Introduction

As the world outside wraps itself in a blanket of frost and the evenings stretch into long, dark tapestries, there's a collective pull towards the sanctuary of home. It’s the season of cozy comforts—of plush blankets, flickering candles, and a steaming mug of hot cocoa cradled in your hands. This is the perfect atmosphere for an escape, and no genre offers a more immersive and magical portal than fantasy. Specifically, the world of queer fantasy reads has blossomed into a vibrant, imaginative, and deeply resonant space, offering stories that warm the soul even as the temperatures plummet.

The trends on #BookTok and Pinterest are clear: readers are craving cozy fantasy, epic romantasy, and stories that center LGBTQ+ characters in worlds of magic and wonder. This guide is your curated reading list for the season, a journey through 13 of the best queer fantasy books that are perfect for a winter binge.

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13. The Locked Tomb Series by Tamsyn Muir (starting with Gideon the Ninth)

The Vibe: A genre-bending, gothic space opera that’s best described as "lesbian necromancers in space, with memes." It’s dark, complex, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable.

The Story: Gideon the Ninth introduces us to the Ninth House, a lightless, gothic tomb of a planet dedicated to the Locked Tomb. Gideon Nav is a snarky, sword-wielding orphan who wants nothing more than to escape her indentured servitude. Her only way out is to serve as the cavalier primary to her childhood nemesis, the brilliant and formidable necromancer Reverend Daughter Harrowhark Nonagesimus. They are summoned to the crumbling, labyrinthine palace of the Emperor to compete in a deadly trial against representatives from the other eight houses. What begins as a political game quickly devolves into a gruesome locked-room mystery as the competitors start turning up dead.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This series is the definition of an immersive read. The world-building is so dense, the mystery so intricate, and the voice so unique that it will completely consume your attention for days on end. It is the perfect series to get lost in when you're snowed in. The dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of the gothic palace is a perfect match for a bleak winter’s day. Tamsyn Muir’s writing is a brilliant, chaotic mix of high-fantasy prose and modern, irreverent humor. But beneath the skeletons and the snark is a surprisingly tender and deeply complex relationship between Gideon and Harrow. It’s a book that demands your full attention, a puzzle box that is as rewarding as it is challenging. The series has become a massive, cult-like phenomenon, celebrated by major outlets like [NPR](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.npr.org/2019/09/10/758985116/gideon-the-ninth-is-a-wild, 'Gideon the Ninth' Is A Wild, Rocking, And Terrific Read)-is-a-wild-rocking-and-terrific-read) for its originality. For readers who love a dark, all-consuming story, it’s a perfect fit, a theme we also explore in our The 10 Best Dark Romance Books of All Time.

Ready to serve the Ninth House? Buy Gideon the Ninth on Amazon!

12. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

The Vibe: An epic, brutal, and brilliantly reimagined historical fantasy that is a queer, gender-bent retelling of the founding of the Ming dynasty.

The Story: In 14th-century China, a fortune teller predicts two fates for the Zhu family’s children: the son, Zhu Chongba, is destined for greatness, while the daughter is destined for nothingness. When bandits raid their village and leave the two children orphaned, Zhu Chongba gives up on his fate and dies. Unwilling to accept her own prophesied insignificance, the daughter steals her brother’s identity and his destiny, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. As Zhu Chongba, she enters a monastery and begins a ruthless, ambitious journey to not only stay alive but to rise to power in a world that wants to crush her.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This is a sweeping, epic saga that will transport you to another time and place. It is a story of war, politics, identity, and the ferocious will to live. It’s a perfect winter read because it’s a book you can truly sink your teeth into, a complex and immersive world that will hold you captive. The story is a brilliant exploration of gender identity, desire, and the difference between the fate we are given and the one we seize for ourselves. Parker-Chan’s prose is stunning, both beautiful and brutal. The central character’s journey is a compelling, morally grey exploration of what it takes to survive and succeed against impossible odds. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking, and unforgettable novel, lauded by critics and a finalist for the prestigious Hugo Award.

