One great book is 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir. It has a complex world - building with necromancers and cavaliers, and there are gay relationships and strong queer representation among the characters. Another is 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune. It's a heart - warming story set in a fantasy world that also features gay main characters and themes of acceptance.
There might be a book like 'The Stars are Legion' that could potentially be in that 2016 list. It has a unique world - building aspect and also touches on gay relationships within its science - fiction narrative. It creates a complex and engaging story world that explores various themes including those related to gay characters.
There's also 'The City and the Pillar' by Gore Vidal. This was quite revolutionary when it was released as it dealt with homosexuality in a more upfront way in the context of a story that has elements of science - fiction. It was one of the early works to do so and has had a significant impact on the genre.
For sure, 'The City of Brass' is a must - read. The world - building is top - notch, and the story draws you in with its blend of magic and politics. And 'All Systems Red' is a short but really enjoyable read. The Murderbot character is so unique and has a really dry sense of humor that makes the whole story fun.
For beginners, 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' is a great choice. It's a coming - of - age story with gay themes set in a somewhat ordinary but beautifully written world. It's easy to follow and very relatable. Another good one is 'Carry On' by Rainbow Rowell. It has a fun, magical school setting like Harry Potter but with a gay romance at its core.
Well, 'Ancillary Mercy' by Ann Leckie is also a notable one. It's part of a great series. The story is complex, involving interesting characters and a far - reaching space - based civilization. It has elements of artificial intelligence and political intrigue.
One great short science fiction fantasy book is 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury. It's a collection of short stories that explore the colonization of Mars in a very imaginative way. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr., which combines post - apocalyptic settings with deep philosophical ideas. And 'The Star' by Arthur C. Clarke is also a good one. It's a short but thought - provoking story about faith and discovery.
Some of the books in the list could feature advanced technology that impacts the relationships of gay characters. Maybe there are stories where a new form of communication or transportation affects how gay characters interact with each other and the world around them. Also, the stories may vary in terms of their tone, from dark and gritty to more light - hearted and hopeful, but all within the framework of science - fiction and with a focus on gay experiences.
They usually have unique world - building. For example, some might create societies where homosexuality is the norm or is treated very differently from our own world. This can lead to interesting power dynamics and social structures within the story.
One of the books could be 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin. It has a unique world - building with a post - apocalyptic setting and elements of magic and geology combined in an interesting way.
One great gay fantasy fiction book is 'Captive Prince' by C.S. Pacat. It has a complex political plot and a slow - burning romance between the two main characters. Another is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller which retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus in a beautiful and poignant way. And 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston is also a popular one, with a charming story of a relationship between the son of the US president and a British prince.