s sapphic romance is a central yet organic part of the story, making it one of the few epic fantasies where a queer female lead is fully developed beyond her relationship. The novel also subverts traditional hero’s journey tropes, offering a fresh perspective on fate and choice.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Overview: In an alternate history of 14th-century China, a young girl, Zhu Chongba, assumes her brother’s identity after his death and rises from a starving peasant to the leader of a rebellion.
World-Building Elements: This novel reimagines historical events with elements of mysticism and destiny, blending Chinese history with epic fantasy. The world is deeply political, focusing on war, ambition, and power struggles.
Why It’s a Must-Read: Zhu’s journey is a powerful exploration of gender, identity, and ambition. The book presents queerness in a way that feels intrinsic to the character’s development, making it one of the most compelling examples of LGBTQIA+ representation in historical fantasy.
Each of these books showcases how LGBTQIA+ representation can thrive within expansive, imaginative worlds. Whether through intricate political systems, gender-fluid societies, or compelling queer romances, these stories prove that diversity makes epic storytelling even richer.
What Makes These Books Stand Out?
The books highlighted in this list are more than just stories with LGBTQIA+ characters—they are groundbreaking works that seamlessly integrate queerness into epic, immersive settings. What sets them apart is their ability to balance expansive world-building with deep character development, ensuring that representation goes beyond tokenism and becomes a fundamental part of the narrative.
The Fusion of Intricate World-Building with Deep Character Development
One of the defining features of epic fantasy and sci-fi is the creation of vast, detailed worlds. However, world-building alone is not enough to create a compelling story—character development is equally crucial. The books on this list excel at weaving LGBTQIA+ identities into their settings in a way that enhances both the story and the world itself.
For example, A Memory Called Empire not only builds an intricate interstellar empire but also explores its protagonist’s struggle with cultural identity and belonging, all while featuring a nuanced sapphic romance. Similarly, The Unspoken Name crafts a multiverse filled with warring factions and ancient gods while developing a rich, slow-burn relationship between its queer female leads.
Representation Beyond Tokenism—Fully Realized LGBTQIA+ Characters
Many mainstream fantasy and sci-fi stories have historically included LGBTQIA+ characters as minor figures, sidekicks, or background details, often lacking depth or agency in the plot. The books on this list, however, place queer characters at the center of the narrative, giving them complexity, ambition, and emotional depth.
In She Who Became the Sun, Zhu’s queerness is deeply intertwined with her journey of ambition and identity, rather than being a superficial aspect of her character. Gideon the Ninth delivers a protagonist whose queerness is presented as an organic part of her personality—neither hidden nor overexplained, but fully integrated into the story’s unique setting and humor.
How These Books Push the Boundaries of Traditional Storytelling
The best speculative fiction challenges conventions, reimagines societal norms, and expands the possibilities of storytelling. These books push boundaries by:
- Reinventing gender norms and societal structures – In The Tensorate Series, gender is fluid, and people choose their identities as part of a cultural rite, challenging the rigid binaries often seen in traditional narratives.
- Blending genres and narrative styles – Gideon the Ninth defies classification by merging sci-fi, fantasy, gothic horror, and dark comedy, all while centering queer characters.
- Exploring queerness through alternative histories and mythologies – She Who Became the Sun takes historical fiction and imbues it with queerness, reimagining a well-known legend with a fresh perspective.
These books prove that LGBTQIA+ representation doesn’t just belong in fantasy and sci-fi—it thrives there. By pushing the limits of what speculative fiction can be, they offer stories that are not only inclusive but also transformative, redefining the genre for future generations.
Where to Start: Recommendations Based on Reader Preferences
With so many incredible books combining epic world-building and LGBTQIA+ representation, choosing where to begin can be overwhelming. To help, here are tailored recommendations based on different reader preferences.
For Fans of High Fantasy: She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
If you love sweeping fantasy inspired by real-world history, She Who Became the Sun is a perfect choice. This novel reimagines the rise of the Ming Dynasty, following Zhu Chongba, a young girl who takes on her deceased brother’s identity to claim a fate of greatness. The story is rich in political maneuvering, warfare, and destiny, with complex explorations of gender identity and queerness woven into the protagonist’s journey.
For Sci-Fi Lovers: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Readers drawn to intricate sci-fi worlds will find A Memory Called Empire captivating. Set in a vast interstellar empire, the novel follows Mahit Dzmare, an ambassador navigating political intrigue, cultural assimilation, and a high-stakes mystery. The book seamlessly integrates a sapphic romance while exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and power. Its richly developed setting makes it a must-read for fans of space operas and deep world-building.
For Those Who Enjoy Political Intrigue: The Tensorate Series by Neon Yang
If you’re fascinated by stories that blend politics, rebellion, and shifting allegiances, The Tensorate Series delivers an engrossing experience. This silkpunk fantasy series is set in a world where individuals choose their gender upon coming of age, challenging traditional societal structures. The plot revolves around political power struggles, magical innovations, and the fight against an authoritarian regime, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy layered, thought-provoking narratives.
For Readers Looking for Hopeful and Uplifting Stories: The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
For those who enjoy adventure-driven fantasy with a more hopeful tone, The Unspoken Name is a fantastic pick. It follows Csorwe, an orc priestess who escapes her destined sacrifice to forge her own path, traveling through different worlds and encountering new allies and enemies along the way. The novel features a well-developed sapphic romance and an engaging, character-driven story that balances action with moments of warmth and humor.
Whether you’re looking for high fantasy, sci-fi epics, or political drama, there’s a book on this list that will transport you to a world where LGBTQIA+ representation is seamlessly woven into incredible storytelling.
Conclusion
The intersection of LGBTQIA+ representation and epic world-building is transforming speculative fiction, proving that diverse storytelling enhances rather than limits the scope of fantasy and sci-fi. These books matter because they offer readers a chance to see themselves in grand, immersive settings—whether through a warrior defying fate, a diplomat navigating interstellar politics, or a necromancer wielding forbidden power. By centering queer identities within their narratives, these stories challenge traditional conventions, expand the genre’s possibilities, and create richer, more inclusive worlds.
Exploring diverse stories in speculative fiction not only broadens our perspectives but also reinforces the idea that every identity belongs in tales of heroism, adventure, and discovery. As more authors push boundaries and redefine representation, the landscape of fantasy and sci-fi continues to evolve into something more reflective of the real world’s complexity and beauty.
What are your favorite books that combine LGBTQIA+ representation with epic world-building? Share your recommendations in the comments and help expand the list of must-read stories!
