Unique genre & gender bending books that I think are great
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher.
Fantastic horror with a non-binary protagonist. Extremely good atmosphere. I truly loved the slow suffocating feel, and the intricate worldbuilding. Fantastic war veteran protagonist, too, with real agency. Mouldy gothic excellence, really.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Short but impactful. It is a YA with a teen Black trans protagonist, who ends up waking up her mother's monster-hunting creature, Pet. The "utopian" society of Lucille was immersive and actually refreshing. I really enjoyed the writing - it had the right amount of visceral without risking scarring children for life.
The Betrayals by Bridget Collins
This is a weird one, and it is not going to be for everybody, but I liked how complex and rich it was. Set in an exclusive secluded academy, it sees the protagonists involved in a mysterious game (grand jeu) It is not exactly fantasy (more alt word than magic), mixing dark academia atmospheres, gothic fairytale vibes and political allegory (I also enjoyed The Bindings from the same author).