Witness the rise of an emperor. Buy She Who Became the Sun on Amazon!

11. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Vibe: A classic, high-fantasy epic in a single volume, featuring dragon riders, courtly intrigue, secret societies of mages, and a breathtaking, world-spanning sapphic romance.

The Story: The world is divided. A queendom in the West lives in fear of the return of a legendary, fire-breathing dragon known as the Nameless One, and their only protection is the bloodline of their queen. In the East, a society of dragon riders reveres the water dragons as gods. Caught between these two worlds are two women: Ead Duryan, an outsider who has infiltrated the Western court as a lady-in-waiting, but is secretly a mage tasked with protecting the queen, and Tané, a young woman who has trained her entire life to become a dragon rider. When the Nameless One begins to stir, their paths will converge in a desperate fight to unite a divided world against a common enemy.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: If you are looking for a book to completely lose yourself in for a week, this is it. At over 800 pages, The Priory of the Orange Tree is a full-course fantasy meal. It has the epic scope and intricate world-building of a series like Game of Thrones, but it is a standalone novel, which is incredibly satisfying. The world is rich with history, mythology, and political intrigue.

The central romance that develops between two of the powerful female leads is a beautiful, slow-burn love story built on mutual respect and a shared sense of duty. It is a cornerstone of the #SapphicFantasy trend on TikTok and is celebrated for its powerful, central placement in such an epic tale. This is a perfect book to curl up with by a fire, a grand, sweeping adventure that will make you forget the world outside. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, a perfect example of the kind of epic stories we celebrate in our list of The 10 Best Fantasy Romance Books of All Time.

Ride with dragons and save the world. Buy The Priory of the Orange Tree on Amazon!

10. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The Vibe: A lush, intricate, and morally complex epic fantasy inspired by the history and mythology of India, featuring a captive princess and a maidservant with a forbidden secret.

The Story: Princess Malini is a prisoner in the Hirana, an ancient, isolated temple, sent there by her tyrannical brother, the emperor, to die. Priya is a maidservant who is secretly caring for the princess, but she is also hiding a magical, secret heritage that could be her death sentence. When Malini discovers Priya’s secret, she sees an opportunity. She will use Priya’s power to help her escape the Hirana and reclaim the throne that is rightfully hers, even if it means burning the empire to the ground. What begins as a tense, fragile alliance slowly blossoms into something more, a dangerous and all-consuming love.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: Tasha Suri has crafted a world that is incredibly rich, detailed, and immersive. The magic system, based on a nature-fueled, body-horror-esque power, is unique and fascinating. This is a book for readers who love political intrigue, complex character dynamics, and stories about powerful, morally grey women fighting for their lives and their freedom.

The romance between Malini and Priya is a true slow burn, built on a foundation of shared goals and a grudging, growing respect. It’s an angsty, high-stakes love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is another beloved title within the #SapphicFantasy community, celebrated for its complex heroines and its non-Western-inspired world. The journey of its powerful heroines is a theme we celebrate in our list of Empowered Women in Cinema: 10 Films Featuring Strong Female Leads.

Witness the rise of a queen. Buy The Jasmine Throne on Amazon!

9. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

The Vibe: A cozy, witty, and incredibly charming historical fantasy that feels like a queer version of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, with a dash of classic murder mystery and a whole lot of heart.

The Story: Robin Blyth has just been given a minor post in the government, but he quickly discovers that his real job is to serve as the liaison to a secret, magical society. He has no magical ability and no idea what he’s doing. On his first day, he is cursed. His only hope is to team up with his magical counterpart, the prickly, anti-social, and devastatingly handsome Edwin Courcey. Robin and Edwin must navigate the treacherous, glittering world of magical high society in Edwardian England to unravel a deadly conspiracy and find a cure for Robin’s curse.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is the perfect blend of cozy and magical. The world of magical England is wonderfully realised, with a unique and fascinating magic system based on "cradling." The murder mystery plot is compelling and well-paced, but the true star of the show is the developing romance between the cheerful, "golden retriever" Robin and the grumpy, academic Edwin. It’s a classic #GrumpySunshine pairing that is executed to perfection. For more on this beloved trope, you can explore our list of Our Top 10 Favorite Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books Of All Time.

