The humor in this book is so good, I didn't think it would be this funny.

If y’all like terrifying fungal fae check out In the Roses of Pieria by Anna Burke. There’s vampires too but the botanical horrors play a huge role 🍄🫣

Hey everyone! ✨I’m helli (she/her) and the creator of this Quest!

I’m so excited that you’ve joined the Found Family in Fantasy Quest! 🏡 I really wanted to create a list that celebrates diversity across fantasy subgenres — from cozy fantasy, urban fantasy, epic and high fantasy, to darker, moodier tales. I hope there is something here for everyone, no matter your taste.

I also tried my best to include authors from a variety of backgrounds — gender, ethnicity, country — and diverse characters as well. Representation matters! Of course, I haven’t read everything yet, so this list is just the start. I’m really looking forward to discovering more books by diverse authors with diverse characters through your recommendations.

Another thing I focus on is diversifying the found family itself. Not every found family looks the same — some are wholesome and functional, some are messy or even dysfunctional, just like biological families. Some stories might include romance, but that’s usually a background element, not the main focus. What’s most important is that chosen family and the bonds they form are central, and those bonds don’t always have to be positive or easy.

I already have quite a few books lined up to add over time, but I’d love to hear your recommendations! 🌟 If you’ve read something that fits the “found family” vibe — a group of misfits, outcasts, or strangers who become chosen family — please drop your recs in the comments under this post.

I’ve purposely started with 31 books. This was intentional — I have many more lined up for the future, but I wanted to start with a manageable number so I can thoughtfully consider any recommendations you give. I’ll regularly add new books to the Quest, and I’m excited to see your suggestions!

Let’s make this Quest a space to share and discover magical worlds where home is found, not given, and to celebrate all the amazing, diverse voices in fantasy. I can’t wait to see all your suggestions and discuss these books with you! 🫶🏽

hi everyone! welcome to the Mermaids After Dark Side Quest! this is my very first quest 🤭 i tried to keep the list short & horror-focused, but i have loved mermaids across genres since i was a kid. being from near the beach, i grew up with a lot of mermaid-themed art & depictions in my community, playing mermaids with my cousins, & scouting for books with mermaids in my school library. (what do you love about mermaids & when did your love start? 👀)

if anyone has interest in doing a readalong or anything, please let me know! i would love to plan something with yall 🖤

below i have separated books by length, in case it helps you find a jumping off point. i tried to pick a wide range of lengths so there was something for everyone. new to ocean-creepy-stuff & want to start small? 5 books under 200 pages. know you want something long & immersive? 5 books over 350 pages. that sort of thing!

i hope everyone finds something they love here

BY-LENGTH GUIDE 300+ pages: •gills •waking the merrow •a ship of bones and teeth •a bone in his teeth •into the drowning deep

under 300 pages: •they came from the ocean •chlorine •merfolk •providence girls •the pisces

under 200 pages: •landlocked in foreign skin •lure •the deep •the reyes incident •the salt grows heavy

LGBTQ+ rep: •a bone in his teeth •chlorine •into the drowning deep •landlocked in foreign skin •providence girls •the deep •the reyes incident •the salt grows heavy

Boy Parts by Eliza Clark Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey