Well, often they feature strong female characters. For example, in many of these novels, the lesbian teen protagonists are on a journey of self - discovery. They might be in a world full of advanced technology or in a post - apocalyptic setting. In such settings, they not only have to deal with the normal teen stuff like relationships and identity but also with the challenges of the sci - fi world they're in. So it's like a double exploration of self and the world around them.
These novels also tend to deal with themes of acceptance and identity. Since they are aimed at teens, they often show the journey of the lesbian characters in coming to terms with their sexuality in a world that may or may not be accepting. They can be a source of inspiration and validation for young lesbian readers, showing them that they are not alone and that their feelings are normal.
One such novel is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo. It's a retelling of Cinderella in a fantasy world with lesbian themes. The main character, Ash, has a relationship with another female character. It's a great read for those interested in lesbian teen stories within a sci - fi/fantasy setting.
The 'Imperial Radch' trilogy by Ann Leckie, especially 'Ancillary Justice', is quite popular. It has complex world - building and characters whose relationships, including lesbian relationships, are part of the fabric of the story. Another popular one is 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It has a unique military - sci - fi setting and features diverse relationships, among which are lesbian ones.
Lesbian sci - fi fantasy novels often have a sense of otherness. This can come from the science - fiction elements like strange new planets or technologies, or from the fantasy aspects such as magic or mythical creatures. This otherness allows for a fresh look at lesbian relationships. They also tend to break traditional relationship molds. Instead of the typical heterosexual relationship dynamics, these novels show different ways of loving and being in a relationship. In 'Ash', for instance, the relationship between the main characters is built on mutual understanding and shared magical experiences rather than on traditional gender roles. And often, they have a subversive element, challenging the status quo of both genre and relationship norms.
One great lesbian sci - fi fantasy novel is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of gender and society in a science - fiction setting on a planet where people can change their sex. Another is 'Ash' by Malinda Lo, which is a retelling of Cinderella with lesbian elements set in a fantasy world filled with magic. And 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is also a good choice. It has elements of Victorian - era lesbian relationships along with some theatrical and adventure elements that could be considered somewhat fantasy - like.
One popular teen sci fi novel is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an annual event. Another is 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth. It takes place in a society divided into factions based on human virtues. And 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner is also great. It has a group of teens trapped in a maze trying to find a way out.
One great lesbian sci - fi novel is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of gender and society in a science - fiction setting. Another is 'Ammonite' by Nicola Griffith. It's set on a planet where women are the only survivors and it delves into their relationships and the society they build. And 'Ascension' by Jacqueline Koyanagi also features lesbian relationships within a space - faring adventure.
One popular early 2000s teen sci - fi novel is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another is 'Eragon' by Christopher Paolini. It tells the story of a young boy who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on an epic adventure. And 'Artemis Fowl' by Eoin Colfer is also great. It features a young criminal mastermind who gets involved with the fairy world.