By Alisha Megan D’Silva and Siân Topping
In fantasy’s unbound worlds, where all rules may be bent and a character’s destiny can be altered by the turn of a key, the question of representation remains. We’ve put together a short list of fantasy titles – from cosy comics to dark and lyrical tales – that highlights some of the wonderful disabled characters and stories that can be found in fantasy.
The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill
Gentle, heartfelt and entirely charming – The Tea Dragon Society excels in delivering a sense of quiet inclusivity.
This is the first in a series of graphic novels centred around Greta, an apprentice blacksmith who learns the dying art of tea dragon caretaking. She does so under the guidance of Hesekiel and Erik – the kind-hearted couple who own a tea shop – and their shy ward Minette. Featuring rich illustrations and depicting both a wheelchair user and a character living with memory loss, O’Neill lovingly immerses the reader in a queer story focused on honouring tradition, and yourself, proudly. It is a true comfort read – best enjoyed with your own favoured brew.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
Godkiller is Kaner’s debut novel and the first in her ongoing dark fantasy series set in a world of gods and the mortals who wage war on them. The book follows Kissen – a godkiller hired to hunt down and kill all gods still living. Kissen does so with a smile, relishing the work after she lost her family to a fire god’s zealots. It is during this event – shown in the prologue – that Kissen also loses her leg, leading to her use of a prosthetic.
We also follow Elogast, a former knight turned baker suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder); Skedi, the god of white lies and Inara, a noble girl to whom Skedi is bound. All four characters are thrown together on a quest that sets into motion a diverse fantasy tale woven through breathtaking world-building. It is these characters and the relationships they build to help one another that makes Godkiller worth the read.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing is the first in Yarros’ fantasy series that has taken TikTok by storm. From the beginning we follow Violet – the daughter of a high-ranking general and a talented scribe who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – as she is forced to join a deadly programme for dragon riders. Filled with vicious prospective riders and equally vicious trials, Violet must fight to survive in a college designed to weed out the weak. In halls filled with those who have trained for these challenges their entire lives, she is completely unprepared. Even more so for the unexpected challenge of third year student Xaden Riorson.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, one of Riordan’s earliest YA (Young Adult) works, was written for his son. The story follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, along with his friends Annabeth Chase, who’s the daughter of Athena, and Grover Underwood, a satyr. Together, they embark on quests to save the world.
Percy, like many of the demigods in the series, has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia. However, Percy’s ADHD sharpens his reflexes in battle, and his dyslexia enables him to read ancient Greek. Riordan’s portrayal of neurodiversity offers positive representation, showing readers that disabilities do not define someone’s capabilities and can even be the source of their power.
Goddess of Love by P.C. Cast
In Goddess of Love (the fifth book in the Goddess Summoning series), Pea Chamberlain struggles with insecurity and self-doubt and underestimates her chances of winning over the handsome firefighter, Griffin DeAngelo. She turns to Venus, the Goddess of Love, for help in getting his attention. But while Pea searches for love, Venus herself faces the challenge of finding her own happily ever after.
The story revolves around characters tackling emotional and psychological challenges. Though the novel doesn’t focus on physical disabilities, it highlights the importance of self-love and the reality of mental health struggles, reminding readers that emotional disabilities are just as significant and that overcoming internal battles is a form of strength.
Wards of the Roses by Celia Lake
Ancient magic, fae enchantments and a mysterious manor – Wards of the Roses (the fourth novel in the Mysterious Charms series) is rich with magic and the challenge of living with a life-changing disability. Set during the aftermath of the Great War, the story follows Kate and Giles as they investigate a mysterious manor that suddenly appears in England.
In Wards of the Roses, characters face both physical and emotional challenges in a world that often equates strength with physical ability. The novel challenges this notion by showing characters who demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage despite their limitations, serving as a reminder that disabilities do not diminish a person’s worth or abilities.
Comments