The book is filled with witty banter, charming characters, and a beautiful, slow-burn M/M romance that is both tender and steamy. It’s a perfect read for a cold winter’s evening, a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and wish you could perform a little magic yourself. The book's critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Locus Award, is a testament to its quality.

Uncover a magical conspiracy. Buy A Marvellous Light on Amazon!

8. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

The Vibe: The ultimate "found family" story. A gentle, heartwarming, and profoundly kind book that feels like a warm hug in literary form.

The Story: Linus Baker lives a quiet, solitary, and gray life. He is a by-the-book case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His job is to inspect the orphanages where magical children are housed. He is given a highly classified and unusual assignment: to travel to a remote island orphanage to investigate six "dangerous" magical children and their enigmatic and charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. The children include a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, and the literal Antichrist. As the rigid and fearful Linus spends time on the island, his black-and-white view of the world begins to dissolve, replaced by the vibrant colours of love, acceptance, and family.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is the definition of a cozy, feel-good read. It is a story that is overflowing with warmth, humour, and a deep, abiding kindness. It is a powerful allegory for prejudice and the importance of choosing love over fear. The found family that is built on the island is one of the most beautiful and heartwarming in modern fantasy. The gentle, slow-burn romance that develops between Linus and Arthur is incredibly sweet and touching.

This is the book you read when your soul needs a bit of healing. It’s a reminder that home is not a place, but the people you love, and that family is something you build. It’s a perfect, hopeful read for the new year, a story that will restore your faith in the goodness of people. This beautiful story of finding your people is a theme we also explore in our Book Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – A Transcendent Romantic Comedy.

Find your family on a magical island. Buy The House in the Cerulean Sea on Amazon!

7. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

The Vibe: A vibrant, heartwarming, and groundbreaking YA contemporary fantasy that blends Brujeria, ghosts, a sweet trans romance, and a compelling mystery.

The Story: Yadriel is a trans boy who is determined to prove his gender and his abilities as a brujo to his traditional Latinx family. He decides to perform the community's sacred ritual on his own, hoping to summon the ghost of his murdered cousin. But he accidentally summons the ghost of Julian Diaz, the resident bad boy from his high school, who is not about to go quietly into the afterlife. Julian is determined to find out what happened to him and to tie up a few loose ends, and he needs Yadriel’s help. The more time they spend together, the less Yadriel wants Julian to leave.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is an absolute gem. It is a beautiful, joyful, and incredibly important story of identity, acceptance, and first love. The setting, during the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos, is rich with culture and magic. Aiden Thomas’s writing is full of heart and humour, and the characters are incredibly endearing. The central mystery of Julian’s death is compelling, but the real magic of the book is the developing relationship between Yadriel and Julian.

It is a sweet, funny, and deeply moving M/M romance that has been celebrated for its wonderful trans representation. The book, a massive #BookTok sensation, has been lauded by major outlets like The New York Times. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love to transcend even the boundary between life and death. The novel's focus on a character finding his true self is a journey we also celebrate in our article How To Be a Better Man For Yourself and Your Partner.

Fall in love with a ghost. Buy Cemetery Boys on Amazon!

6. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

The Vibe: A powerful, sprawling, and fiercely feminist historical fantasy about three estranged sisters who ignite a suffrage movement with witchcraft.

