I wanted to dive a little deeper into why the found family trope resonates with me so much, and hear your thoughts too!

I work in youth support and social services, and I’ve met many young people who didn’t grow up in stable or safe families — kids who were neglected, hurt, or had to leave home for their own wellbeing. Some are far from their parents or come as refugees from other countries without them. In a way, the youth homes or group settings they live in become their found families. They don’t always see it that way at first, because these families can be complicated, messy, and far from perfect — but isn’t that true of most families?

That’s one reason I find this trope so meaningful. Found family in fantasy isn’t about ideal, picture-perfect relationships. It’s about people — or elves, or misfits, or outcasts — choosing to care for each other despite everything that’s broken. Sometimes, that care looks chaotic, awkward, or painful. But even that imperfection holds truth. When I read stories with messy or dysfunctional found families, I think about how important it is for young people to see that belonging doesn’t mean perfection — it means staying, trying, and choosing each other again and again.

I also love how fantasy gives this idea such depth. In worlds filled with danger, quests, or magic, it’s the human (or inhuman) bonds that truly matter. The loyalty that’s earned, not inherited. The love that grows from shared struggle, not blood.

I’d love to hear from all of you: • What draws you to found family stories? • Which found family stories in fantasy have stuck with you and why? • Do you see value in stories that show families being messy or imperfect? Or do you prefer wholesome/functional found family stories? • How do you feel about stories where romance is part of the family dynamic — does it add or distract for you? • Are there unique or unconventional found families you’ve loved in fantasy?

Let’s talk about why we love these stories and explore all the ways fantasy shows that home is truly found, not given! 🫶🏽

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! 🫶🏽

Edit to add: I’m really grateful for everyone’s recommendations — please keep them coming! I want to be clear, though, that while I’m happy to collect all suggestions and put them on a research list, the chances of new books being added in the near future are fairly low.

This quest is meant to stay highly curated, and for now I want it to grow slowly so people have time to work through the existing books and earn the current badges before any new ones (and new badges) are introduced.

I know there are many books that fit the theme, and I’m definitely keeping that in mind. At this stage, I’m mainly looking to add newer releases or truly foundational titles I may have missed initially.

So please don’t feel discouraged from recommending books — I do read, save, and research every single one. I just want to be transparent that I won’t be adding new titles for a while, as I’m waiting for more people to join the quest and earn badges first.