Hey! I've recently figured out that I'm probably aro despite having known that I'm ace for a good 15+ years and tbh it's doing a number on me, and now I'm craving good aro or aroace books to escape into and was wondering if you have any good recs? I mostly read historical fiction/fantasy but I'll try any genre, especially if the aro person ends up in a really nice platonic relationship with someone. Thank you!!
(also your aroace books database has been a lifesaver, I've noted a few I want to buy but I'd appreciate recs from the source <3 )
hello! congrats for figuring that out! hmm I feel like my personal favourites vs fitting your request exactly aren't perfectly aligned - but here's a handful -
Sailing by Orion's Star - historical fiction trilogy, about pirates. I literally just reread these, I love them a lot! René, the central main character is aroace, which is relevant in the plot, and he develops a QPR with his childhood best friend, also aroace. And a third main character is lightly aroace coded, also with a platonic partnership. The story is very focused on platonic and familial relationships of all forms.
The Hands of The Emperor/At The Feet of The Sun - high fantasy about the secretary of the emperor and the emperor (trying to be not the emperor anymore) slowly becoming friends and then QPRs. Kip is grey-(aro?)ace. These are absolutely enormous books but if you're into that they're worth it
The Heretic's Guide To Homecoming - high fantasy duology about an anxious traveler and a mysterious man who joins him on his journey. the MC is word of god greyroace, which is not directly explored in the book but it centres platonic relationships and stories (as well as their platonic relationship)
The Chronicles of Nerezia - high fantasy adventure novella series that's almost complete (I need to get around to the latest one too...) with 3 aroace MCs. Generally centres platonic relationships, and I'd say Horace & Aliyah feel pretty QPR-ish so far
Kaikeyi - historical fantasy retelling of the Ramayana. She marries/has children in the story, but is clearly aroace and doesn't feel attraction. No QPR as such but does centre platonic relationships (and I'd like to make this list slightly less white and male)
The Wolf Among the Wild Hunt - dark fantasy novella with aroace MCs in a QPR. I've been meaning to reread this soon...
A House Between Sea and Sky - literally just posted my review of this, It's not a favourite actually but I did enjoy how the MC's aroasexuality was depicted, and the central developing friendship. ymmv depending if you like quiet/quirky/cozy vibes.
Something Extraordinary - historical comedy about an aroallo woman and gay man working their way toward a platonic marriage. They're side characters in the previous two books but you don't really need to read them - I've heard she's mostly internalised arophobia in book 2, whereas she's on the journey of accepting herself in this one. also very much a ymmv book!
as far as YA goes, The Reckless Kind and Fire Becomes Her are historical and historical fantasies with aroacespec MCs and QPRs that might also be of interest!
