16 Amazing Books With Dynamic Asexual Characters That You'll Love And Be Inspired By
Many segments of the LGBTQIA+ community have begun finding more representation in literature in recent times. However, one section who have consistently lacked visibility are those on the asexual spectrum.
We can’t have that, can we? So here are 17 books with asexual characters to help you explore and celebrate the variety of aro-ace identities.
1.Sea Foam and Silence by Lynn E. O’Connacht
A retelling in verse of "The Little Mermaid" that moves away from the mute mermaid romance, Sea Foam and Silence by Lynn E. O’Connacht deconstructs the original fairy tale with more representation as it portrays its main characters on the asexual and aromantic spectrum. If you like this fairy-tale verse, also check out The Ice Princess’s Fair Illusion for an asexual retelling of King Thrushbeard.
2.Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari
Featuring not one, but two asexual protagonists, Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari demonstrates the spectrum from demisexual Isaak to sex-repulsed and asexual Nadin as it tackles the prejudices and perceptions of society. With multiple characters on the asexual spectrum, the book allows us to explore and embrace different experiences. CW: Aphobia/Amisia (partially called out)
3.Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland
This dark fantasy tale features a biromantic asexual main character who has the ability to visit other people’s souls as they sleep. A great choice for fantasy lovers, where sexuality isn’t central to the plot and is simply part of the main character’s identity, Beyond the Black Door is a twisted tale of grief and disastrous consequences. Content warnings: attempted self-harm, emotional abuse.
4.Perfect Rhythm by Jae
Perfect Rhythm from Jae is a down-to-earth romance that follows former pop star Leontyne Blake who meets asexual nurse Holly Drummund when she returns to her childhood home. The book offers a realistic look at romance when both parties have different expectations from the relationship.
5.Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Exploring what romance looks like for an asexual character, Claire Kann’s Let’s Talk About Love is a college-centric story of Alice, our asexual protagonist who is faced with an unexpected attraction to Takumi, a new guy at her library job. The quirky main character must then decide whether to pursue a relationship or remain friends with the object of her affections.
6.Not Your Backup by C.B. Lee
The third book in C.B Lee’s Sidekick Squad series, Not Your Backup focuses on Emma Robledo, the Latinx mastermind who goes up against a corrupt superhero league. The action-packed book finds the main character figure out where she fits on the aro-ace spectrum and is a coming-of-age story within a superhero plot.
7.Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
An exploration of asexuality that’s quietly in the background of the main character, Corey’s story as she tries to discover what caused her best friend’s death, Before I Let Go from Marieke Nijkamp narrates a relatable tale of figuring out one’s sexuality while breaking down the idea that gender and sexuality need to have clear boundaries. CW: Suicide, parental neglect, emotional abuse, attempted murder.
8.Chameleon Moon by RoAna Sylver
Chameleon Moon is a dystopian novel from RoAna Sylver that follows Regan, an asexual amnesic young man with lizard scales who encounters singer Evelyn Calliope in the quarantined city of Parole. As the pair work together against conspiracies that surround them, the tale unfolds unexpectedly as one with much-needed hope.
9.The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Keri Hulme’s Booker Prize–winning 1984 novel, The Bone People is one of the few examples of asexuality in adult and literary fiction. Centered around reclusive artist Kerewin Holmes, who is white and Maori, as well as asexual, the novel reflects characteristics of the author herself as it brings representation suited to the time alive on its pages. Content warnings: child abuse.
10.Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
Swerving smoothly away from stereotyping anyone on the asexual spectrum, Alice Oseman’s Radio Silence explores the friendship between bisexual Frances and demisexual Aled. With subtle but effective portrayal of demisexuality, the book lets romance take the backseat as it gives us a unique glimpse on the importance of friendships and how they are no less worthy than romantic relationships — a sentiment many asexual and aromantic readers would relate with. CW: suicide ideation, depression, emotional abuse, and animal cruelty.
11.City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault
A fantasy novel stocked with queerness and political intrigue, City of Strife is one among Claudie Arseneault’s catalog of ace and queer representation. The first book in a trilogy featuring characters of various orientation, it covers the spectrum, opening casual discussions and acceptance of queer identities with Arseneault’s trademark combination of idealism, hope, and practicality. CW: abuse (verbal, physical), violence, fire/burns, torture, racism, mind control.
12.We Awaken by Calista Lynne
Calista Lynne explores what it means to be asexual teenagers in We Awaken, a sci-fi romance between Ashlinn, the creator of good dreams, and young dancer Victoria Dinham. Though the story is mostly centered around Ashlinn’s time as a human and how not having her around to create pleasant fantasies impacts the world, the affections of these two young women give the narrative some heart.
13.Thaw by Elyse Springer
The second installment from Springer’s Seasons of Love series, Thaw follows the romance between asexual librarian Abigail and supermodel Gabrielle when they meet on the dance floor, breaking down the fear and stigma attached to coming out as asexual to someone you are in a relationship with.
14.The Second Mango by Shira Glassman
One for epic fantasy lovers, the first book of the Mangoverse series from Shira Glassman, The Second Mango, centers around a demisexual Jewish warrior woman and her journey around the world to help a Jewish lesbian queen find a wife. Another tale where sexuality is given power and acceptance without making it a huge part of the plot.
15.His Quiet Agent by Ada Maria Soto
A simple love story that brings the asexual spectrum into its folds, His Quiet Agent follows demisexual secret agent cubicle worker Arthur Drams, who is told to make more friends in order to move up in the agency. Drams ends up befriending reclusive Agent Martin Drove, but finds himself risking his career once romantic feelings develop.
16.The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz
This charming, quiet sci-fi novella takes the trope of asexual characters as robots following asexual AI programmer Clara, who hits it off with a fully sentient robot Sal. The story of The Cybernetic Tea Shop unfolds as the pair learn more about each other and themselves.
