Top 25 Fantasy Books for Women
"BestFantasyBooks.com guide to Fantasy Books for Women"
Some women want different fantasy books then men. Now I know many women read the same fantasy as the boys and are fine with that, but for the women who want fantasy with strong female protagonists, fantasy that's not all about some hunk who's mission is to slay dark lords and sleep with as many women as possible while doing so, this list is for you.
Why have I created this list? I've heard many women complaining most fantasy novels are 'boy' fantasy. Sounds familiar? You know, fantasy books with male protagonists, pathetic females whole sole role is only to be saved by the hero, and ham-fisted romance? If you like that sort of book as a woman, that's fine. But if you are a woman who likes strong female characters and books written that don't cater to the male mind (and yes ladies, MOST of the fantasy books are written by men FOR men).
While admittedly, most fantasy books are geared toward the male reader, there are some very well written books that may appeal to SOME women who like a "softer" more "character driven" fantasy tale. To aid these ladies in the quest to find good fantasy literature that appeals to such sensibilities, I've listed the best fantasy books for women. Those ladies who are offended by this, my sincere apologies, but this list is simply my attempt to help women find books that they may find particularly interesting.
I do note that this list has become somewhat controversial the past couple years (I've had several women post long essays on the comment section "critiquing" my selections as completely sexist).
So let me reiterate my intent of this list: this list recommends books with VERY strong female protagonists, strong (and realistic) romance, and characters you can emotionally connect to. If you ladies want to read fantasy books with shoddy female characters, books with strong male protagonists, and books where females are treated like crap, then feel free to check out the Top 25 Fantasy Books list. There's a lot of good stuff there that both men and women will enjoy on that list, but this specific list just has some particular books that you may connect with on an emotional level.
As requested, I've updated the list and changed this from a Top 10 Fantasy Books for Woman into a Top 25 Best Fantasy Books for Women list.
#1: Liveship Traders (Robin Hobb)
Book Flap Description
Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships--rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. The fortunes of one of Bingtown's oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia.
For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy unjustly denied her--a legacy she will risk anything to reclaim. For Althea's young nephew Wintrow, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard ship, Vivacia is a life sentence.
But the fate of the Vestrit family--and the ship--may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider. The ruthless pirate Kennit seeks a way to seize power over all the denizens of the Pirate Isles...and the first step of his plan requires him to capture his own liveship and bend it to his will....
The author and protagonist are both woman. This is a very strong series with a realistic character and realistic, often complicated, relationships. Romance is a strong element in this book, but it's not handled in the ham-fisted method that abound in most fantasy books. But good romance is not the only thing this book has going for it. The world Hobb has created is simply marvelous. This is one landscape you just want to explore; it's quite simply, magical. Robb's prose is also top notch and her descriptions transport you into the fantastical world she has created. I highly highly recommend this book to both men and women. If you want a fantasy that's different, compelling and has some very strong female characters who will appeal to all woman, read this series!
#2: The Sevenwater Trilogy (Juliet Marillier)
Amazon Description
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.
When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...
Mariner writes some of the best female characters in the fantasy genre. These fantasy books are good. Really really good. With some intelligent, complex, and interesting female protagonists and some really well handled romance, this trilogy is a gift to all women -- and men. It's Celtic fantasy with a very strong romantic element, a lush, vivid world, and some really compelling characters -- especially the protagonist (a woman). Fantasy written by a girl, for the girls. This is romantic fantasy at it's best. Read!!
#3: Kushiel's Dart (Jacqueline Carey)
Amazon Book Description
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.
Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.
Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.
Unique, passionate, sad, jubilant -- these are all words that come to mind when reading Carey's tremendous effort. These are fantasy books for women (and guys too). The protagonist is a woman and probably the most complex female character in the entire genre of fantasy.
#4: The Lions of Al-Rassan (Guy Gaverial Kay)
Book Flap Description
The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, aided always by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan -- poet, diplomat, soldier -- until a summer afternoon of savage brutality changes their relationship forever.
Meanwhile, in the north, the conquered Jaddites' most celebrated -- and feared -- military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, leads his mercenary company south.
In the dangerous lands of Al-Rassan, these two men from different worlds meet and serve -- for a time -- the same master. Sharing their interwoven fate -- and increasingly torn by her feelings -- is Jehane, the accomplished court physician, whose own skills play an increasing role as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond.
Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply compelling story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake -- or destroy -- a world.