The Story: In 1893, there are no more witches. There is only the memory of them, in nursery rhymes, in old wives' tales, and in the quiet, forgotten "women's work" of the home. The three Eastwood sisters—the responsible Beatrice, the rebellious Agnes, and the wild James Juniper—are estranged, each running from their own dark past. But when they are drawn back together in the city of New Salem, they join the fledgling women's suffrage movement. They soon discover that the old nursery rhymes are not just stories, but the fragmented remnants of powerful spells. They begin a dangerous quest to reclaim the lost power of witchcraft and use it to fight for a world where women have a voice.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This is a rich, immersive, and incredibly satisfying read. The historical setting is beautifully rendered, and the magic system, rooted in folklore and everyday objects, is brilliantly inventive. The book is a powerful love letter to sisterhood, to storytelling, and to the quiet, often-overlooked power of women.

The true heart of the novel is the complex, messy, and ultimately unbreakable bond between the three sisters. Their journey of healing their own fractured relationship is just as important as their fight for a better world. It’s an inspiring, empowering, and beautifully written novel that is perfect for a cozy winter read. It’s a story about the power of a found family and the strength of sisterhood, a theme that would resonate with fans of our list of 10 Feel-Good Movies with Family-First Messages.

Join the fight and reclaim your power. Buy The Once and Future Witches on Amazon!

5. In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

The Vibe: A hilarious, snarky, and surprisingly profound YA portal fantasy that lovingly skewers the tropes of the genre.

The Story: Elliot is a cynical, sharp-tongued, and bisexual 13-year-old who spends his days getting into trouble at his terrible English boarding school. One day, he sees a wall that isn't really there and finds himself invited to study in the Borderlands, a magical world filled with elves, dwarves, and harpies. While all the other students are learning to fight, Elliot, a self-proclaimed pacifist, decides to study diplomacy. The story follows his hilarious and often chaotic journey through his teenage years in this magical world, navigating friendships, first loves with both a handsome, earnest elf and a fierce warrior girl, and trying to prevent a war with his radical ideas of... talking to people.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is an absolute joy. It is laugh-out-loud funny, with a protagonist whose snarky narration is one of the best in YA fiction. It’s a brilliant deconstruction of classic fantasy tropes, but it’s also a deeply heartfelt story about friendship, identity, and finding your own way to be a hero.

The story unfolds over several years, allowing the reader to watch these characters grow and change in a way that feels incredibly real and earned. The exploration of Elliot’s bisexuality is handled with a wonderful, matter-of-fact honesty. It’s a warm, funny, and incredibly smart book that is a perfect, uplifting read for a dreary winter day. The book's humour is a key part of its charm, a quality we celebrate in our list of The 10 Best Smart & Funny Romance Books of All Time.

Go on a hilarious adventure. Buy In Other Lands on Amazon!

4. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

The Vibe: A stunning, lyrical, and mind-bending sci-fi/fantasy novella about two rival time-traveling agents who fall in love through a series of secret letters.

The Story: Red and Blue are elite agents on opposite sides of a sprawling, reality-altering Time War. They are the best at what they do, weaving through the threads of history to ensure their own faction's future reigns supreme. One day, on a bloody battlefield, Red finds a letter. It says, "Burn before reading." It’s from Blue. What begins as a taunt between enemies slowly evolves into a dangerous and secret correspondence, a series of increasingly intimate and beautiful letters hidden across time and space. They fall in love, a love that could get them both killed and unravel the very fabric of the universe.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is a piece of art. The prose is breathtakingly beautiful, a work of poetry as much as it is a work of fiction. At just over 200 pages, it's a short read, but it is incredibly dense with ideas and emotion. It’s the perfect book to read in a single, immersive sitting on a quiet winter afternoon.

The love story between Red and Blue is one of the most unique and beautiful in modern fiction. It is a testament to the power of words to bridge any divide. It’s a book that will make you think, make your heart ache, and leave you in awe of its sheer, brilliant creativity. The book's massive acclaim, including winning both the Nebula and Hugo Awards, is a testament to its genius.

Lose yourself in this beautiful, impossible love story. Buy This Is How You Lose the Time War on Amazon!

3. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

The Vibe: A gentle, philosophical, and deeply comforting "solarpunk" novella that feels like a warm cup of tea for the soul.

