Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 10, 2026
M.C. Harris Launches LGBTQ+ Fantasy 'The Thirteenth Zodiac'
TLDR
- M.C. Harris launches The Serpent and The Shell, a fantasy novel with LGBTQ+ characters, offering readers a fresh series to explore.
- The novel follows Sterling as he discovers the Constellation Tower, the Zodians, and his role as the Thirteenth, while facing the Decaying Blight.
- By centering LGBTQ+ characters, The Serpent and The Shell fosters inclusivity and representation in fantasy, making the world more welcoming.
- A mysterious sapphire light transports Sterling to a realm of magic and ancient secrets in this new fantasy adventure.
Impact - Why it Matters
This launch matters because it brings LGBTQ+ characters to the forefront of a sweeping fantasy adventure, offering readers from underrepresented communities a chance to see themselves as heroes in a genre still dominated by traditional narratives. The novel's central question—whether the person who feels out of place is exactly who the stars have been waiting for—speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. By weaving magic, mystery and cosmic conflict into a story where identity and belonging are core themes, M.C. Harris is not only launching a new series but also expanding the landscape of inclusive fantasy. As the first book in a planned series, it signals a long-term commitment to diverse storytelling, and its success could encourage more publishers and authors to prioritise representation in speculative fiction.
Summary
Fantasy author M.C. Harris has officially launched The Serpent and The Shell: The Thirteenth Zodiac, Book I, a fantasy adventure brimming with magic, mystery, supernatural powers and ancient secrets. The novel introduces readers to Sterling, whose ordinary existence is upended when a mysterious sapphire blue light transports him to an unknown realm. There he encounters the Constellation Tower and the twelve powerful Zodians, only to learn he may be the enigmatic Thirteenth—a figure tied to an ancient secret that spans multiple realms. As Sterling uncovers unexpected abilities and forges a unique connection with the Zodians, he is pulled into a growing threat known as the Decaying Blight, a destructive force that endangers the balance between worlds.
Blending fantasy, adventure, humour, friendship and personal discovery, the book places LGBTQ+ characters at the heart of its narrative. Harris describes the project as a passion project, and it marks the opening chapter of The Thirteenth Zodiac series, paving the way for a much larger story of mystery, danger and discovery. The official release is available from Finest Book Publishers and can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GYFXJKX7. More details about the author and the series can be found at https://mcharrisauthor.com/, where readers can also follow updates on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mcharrisauthor/. Review copies, author interviews and further press information are available upon request via [email protected].
With its tagline—“What if the person who does not belong is exactly the person the stars have been waiting for?”—the novel sets up a world where identity, belonging and cosmic destiny collide. Harris, a fantasy author with a passion for imaginative storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation, plans to continue the series across future books, making this first instalment a promising entry point for readers seeking inclusive, high-stakes fantasy.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, M.C. Harris Launches LGBTQ+ Fantasy 'The Thirteenth Zodiac'