Gaverial Kay has never written a bad fantasy novel. He always populates his worlds with fully realized characters. His female characters are always strong with sassy personalities and strong intelligence.
#5: The Paladin of Souls (Lois McMaster Bujold)
Book Flap Description
Follow Lois McMaster Bujold, one of the most honored authors in the field of fantasy and science fiction, to a land threatened by treacherous war and beset by demons -- as a royal dowager, released from the curse of madness and manipulated by an untrustworthy god, is plunged into a desperate struggle to preserve the endangered souls of a realm.
I HIGHLY recommend you ladies read this one. It's a great story about a strong female character written by an outstanding female author. It's got everything there is to like in a good fantasy novel: great characters (especially female ones in this book), awesome romance, and a great plot. This is technically a sequel to The Curse of Chalion, also another great book (for men and women), but The Paladin of Souls can be read as a stand alone.
If you are planning to read Paladin of Souls, then my recommendation is to read Curse of Chalion, then Paladin of Souls, then The Hallowed Hunt as the three books are connected (albeit loosely). I know I said Paladin of Souls is a standalone, and it is, but it' worth reading Chalion first if you can get it. If not, than it's not that big of a deal.
#6: Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist & Janny Wurts)
A.Must.Read.For.Every.Woman.
Seriously, this is a lovely series with an outstanding female protagonist Romance, love, loss, adventure -- this series has it all. The novel is by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts, but it's pretty clear that Wurts wrote this all on her own -- the characters are a whole level better than Feist's regular work. The protagonist is a woman who controls her own destiny. The book could be classed as historical fiction, but the setting is that of an Asian fantasy world, one which is fascinating. Don't worry though, it's not all just historical fantasy -- there's plenty of fantastical elements that will keep hard core fantasy fans entertained.
Similar Recommendations
Books set in an Asian fantasy landscape are pretty rare. If you liked the sort of mystical Asian landscape portrayed in this series, you might Find Sean Russell's Brother Initiate and Gather of Clouds a good read as well. Gaverial Guy Kay also has a new book, Under Heaven, that's sort of an alternative version of China (with elements of magic to it).
#7: Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
Book Flap Description
Here is the magical legend of King Arthur, vividly retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne
A retelling of the classic Arthurian tale from a woman's perspective (literally). IF you read ONE book about King Author, Lancelot, Guinevere, then make sure it's this one. Some outstanding female characters in this book and it's got everything most women would love. And yes, this one appeals to the guys too.
#8: Black Jewels (Anne Bishop)
Amazon.com Description
Black Jewels Trilogy is the saga of a young but still-innocent Queen more powerful than even the High Lord of Hell-and the three sworn enemies determined to win her and gain a prize that could be terrible beyond imagining...
I've actually been meaning to add this series, but it sipped my mind. This egregious slip has been pointed out multiple times by some of my female readers. My apologies ladies, mistake rectified.
Black Jewels is a really interesting series. I like it myself and would recommend it to both men and women. The author sort of takes the heaven and hell conceits and flips them around. Satan is the good guy and God is a bastard. The world portrayed is pretty dark, with young "witches" who are gifted with power the ones who suffer the brunt. This series offers a really strong female lead, an interesting world (and magic) and a lot of romance. This book is a must read by any of you ladies who like romantic fantasy or dark fantasy or even just fantasy!
#9: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (N.K. Jemisin)
A new series that's been getting a lot of great reviews. And with good reason. An interesting plot, lots of political maneuvering, and a very well done female protagonist This series is more intelligent than many of the other fantasy books out there. So if you like SMART fantasy with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating. fantasy world, pick this book up.
#10: Rhapsody (Elizabeth Haydon)
Amazon Description
Rhapsody is a woman, a Singer of some talent, who is swept up into events of world-shattering import. On the run from an old romantic interest who won't take no for an answer, Rhapsody literally bumps into a couple of shady characters: half-breeds who come to her rescue in the nick of time. Only the rescue turns into an abduction, and Rhapsody soon finds herself dragged along on an epic voyage, one that spans centuries and ranges across a wonder-filled fantasy world-- a world so real you can hear the sweet music of Rhapsody's aubade and smell the smoldering forges deep within the Cauldron.
I was quite impressed with this novel when it first came out. Haydon creates an interesting world, some interesting characters, lots and lots of
tension, and a hell of a lot of romance. While romance in a fantasy book is not unusual, this book is all about the romance. I'd probably say this novel is a pretty strong combination of a genuine fantasy novel mated with a
bodice ripper romance. The combination works. Don't expect anything deep or original, but the main character (a woman) is an interesting character.