The Story: In a future world where humanity has found a more sustainable way of life, Sibling Dex is a tea monk. They travel from village to village in their cozy wagon, listening to people’s problems and brewing them the perfect, custom blend of tea. But Dex is feeling unfulfilled. They impulsively decide to leave the city behind and venture into the wilderness, seeking the sound of crickets. There, they have a historic encounter with Mosscap, a robot. Centuries ago, the robots of this world spontaneously gained consciousness and collectively decided to leave civilization behind, disappearing into the wilderness. No robot has been seen since. Mosscap has a question for humanity: "What do you need?"

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is the literary equivalent of a weighted blanket. It is a story where very little "happens" in terms of plot, but everything happens in terms of feeling and philosophy. It is a quiet, gentle, and profoundly hopeful exploration of what it means to find your purpose and what it means to be alive. The relationship that develops between the anxious, searching Dex (who is non-binary) and the curious, gentle Mosscap is beautiful and heartwarming.

This is the flagship book of the #Solarpunk movement, a subgenre of speculative fiction that imagines a more optimistic, sustainable, and community-focused future. It is a perfect, soothing read for the quiet, introspective mood of January. It’s a book that will leave you feeling calmer, more hopeful, and a little more at peace with the world.

Find your purpose with a friendly robot. Buy A Psalm for the Wild-Built on Amazon!

2. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

The Vibe: The ultimate #CozyFantasy. A high-fantasy story with low stakes, featuring an orc who hangs up her sword to open a coffee shop.

The Story: Viv is an orc barbarian who is tired of the violent, nomadic life of an adventurer. After one final quest, she decides to cash in her loot and pursue her improbable dream: opening the very first coffee shop in the city of Thune. She hangs up her legendary sword, renovates a dusty old livery, and, with the help of a cynical but brilliant hob chef and a shy, artistic succubus, she sets out to introduce the city to the strange, wonderful new drink called "coffee." The story is a gentle, slice-of-life tale about found family, new beginnings, and the simple joy of a perfect latte.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is a phenomenon, a self-published success story that took #BookTok by storm and essentially defined the cozy fantasy genre. It is a book that deliberately eschews epic battles and world-ending stakes in favour of small, personal triumphs—finding the right baker to supply pastries, winning over a skeptical neighbour, perfecting the foam on a latte.

The gentle, slow-burn sapphic romance that develops is incredibly sweet and heartwarming. This is the perfect book for a cold day when you are craving pure, unadulterated comfort. It’s a story that will make you feel warm, fuzzy, and incredibly hungry for a cinnamon roll. It’s a beautiful reminder that a change of pace is a valid and heroic journey in itself, a theme we explore in our guide on 11 Tiny Daily Changes That Transform Your Year.

Hang up your sword and open a coffee shop. Buy Legends & Lattes on Amazon!

1. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

The Vibe: A found family story overflowing with charm, wit, and British coziness. It's a magical romance that feels like The House in the Cerulean Sea meets The Holiday.

The Story: Mika Moon is one of the few witches in Britain, and she knows the rules: hide your magic, keep your head down, and never, ever gather with other witches. She lives a quiet, lonely life, her only outlet a secret online account where she posts videos "pretending" to be a witch. One day, she receives an unexpected message with a job offer: to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young, orphaned witches how to control their powers. There, she finds a chaotic, loving, and deeply unconventional household, including a handsome, grumpy librarian who is determined to protect the children at all costs.

Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This book is a pure, concentrated dose of joy. It is charming, funny, and so incredibly heartwarming. The found family that Mika discovers at Nowhere House is beautifully rendered and will have you wanting to be adopted into their quirky clan. The romance between Mika and the grumpy-but-soft-hearted Jamie is a delightful slow burn, a perfect execution of the grumpy/sunshine trope that will make you swoon.

