Best LGBT Action & Adventure Fiction Books of 2025

Cursed Cocktails (Tales of Aedrea) is an epic fantasy book that tells the story of Rhoren "Bloodbane," a blood mage who has retired after serving the realm for twenty years. He moves to a warmer climate and opens a tavern with his inherited book of drink recipes. The book brings a unique brand of challenges, but with the right friends and a little bit of luck, he might just have a recipe for success. The book offers a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, blending magic and mixology in a fascinating way.

Girl Island is a thrilling must-read adventure novel that tells the story of six teenage girls stranded on a deserted island. As they fight for survival, they confront class, identity, and toxic femininity. The book is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and has been praised for its gripping plot, relatable characters, and daring storytelling. The all-girl Lord of the Flies we've all been waiting for!

Somewhere in the Gray Area is a thrilling LGBT action and adventure fiction book that follows the story of James Rhodes, an intelligent young man who finds himself caught up in a dangerous crime and a police cover-up that takes the lives of his high-profile boss and colleagues. The book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as James navigates his way through the complexities of the situation, with the help of an unlikely team of operatives. This book is a page-turner that will keep readers on edge until the very end. Overall, Somewhere in the Gray Area is a unique and engaging read that is definitely worth checking out.

Treasure Island: The Original 1883 Edition With Complete Illustrations By Louis Rhead (Robert Louis Stevenson Classics) is a classic sea story book that centers around the conflict between good and evil, with Long John Silver as the engaging form of evil. With 120 illustrations from the original edition, readers can enjoy the vivid scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations. Written by a superb prose stylist, the book is designed to kindle a dream of high romance and distant horizons, making it a must-have in everyone's library.

Deadbeat Druid by David R. Slayton is a captivating addition to the Adam Binder series. After losing his loved one to the realm of the dead, Adam ventures into the underworld to bring him back and defeat the warlock who caused his misery. As he faces demons and ghosts, Adam also has to find the lost heart of Death herself to return to the world of the living. Slayton's novel is a beautifully nuanced exploration of family and generational trauma, filled with magic and love. The book's unique blend of Americana and the occult makes it a must-read for fans of urban fantasy.

The Gumshoe, the Witch, and the Virtual Corpse is a unique blend of hard science fiction and occult mystery set in a near-future America on the brink of civil war. The story follows a gay detective as he investigates ritual killings and conspiracies involving black magic. The diverse cast of characters, including a transgendered Cherokee shaman and a Wiccan journalist, make for a compelling read. The book also tackles social issues such as politics, religion, and sexuality, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining read. Overall, this LGBT-themed action and adventure fiction is a must-read for fans of both genres.

The second installment in the Adam Binder series, Trailer Park Trickster by David R. Slayton, is a thrilling LGBT fantasy fiction book. Returning to Oklahoma for his aunt's funeral, Adam Binder finds himself in the path of deadly magic when a dark druid begins to prey on his family. The book explores Adam's family history, dark secrets, and his vow to stop the warlock. The interweaving of Adam's and Vic's quests builds satisfying tension on the way to an unresolved ending that sets things up nicely for the next installment. Overall, Trailer Park Trickster is a well-crafted sequel with a complicated world, dangerous magic, and dark family secrets.

The Half Life of Valery K is a gripping novel that takes place in a mysterious town in Soviet Russia during the Cold War. The story follows Valery Kolkhanov, a former nuclear specialist who is unexpectedly transferred to a city that houses nuclear reactors. As he begins his research on the effects of radiation on local animals, he uncovers dangerous secrets about the town's residents and the true purpose of the research center. Natasha Pulley's writing style is impeccable, and her use of dark humor and complex characters adds depth to the story. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the Cold War era.

Victory: An Island Tale by Joseph Conrad is a powerful and thought-provoking novel about a man named Axel Heyst who tries to avoid suffering by isolating himself from society. However, his life changes when he rescues a young English girl from danger and takes her to his island retreat. The relationship between Heyst and Lena is both compelling and complex, as she struggles to save him from detachment and isolation. Conrad's writing style is captivating and his characters are deeply layered, making this a must-read for fans of classic literature.

The Gumshoe, the Clone, and the Wannabe Vampires is an exciting hard science fiction mystery with elements of fantasy and a dash of humor. The story follows gay detective Drew Parker as he deals with a complicated case involving a deaf woman, a cheating boyfriend, and a convoluted blackmail plot. The book also features a Wiccan partner, Jennifer Grey, and a large supporting cast of strange people. The author has produced another engagingly weird novel of the near future, satirizing everything he can get his word processor on and doing most of it extremely well.