The hero characters however are a bit too perfect. The sequel books radically lower the quality (Haydon falls prey to the "milk the cow" disease)
but I recommend reading the first book if you are looking for some strong romantic fantasy.
#11: Best Served Cold (Joe Abercrombie)
Oh yes, this books is good. Abercrombie is a male writer, but the man is just so damn clever he's able to pull off some pretty good female characters. Abercrombie has a darker edge to his work -- it's gritty, the characters are gray, and it's also BLOODY and violent. But it's intelligent fantasy. Best Served Cold is the mother of all revenge tales about a woman betrayed. The protagonist is a woman and she's a woman you don't screw over.
#12: The Ruins of Ambrai (Melini Rawn)
Amazon Book Description
Fleeing persecution to build a free colony on the planet Lenfell, the magic-wielding Mageborns find their new home torn apart by civil war between the Mage Guardians and the Lords of Malerris.
Melini Rawn is a great at writing realistic female characters. The description of the novel does not do it justice. This is a wholly character driven book, with complex, deep characters and an enticing world. Unlike some of the other fantasy books for women mentioned, the entire plot is not based off romance, but the strong female characters, well-developed world, and addicting plot make this a must read for the fairer sex.
#13: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Book Flap Description
At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight.
Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.
A remarkable book with written in a sort of Victorian-era flowery prose. The flowery prose my be off-putting at first, but the memorizing story soon sucks you right in. Romance is a definite (and important) element in this novel, but it is certainly not a romantic fantasy. However, the strong narrative, rich characters, and compelling story make this a novel that must be read. Women who especially love the Jane Austin style settings and prose will especially be delighted.
#14: Archangel (Sharon Shinn)
Booklist Description Next in line to become archangel in the angel-led dominion of Samaria, Gabriel must lead the next chorale praising the god Jovah, which means he needs a wife--fast--to sing beside him. Guided by the local oracle and the light emanating from the Kiss of the Gods (a homing device in his wrist), he finds his Jovah-selected fiancee in a common Edori slave girl named Rachel. The marriage proves, however, anything but romantic. Far from rejoicing in the sudden freedom that her marriage brings, Rachel quickly becomes a thorn in Gabriel's side, using her newfound influence to help her downtrodden Edori brethren. Displaying sure command of characterization and vividly imagined settings, Shinn absorbs us in the story of how Rachel and Gabriel eventually unite in true love and respect. With place-names such as Gaza and Jordana, she tantalizingly hints at her Samaria's connection to an ancient Israeli past, and she tempers the angelic milieu with talk of her angels' technological heritage in an entertaining sf-fantasy blend that should please fans of both genres.
This is Fantasy written just for women. With a strong love story and some interesting world building, this SF-Fantasy hybrid is a heavenly success. The two protagonists loath each other and it's interesting to see how their relationship evolves over span of the novel. Those looking for a complicated love story, look no further then Archangel -- it's a fantasy book that will make the women swoon!
#15: Dragon and the Phoenix (Joanne Bertin)
Amazon Book Description
Once every thousand years the phoenix of Jehanglan burns to death in a magical release. For millennia the emperors of Jehanglan have tried to harness the awesome power of the phoenix's rebirth. One has finally succeeded, using black magic and the enslavement of a dragon.
Far away at the Crown of the World, Dragon-lord Linden and his new wife, Maurynna, are trying to live the life of happy newlyweds. But all is not well. Since her first Change into dragon-form, Maurynna has been unable to duplicate it. And as her inability to Change drives her into a dark abyss of depression, Linden begins to doubt the love he was once so sure of...
At this time of personal crisis, these two must journey to Jehanglan and marshall all of their diplomatic and martial skill to penetrate the treachery of the empire and set free the phoenix. But to do so they must face the dragon--the dragon who just might be a Dragonlord gone mad....
Another great fantasy book for women. This book is romance masquerading as a fantasy novel. But, it manages to do justice to both genres. Even though romance is the primary force in this novel, the story is very well written and the author has a definite knack for creating exotic landscapes and strong interpersonal relationships. With lots of romantic tension between the two main characters and a strong plot, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It's actually one of the better romantic fantasy novels out there. If you enjoy the standard elements of a romance novel with the trappings of a fantasy world, this book will satisfy you.