The cozy, coastal English setting is the perfect backdrop for this magical story. It’s a book about finding where you belong, about embracing your own power, and about the transformative magic of a loving family. It is the ultimate feel-good fantasy romance, a perfect, uplifting read to curl up with on a cold winter’s night. The book’s massive popularity on #BookTok is a testament to its universal appeal.

Find your magic and your family. Buy The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches on Amazon!

Conclusion

In the quiet, contemplative heart of winter, a great book is more than just entertainment; it is a companion. The thirteen books on this list are portals to other worlds, each one a unique and beautiful journey into the realms of magic, mystery, and love. They are a testament to the incredible breadth and depth of the queer fantasy genre, offering stories that are as diverse, complex, and beautiful as the community they represent.

These are stories of finding your power, of building a family, of fighting for a better world, and of discovering love in the most unexpected of places. They are the perfect fuel for your imagination and a powerful warmth for your soul. So, as you settle in for the cozy season ahead, we hope you’ll grab a mug of hot cocoa and let one of these incredible tales transport you.

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FAQ Section

Q1: What is “queer fantasy” and how is it different from other fantasy? A1: Queer fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy fiction where the main plot or a significant subplot features characters and relationships that are part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The key difference is the centering of queer experiences, identities, and love stories within a fantastical world. This goes beyond token side characters to place queer individuals at the heart of the narrative.

Q2: I’m new to fantasy. Which book on this list is the best one to start with? A2: For a gentle and incredibly charming introduction to the genre, Legends & Lattes or The House in the Cerulean Sea are perfect choices. They are both low-stakes, character-driven stories with a focus on warmth and found family. If you enjoy YA, Cemetery Boys is another fantastic and very accessible starting point with a contemporary feel.

Q3: What does the term "sapphic" mean in the context of these books? A3: "Sapphic" is an umbrella term used to describe romance between women. It includes lesbians, but also bisexual, pansexual, and other queer women who are in relationships with other women. Books on this list like The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Jasmine Throne are celebrated examples of sapphic fantasy.

Q4: What is “cozy fantasy” and why is it so popular right now? A4: Cozy fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that focuses on low-stakes conflicts, character relationships, and a comforting, heartwarming atmosphere. It’s the opposite of grimdark or epic fantasy about war. Its popularity, largely driven by #BookTok, is a response to a collective desire for comfort reads and stories that are hopeful and kind. Legends & Lattes is the quintessential example.

Q5: Are all the books on this list "spicy" or explicit? A5: The spice level varies greatly. Books like A Marvellous Light have explicit, open-door scenes. Others, like The Priory of the Orange Tree, have romantic and intimate scenes that are more "fade to black" or closed-door. YA titles like Cemetery Boys are sweet and focus more on the emotional connection. It's always a good idea to check reader reviews for specific content warnings.

Q6: What does SFF stand for? A6: SFF is a common acronym in the publishing and reading communities that stands for "Science Fiction and Fantasy." It's used to group these two major genres of speculative fiction together.

Q7: Are any of these books standalones? I don’t want to commit to a long series. A7: Yes! Many of these are standalones, which is perfect for a satisfying single-book read. The Priory of the Orange Tree, The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Once and Future Witches, and Legends & Lattes are all excellent standalone novels.

Q8: Where can I find more queer fantasy recommendations? A8: The #QueerFantasy and #SapphicFantasy tags on TikTok and Instagram are fantastic resources. The r/Fantasy subreddit often has recommendation threads specifically for LGBTQ+ books. Websites like Tor.com and dedicated LGBTQ+ book blogs are also excellent places to find new and upcoming titles.

Q9: What does “found family” mean? A9: The "found family" is a popular and beloved trope where a group of unrelated people come together to form their own family unit based on love, loyalty, and shared experience, rather than blood ties. This is a central theme in books like The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Q10: Are these books only for queer readers? A10: Absolutely not! These are universal stories of love, adventure, and finding your place in the world. They are for anyone who loves a great fantasy novel. The centering of queer characters simply provides a different, much-needed perspective and allows a wider range of readers to see themselves reflected in the magic.

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