Within the last couple of years, YA has seen a great progression of LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Many of the YA books that I read now include characters that fit this description. The following books fall under this category in one way or another.
Disclaimer: Please note that I have organized these novels into this list so that people specifically looking for books including LGBTQ+ characters are easily accessible. That being said, please note that these novels are comprised of more than just these elements and should be taken as literary achievements in their own right like any other book in their category.
In Deeper Waters
Title: In Deeper Waters
Author: F.T. Lukens
Review: 4/10
Synopsis: Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.
That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming - and secretive - as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope....