Own-Voice Non-Binary Fantasy Books to Add to Your TBR
In this list every author has publicly identified as non-binary. These books are all own-voice, which means the author shares the lived experience they are writing about—in this case, a shared non-binary identity.
I have curated a list of non-binary fantasy books that I have personally read or written. I am working on a part two of this list, so let me know in the comments which own-voice non-binary fantasy books you recommend.
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She Who Became the Sun
By Shelley Parker-Chan
She Who Became the Sun is Shelley Parker-Chan's debut novel. It follows Zhu Chongba a second-born daughter who takes her brother's name and destiny. While it is uncertain in book one if Zhu identifies as non-binary or just does so out of necessity, his identity is established in the second book.
The Deep
By Rivers Solomon
The Deep is more science-fiction fantasy that is based on the song "The Deep" by Clipping. It is about a society of merpeople, the wanjinru, who are the descendants of pregnant Black people who were thrown overboard from slave ships. Gender is one theme explored through the wanjinru in the novella.
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Birk
By MJ James
Birk is the third book in the Ember Town Series by MJ James. While the character, Birk, makes their first appearance in book one, Lucas, this book is from their POV. This is a paranormal contemporary fantasy novella with magical creatures who have created a treaty in the town of Ember and are attempting to co-exist. Birk is a nymph, and nymphs are female. However, Birk knows that they are not female, and what follows is a journey about self-discovery and found family.
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Pet
by Akwaeka Emezi
Pet is a YA fantasy by Akwaeke Emezi set in a town that believes there are no more monsters. Jam, a trans girl protagonist, meets Pet, a creature that emerged from her mother's painting to hunt a monster hiding in plain sight. The book features non-binary side characters in a community that has done the work of building safer structures.
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The Unbroken
by C. L. Clark
The Unbroken is the first book in the Magic of the Lost trilogy by C.L. Clark. It follows Touraine, a soldier conscripted as a child from a colonized country and now sent back to suppress its rebellion, and Luca, the exiled princess trying to claim her throne. Political military fantasy with non-binary side characters and a queernorm world.
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Godly Heathens
by H. E. Edgmon
Godly Heathens is the first book in The Ouroboros duology by H.E. Edgmon. Gem Echols is a non-binary Seminole teen who discovers they are the reincarnation of a vengeful god. Contemporary YA fantasy with a non-binary Indigenous protagonist navigating identity, divinity, and a found family of other reincarnated gods.
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The Bruising of Qilwa
by Naseem Jamnia
The Bruising of Qilwa is a debut novella by Naseem Jamnia. Firuz, a non-binary refugee and blood magic practitioner, investigates a plague spreading through their adopted city while hiding their magical practice from authorities. Persian-inspired secondary world fantasy with a non-binary protagonist and themes of displacement and community care.
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By the Blood of Rowans is a YA fantasy mystery with a non-binary main character. When Ash moves to a desolate island, they find more than they bargained for, including Rowan, who ferries souls to the underworld.
Our Bloody Pearl
by D. N. Bryn
Our Bloody Pearls is a fantasy by D.N. Bryn featuring a society of sirens who live outside the gender binary. Perle is the first siren captured by the ruthless pirate captain Kian, who has created a device that cancels out sirens' songs. When another pirate ship seizes Kian's vessel, Perle has to decide whether to run or fight back with the new crew who might just be different.