Fairy Tales have an interesting relationship with the queer community. They’ve been told for generations, warning children about the dangers lurking in the dark or the virtue of being kind to others. Some are easily connected to queer experiences, such as The Little Mermaid. Many scholars agree that the original tales author, Hans Christian Anderson, was queer in one way or another. But most are very heteronormative and happy endings only come when the beautiful princess marries the handsome prince.
I’ve always loved fairy tales. I love fantasy, magic and happily-ever-afters. I dreamed of being swept away by a handsome prince to a better life (This was before I knew what lesbians were, okay?). So when I started this blog, I knew I had to have some romantic fantasy on my TBR. While I was researching, one of the authors that came up a lot was F.T Lukens. I read excerpts from a couple of their books and knew I had to read them! I fell in love with their storytelling so much that I pre-ordered a signed copy of their latest book!
Who is F.T. Lukens?
F.T Lukens is an American author based in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats. They’ve written a handful of young adult sci-fi fantasy novels that have gone on to become New York Times Best Sellers and added to the American Library Association’s annual Rainbow List. Each of their books is delightfully queer and magical, and unique in their storytelling. Chances are, if you’re really into queer literature, you’ve heard about F.T. Lukens. But if you’re just beginning to explore queer literature, they are a fantastic author to start with.
So. Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll break down the three books I’ve read from them and you can decide where you want to begin. Deal?
In Deeper Waters
This was the first F.T Luken’s book I read and my favourite. I already have my full review here, but I’ll give you a taste of this sweet novel. The story follows Tal, a prince on his coming-of-age tour when their ship rescues a boy chained to a sinking ship, Athlen. Charged with keeping an eye on the prisoner, Tal is heartbroken when Athlen throws himself overboard into the open ocean.
When he meets Athlen again days later on dry land, very much alive and as charming as ever, it raises questions. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held in a ransom plot to start a war. He must escape if he hopes to save his family and his kingdom. And Athlen might be his only hope!
The worldbuilding Lukens did for this novel was really well done! I understood the relationships between the various countries involved in the plot, and the history of the world and why Tal had to hide his magic. A fully realized fantasy world in just over 300 pages is a great feat. The descriptive writing paints just how in love Tal is with Athlen and makes for beautiful images in the mind.
The world of In Deeper Waters is an idealized world where queerness is accepted. I love idealized worlds because it’s nice to have a queer story where the conflict isn’t coming out or dealing with homophobia. All of F.T.’s books are like this and they are a lovely break from reality. They’re wonderful worlds to fall into, where we don’t have to worry about what the neighbours will think.
So This Is Ever After
So This Is Ever After is the adventure that happens after the big, bad, evil guy is defeated by the prophesied hero. It follows Arek, hero of the realm and temporary king of Ere while they go on one final quest to free the rightful heir to the throne. Except she’s dead and now Erek is stuck as king. And as it turns out, the king must choose a soul mate before they turn 18 or they will wither away into nothing. With only three months until he turns 18, and only his best friend Matt in on the secret, Arek begins a new quest to find a spouse to save his life—starting with his quest companions. But when his attempts go hilariously long, Arek finds that love might have been right in front of him all along.
If you are a fan of pining, this is the book for you. Arek is constantly pining for the one his heart truly belongs to, but he doesn’t want them to feel like they have to marry him to keep him alive. While frustrating, I understand Arek’s perspective. It’s a completely reasonable worry that eats at him.
It’s also filled with hilarious misunderstandings and really loving found family troupes that will warm your heart! If you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, you’ll find that the characters fall into various class troupes such as a flirty bard and super smart mage. It’s another fun connection that makes the book all the more enjoyable. Would you let the sticky-fingered rogue be in charge of finances? I don’t know, maybe she’ll do a good job!
This is a fun read with an equally satisfying ending. There is a secondary or maybe tertiary plot that gets resolved at the end too, which I didn’t expect it would! Read this if you want to cry from laughing and then cry from happiness.
Otherworldly
This one is Luken’s most recent release from April of this year. The story follows 17-year old Ellery: a non-binary dishwasher that left their home to support their family and get away from their intense belief in their religion, and Knox: a familiar from the Otherworld sent to assist those who make deals at the crossroads. The city has been stuck in an eternal winter and Knox hasn’t heard from his queen for years. A chance encounter leads them to meet, and Ellery can’t believe their eyes. They’re not a big believer in the supernatural, but they can’t deny what they saw. Knox needs to make another deal with a human to tie him to this world and Ellery needs to figure out the winter to help their family. But before long, they discover something that neither of them expects and it could change everything.
While the other books feel closer to Western European folk tales, Otherworldly has a distinctly Greek feeling. There are three gods, one of the sky, one of the sea and one of the underworld, a reflection of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. There are distinctly Greek mythological creatures like nymphs as well as the use of crossroads, something many ancient societies believed hold immense power.
It’s also district in the overall tone of the story. Otherworldly, while deeply involved with the supernatural, doesn’t have the same whimsical feel as So This Is Ever After and In Deeper Waters. It’s a lot harsher, much like the eternal winter that blankets its city. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the build up of Ellery and Knox’s relationship. I loved the myth reference at the end! I won’t spoil it, but I was so proud of myself for catching it that I had to share.
Final thoughts
One final fantastic thing about F.T Luken’s books are the covers. Each of them are unique and gorgeous. Each holds so much emotion and gives good insights into the story. I love seeing them on my shelf!
I’ll finish by saying this: F.T Lukens is a fantastic queer author that helped get me excited for reading again. Even as I pushed through college courses and work, I found myself looking forward to that hour before bed where I would read their books. I even reread my favourite moments from time to time, smiling ear to ear. Whether you’re a seasoned queer literature conisewer or looking for some queer books to start your collection, F.T. Lukens is an author you should have on your shelf.
You can follow F.T Lukens on Instagram @ftlukens or stay up to date with their new releases at www.ft-lukens.com