Recs if you like Thoughts Be Bloody...

We should all be reading queer, all year, but this list is full of upcoming queer books of all makes and models coming out in 2026. If you have a rec to add, just please keep in mind we’re looking for 2026 releases!

dark academia books with queer and trans MCs

Book titles that represent reasons you might go to the doctor, what you might say to each other, or what treatments might be offered to cure your ailments. It's up to you to decide what is what😉

(This is not a commentary on these books or authors! The focus of this list is purely on the titles---but if you find a favorite new read here, I'd love to know🤭)

books featuring or set in magic schools / universities / academies, aka, one of the best subgenres in existence !

this list has books for all ages (am actively looking for more adult options), most of the books are dark academia, and ALL of them are fantastical 🪄 recs welcome <3

(alternatively, books to fall in love with & share with others to help avoid supporting or promoting JKR. i will never shut up ab how the Nevermoor series deserves the popularity that Harry Potter enjoys !)

The bard's stories, but different.

Horror books to read just for the aesthetic

Creepy books made better because there are queer characters

A list of horror books with stunning cover art because sometimes we do judge a book by its cover. Obviously this list is subjective but it’s diverse and inclusive.

Ongoing list so please feel free to suggest!

Because we love to see ourselves in the media we love, here is a list of great fantasy romances with trans male or transmasc leaning nonbinary MCs. Mix of adult and YA, so check labels and content warnings!

These books return to Shakespeare’s stories and let them bloom anew, tracing familiar plots through fresh voices and altered fates. Here, old quarrels find new ground, lovers cross re‑drawn paths, and kingdoms rise again in different light.

A tribute to a type of cover, originally deemed Girls with Fucked Up Faces, that never fails to grab my attention. Not all of these are books I’ve enjoyed or endorse or even read, it’s just all about the covers.

Do you love stories that take place or revolve around magic academies/classes that aren't written by a TERF and aphobic author? Well, do I have the book list for you!

A curated list of 2026 debuts, all with LGBTQIA+ representation

Books that retell or reference Shakespeare’s works.

Suggestions welcome

Be the trend setter of your book club or bookish friend group by getting to know the authors of next year’s publication cycle. These books are all by new talent in the publishing world from both the Big 5 and small, traditional publishers.

Be sure to also check out these authors on social media for ARC opportunities, and show these authors some love by requesting a purchase with your local library, or pre-ordering a copy yourself!

Every year we get more and more queer books in more and more diverse genres and I for one would like to roll around in all of them from sheer joy 🙂‍↕️ since I can’t do that here is a list to metaphorically roll around in instead.

Disclaimer: all books had 2026 releases at the time of adding. The publishing industry does change things around though.

a collection of books im interested in which are releasing this year (2026). no particular order

To love me is to suffer me..Queer books like the movie Leviticus with horror, love and yearning.

Classic lit and fairytales all retold or remixed in a different way featuring queer characters.