#16: Dragon Prince Trilogy (Melini Rawn)
Amazon Book Description
Melanie Rawn's best-selling debut is a novel of love and war, magic and madness, and deadly dangerous dragons that hold the secret to unimaginable wealth that could prove key to mutual peace-or a bloody tyrant's reign. And among it all, an idealistic young ruler struggles to civilize a culture that understands the strength of the sword-but has yet to discover the true power of knowledge
Those ladies wanting some epic fantasy with a female bent, well, this is what you've been waiting for. This is not your standard peasant boy becomes hero and beats up dark lord plot, however. It's epic fantasy on a grand scale with a cast of very strong female (and male) characters. The romance relationship between the male and female protagonists is the main focus of this novel, but the world building is first class with an interesting magic system, lots of political tension, and a strong plot. For those girls want fantasy book with action and good romance, this is your book.
#17: Outlander series (Diana Gabaldon)
Book Flap Description
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon — when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach — an "outlander" — in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord ... 1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life ... and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire ... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Personally, I'm not a fan of this series. Maybe it's a guy thing, maybe not. But I have a horde of female friends who LOVE this series to death. I have read the first couple books myself and the female character is well done. For women who want a romance, pseudo historical fantasy with a good female lead, this series will please you greatly. Again, I've had multiple women request I add this to the list, so here it is.
#18: Deverry cycle (Katherine Kerr)
Book Flap Description
In a world outside reality, a young girl's spirit hovers between incarnations, knowing neither her past nor her future. In the temporal world lives Nevyn, who long ago vanquished the maiden's hand in marriage and forged a terrible bond between three souls. Now he must atone the wrong of his youth.
Lots of romance, betrayal, redemption in this one. Great for those who like romance fantasy. The entire premise of the series is also pretty interesting: a man and woman are constantly reborn and in each life somehow cross paths and fall in love over and over.
#19: Abhorsen Trilogy (Garth Nix)
Book Flap Description
Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories. As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death—and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.
Some outstanding female characters in the Abhorsen trilogy. This books are epic fantasy with a darker edge. And they are (somewhat) scary as well. The three books all feature around a strong female lead. This are some of my favorite books. So if you are looking for an epic fantasy with strong female characters, good romance, and a hell of a lot of adventure, these are the books to read. They also made my Top 25 Best Fantasy Books list.
#20: A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. Martin )
Most of you ladies who love fantasy books will have read this series. It's #1 of the Best Fantasy List. I've added this list here because there are some outstanding (and sometimes hateful) female characters in this series.
#21: Earthsea (Ursula K. Le Guin)
Book Flap Description
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, but once he was called Sparrowhawk, a reckless youth, hungry for power and knowledge, who tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance.
The first book is about a male character, but the story is such that it will appeal to women too (and like the author is female). In the later sequels, there are some very strong female protagonists as well. Le Guin is a fantastic author and she's written some very strong books in the past, many of them with a decidedly female bent. Earthsea is a classic coming of age tale, but it's so well done and so beautifully told, I highly recommend this book as a must read.
#22: The Death of the Necromancer (Mary Gentle)
Mary Gentle knows how to write fine characters. She immerses you into her world; the world itself is not just some shoddily slapped together fantasy world, but one that's researched and designed with great care. It's a world that's quite similar to the renaissance period of Europe. The book mixes magic, detective work, and a bit of spook (think a less frightening version of a Edgar Allen Poe tale). Why would you ladies like this book? The author really does a fine job with her characters. The main protagonist is a man, and not a woman, but there's plenty to like about the character and it's written in a way that builds a good emotional connection to the character.
#23: Codex Alera (Jim Butcher)
Yet more epic fantasy. This one is a "man's fantasy" but there are some well-written female characters as well. Well recommended. Again, this is "guy fantasy" but there's also some good female characters as well -- strong ones.
#24: Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
More epic fantasy from a male author. But this one centers about a female protagonist The protagonist is very well written and is pretty kick ass as well (no victim she). Sanderson doesn't do a very good job with the romance angle, in my opinion, but overall it's a great series to read.
#25: The Quickening (Fiona Mcintosh)
This series was very well written with strong female and male lead. The author's characterization is very strong and I have a feeling that some women may find this series (and other series by said author), quite good. I will point out that this author has been well recommended by some of the commentators here as well.
Other Recommendations
If you ladies are looking for more book recommendations that suites your tastes, here are a few more lists that might peak your interest.
Do you have your own fantasy books for women recommendations? Do you disagree with this list? Do you agree? Share your comments below!
