Recs if you like Sword Stone Table: Old Legends, New Voices...

were you a fan of BBC’s Merlin? did you like the King Arthur subplot of Once Upon a Time? have you ever dreamt about pulling a sword from a stone? this list of Arthurian inspired books is for you!

disclaimer: I have not read all of these books

as always, taking any and all suggestions!!

in progress - taking suggestions

Basically, a huge list of every book I ever heard features sapphic / lesbian characters.

I have not read all of these, so I cannot be sure of the amount of the time on page of the sapphic characters or of the quality of the books.

Some of these I do not plan to read at all, since they are not my style. If you feel like a book doesn't belong here, let me know.

For my favs / read, check out my other lists & shelves.

Don't shoot the messenger.

Short story, essays, comics, and/or poetry collections focusing on queer and trans folks. Please note: there are some collections listed where not every story is queer, but there is intersectionality, and since that is important, I have included them.

Queer short stories & short story collections/anthologies by indie authors. Across genres, many lean horror and/or erotic 🔞

Recommendations welcome!

✦ I have not read all of these books - if you notice anything that seems to be mis-labeled/mis-placed on this list, please let me know! ✦

Greek, Roman, Arthurian, Norse, Celtic, Hindu, Japanese, and more!

Fantasy or speculative fiction set in the time of King Arthur / with Arthurian characters or influence.

Anthologies of fiction or comics that are either specifically themed around or prominently feature queer characters, stories, or authors

Ever wanted to get into Arthurian Legend? Want more knightly affairs? Seen Merlin BBC and still not over it? ME TOO! Unfortunately Arthurian myth by nature is hard to compile and thus can be difficult to get into, but fear not; I have done the hard part for you! (Contains tales directly from legend as well as books inspired by it! If you have suggestions lmk and I'll add them)

Arthurian history, mythology, legends, fantasy, and retellings from history and modernity, as well as books and stories directly inspired by Arthurian myth. Series include just the first book as this list started to get very long

Queer retellings of Arthurian stories

For the Fae and Flame Society book club, often our spring book bingo includes a square for 'Myth Retellings.' Here is a list of books as such!

Books that are retellings of, inspired by, or tangentially related to Arthurian mythology ✨

In 2025, I found myself completely by coincidence having read 5+ books with some sort of connection to Arthurian legend. I did not set out to do this but I enjoyed this unintended running theme to my reading that year. This list is not intended to be straight-up mythology but rather books that reference, retell, or spin off of Arthurian legend.

Arthurian legend you will always be famous

My most recommended selection of King Arthur retellings/mythos reimaginings