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! 🫶🏽

I truly love this story, however I was not expecting it so be a slow one. I am enjoying reading about the characters that weren’t in the movie.

The Simon & Schuster flagship imprint is thrilled to present these seven stunning debuts. Join this Quest to read along with us over the next six months. We'll start with The Bright Years in January, a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for best debut in 2025 and a great precursor to Sarah Damoff's much anticipated second novel The Burning Side, coming later in 2026. Next up is Rebecca Fallon's Family Drama, a powerful meditation on family and motherhood, available on February 3. Lai Sanders's The Plans I Have for You is a timely, razor-sharp suspense coming on March 17. A multi-generational Brooklyn family saga, Livonia Chow Mein by Abigail Savitch-Lew hits shelves on April 21. Natalie Lemle's Artifacts takes readers on a journey into the world of stolen artifacts on May 19. And finally, we'll wrap up in June with Rachel Beanland's beloved debut novel Florence Adler Swims Forever, the perfect precursor to her latest novel The Half Life out in July. Can't wait until publication day to read these books? We'll be giving away early copies throughout the duration of the Quest, so be sure to check the Giveaways page to enter for a chance to win!