What is your opinion of the Vampire Academy series? I know, it would attract mainly younger women, but these six books I really enjoyed reading. Lots of suspence, surprises....Think about it 
I echo JulesG's recommendation of the dark fantasy Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey. Carey is an adroit writer whose prose is lyrical, mesmerizing and elegant. Unlike Jules, I was caught by the very first line of Kushiel's Dart and not released until "The end." I have purchased and read each of Carey's works and am fascinated by her unique ability to change her voice with every series. I find it somewhat difficult to pigeon hole the Kushiel's series. It has a strong flavor of alternate history, a dollop of romance, a splash of philosophy, all stirred with fast action, sophisticated dialog and complex plot. Carey has become one my favorite new authors along with Brandon Sanderson. I have one caveat about recommending this series. If you aren't a person either interested in or accepting of alternative sexual mores and desires then skip the series. If you can accept that we aren't all wired the same then you have a treat waiting. I made the mistake of recommending them to a well-read fundamentalist Christian friend and they were not well received. I can report that men find the series equally appealing. The highest compliment may be that at the close of the first book my partner got out of bed to take a walk. He said, he needed some solitude to process the lingering flavor of the novel. A great read stays with you as does a great character. Phaedra, the protagonist, lingers. Not because of her sexuality but because of her honor, tenderness and strength of character.
I completely agree with everything you said. I've read the 6 books of the Kushiel series many times and I am surprised each time with the detail and beauty of Carey's writing.
i love fantasy novels with strong female characters, but it's hard to find good ones so thank you very much for this list. it'll keep me busy for a while =D
I really appreciate a list with books with strong female characters, as I’m always looking for new books to read, so thank you! Now, to the big BUT. I find the name of the list and your tone somewhat condescending. Women are fantasy readers too and we 'ladies’ make up 50% of the world population. Treating us like we’re not regular fantasy readers is uncool. And I think there are plenty of guys around who enjoy reading books with strong female characters. Top 25 fantasy books with strong female characters ( that means you’ll have to adapt your list somewhat), would be a much better, and much more interesting title. That way I probably wouldn’t mind it being listed right above the top 25 for children...
I’d also like to add this: Not being able to write decent female characters, or only extremely cliche stereotyped female characters is a serious flaw for a writer, and I think you should treat it that way. From what I can tell from your reviews, you don’t go easy on writers who depend on other tired cliches.
Not only do I, as a woman, completely agree with what you're saying, but I will go further and demand that rather than renaming the list, there should be an equally condescending list entitled 'Top 25 Fantasy Books for Men', based around big brawny male protagonists that are in a constant egotistical conflict (killing a few people every now and then, and committing lots of back alley sexual deviousness, of course) so that its not just the female gender that is being stereotyped.
You forgot anything by Anne McCaffrey. It is not just her recent passing that brings her to mind. Her amazing, strong female characters were written as a deliberate rebuke of the "damsels in distress" of early sci-fi/fantasy. There are many young women who first came to the genre because of the Dragons. In a post-post-feminist world these characters may not hold the weight that they did in the 60s and 70s but the storytelling is timeless.
I actually think the Liveship Traders trilogy is inferior to the six Farseer books in terms of emotional depth. But maybe I'm so used to "male" fantasy that I don't see the flaws. Quite honestly, though, if Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel is on this list (male protagonists), I don't quite see why Lord FitzChivalry is so cruelly rejected. But that's just my opinion :-) .
Thank you very much for compiling this list! More often than not I pick up a fantasy book and am disappointment with it. This list however, has given me a selection of fantasy of which I have read three recommendations and have enjoyed every single one.
I have another set of books which i believe should make it on this list; The Obsidian Trilogy. Although the main protagonist is male, it isn't just a bunch of men going around lopping each others head off! It is sensitive, wittily written and the attention to detail is amazing. Furthermore romance is a prominent theme running throughout the trilogy- which of course is a must!
Great list! I've read many of these and can't wait to get others. I would add Holly Lisle's Secret Texts and Talyn+Hawkspar on here. Her books are very compelling with great female protagonists. hmmm, now I want to go read them again...
Also, Sharon Shinn's other series, start with Mystic and Rider.
Also, I hate to say it, Hamilton's Merry Gentry series is VERY adult, but can be fun. It's not top 25 though.
Thanks for several good lists of fantasy. Been reading since I was 13(currently 62) so I'm accustomed to boy fantasy. I vividly remember the female firsts for the unique experience of female protagonists--Elizabeth Moon's--Paksennarion, LeQuinn--Left Hande of Darkness mixed gender, McCaffrey-Dragons of Pern, Robin Hobb--Liveship Traders. I'm grateful for the current trend of writing mixed gender novels. We live in a world of two genders and even the best swordsman still needs to eat, bathe, and dress. We read fantasy to understand humanity is complex situations. Leaving out either half of the population diminishes the world created. Blessings upon Brandon Sanderson, Martin and Stirling for getting it.
Piratica : Being a Daring Tale of a Singular Girl's Adventure Upon the High Seas by Tanith Lee
For a younger crowd, but still a great read!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
More SF than Fantasy, but has a great female protagonist + femal author.
I wished to join some of the other commenters in their thanks. This is this website contains the best fantasy lists I have found so far. I’m slowly graduating from the teenage/young adult section to the adult fantasy, and at first I was massively disappointed. As a kid or a teen I had read series like LoTR, Abhorshen, Narnia, the Dark Matter chronicle, and everything from Robin Hobb to Robert Jordan and much what’s on your lists that did not contain graphic sex or massive violence. Then after reading G.R.R. Martin (as my first real adult fantasy series), I couldn’t find anything remotely interesting for quite a while and got disenchanted after reading some rather terrible bestselling books. As such I wanted to say thanks for rekindling my love of fantasy.
I have read the Black Jewels Series by Anne Bishop but I would recommend her other series Tir Alainn. The first series is very dark & somewhat disturbing. The Tir Alainn series is softer but equally compelling.
I would also recommend reading Maggie Furey's series Artifacts of Power. If you like a more romance based fantasy I recommend Elizabeth Vaughan's Warprize series.
i am in the third book of "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare and i cannot put down the books. i enjoy every page and sad to see myself getting closer to the end of the series.
Highly recommend her books.
I know it's a bit late to put my two cents in but Carol Berg should definitely be on here. She is very good, much better than Anne bishop , even though I love the black jewels trilogy. Carol Berg writes beautifully, never repeating herself, you become wrapped in her words, which flow smoothly. She is beautifully descriptive, heartbreakingly romantic, and unerringly exciting. Definitely should be in the top 25. I highly suggest her books to all sexes.
Tamora Pierce is also a good author for any women who are looking for a lighter read. Fabulous characters both male and female, ones who you cant help but fall in love with. However these books are aimed slightly at teenagers (hence them not being quite as long as some of your masive tomes of fantasy books) but still a really good read no matter what your age
I agree with Latis. Why not just rename the list to "Fantasy books with well-developed characters and/or strong female protagonists" ? That way, you don't assume that men are less likely to appreciate books with good character development. That said, I absolutely love all of your lists. Thank you so, so much for making them. It has made reading fantasy a joy again for me - now I can instantly find quality without slogging through best-selling trash to get there.
I ove the Abhorsen Trilogy, The game of thrones and The liveship Traders!
I would suggest Michelle Sagara and Maria V snyder
The Empire trilogy by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts was a series with a very strong female character, it was superbly developed and the plot was complex. The characters had depth, not the unidimensional type with one strong trait that defines them and that's it. It was very realistic character-wise and very well thought. 10 out of 10 for this series.
try Fiona Mcintosh..she is amazing!!! and Kristen Britain... also k.s nikakkis, she is new to the scene but her triology is one of the better ones i have read.
Why is Diana Gabaldon not on this list? You have "A Song for Albalion", which are basically the same. Yet Diana's book I would say are geared to women but, I know many men who read and lov her books as well. Her "Outlander" series is awesome. Pleas, Please add her to this list!
You should read Graceling! It is a very impressive novel that makes the reader feel empowered and noble. It's about a girl who is born with a Grace (special skill that is above ordinary level). In her land, Gracelings are feared and mistreated; but she is born with a killing Grace. She can kill anyone in hand to hand combat, archery, swords, whatever. She was taken in by the king before she could be killed as a danger to society, and is made into a royal thug. However, when a prince with the same Grace visits the court, he makes her realize that she doesn't have to be a thug, and that she is actually a beautiful, kind person.
Read Graceling!
I love dark fantasy so absolutely love The Black Jewel Series. But my all time best romantic fantasy book is called Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan. Elizabeth won a RITA for the book and normally it is found in the romance section but it is a fantasy book. She wrote Warprize, Warsworn, and Warlord. Right now Warprize is out of print but I hear it comes out again next year. This is NOT a dark fantasy series but the characters are very strong and think any of you would enjoy it. Happy Reading!