10 Superb Fantasy Novels Starring Female Protagonists

10 Superb Fantasy Novels Starring Female Protagonists

8 Great Fantasy Films with Female Leads

1. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
2. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
3. Practical Magic (1998)
4. Enchanted (2007)
5. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
6. Blood and Chocolate (2007)
7. Labyrinth (1986)
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Classic Works of Fantasy

The authors on this list stand on the shoulders of many famous writers who came before them and influenced the genre. Here are a few works that made fantasy what it is today:

• A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
• Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Once and Future King by T.H. White
• Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Why Fantasy Matters

In Depth

Fantasy novels offer readers compelling stories, from wild vampire love affairs to thrilling adventures in magical worlds. And while this genre used to almost exclusively feature men and boys, it's come a long way since Tolkien's time. With that in mind, we've gathered some of the best fantasy novels featuring female main characters. In no particular order, here is our list of ten.

At the #1 spot is "Dark Hope" by H D Smith. It tells the story of twenty-one-year-old Claire Cooper who is the Devil's personal assistant. Trapped in the complicated politics of the non-human world around her, she is a target for the Druid King's mafia, a suspect in the murder of the Devil's son Junior, and a contender for the throne of the Fallen Queen. In order to protect herself, she goes on a quest to different worlds, encountering magic and mystery along the way.

Following at #2 is "The Poppy War," by Chinese-American author R.F. Kuang. This epic tale of treachery and magic was inspired by twentieth century China. The plot centers on Rin, a war orphan whose foster parents are drug dealers. When she is forced to marry an unattractive older man, she decides to apply to Sinegard, an elite military school. There, she discovers her lethal ability to interact with the spirit world. This unearthly power may be the only chance for Rin's people to be saved from an impending war.

The plot centers on Rin, a war orphan whose foster parents are drug dealers.

Next, at #3 is "Glow: The Revelations of Oriceran" by authors S. M. Boyce, Martha Carr, and Michael Anderle. This is an exciting story about the life of Victoria Brie, a normal teenager whose parents are killed by an evil elf. Devastated and confused, she sets out to avenge them. She teams up with her best friend Audrey to go to the strange new world of Fairhaven, where they meet many different creatures who help them solve the mystery behind her folks' gruesome murder.

Taking the #4 spot is "The Light Who Shines," the first installment in the Bluebell Kildare series. Written by Lilo Abernathy, this is an urban fantasy with paranormal and romantic elements. Main character Bluebell Kildare is a homicide inspector for the Supernatural Investigation Bureau. She uses her abilities as an empath to solve murder cases. However, in a world where normal people and vampires coexist, Blue must deal with prejudice, dangerous magic, and greed.

Coming in at #5 is "How to Save an Undead Life" by bestselling author Hailey Edwards. The first in five books of the Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series, this novel tells the story of Grier Woolworth, an ex-necromancer who has recently been released from prison. She is given a chance to start over by working as a haunted tour guide in downtown Savannah, sharing tales of lost souls and tragedies to tourists. As the story unfolds, Grier is forced to use her powers in order to protect herself.

As the story unfolds, Grier is forced to use her powers in order to protect herself.

Following at #6 is "The Phoenix Illusion," the final installment in a six-part series called the SPI Files. Written by Lisa Shearin, it features the adventures of Makenna Fraser, an investigator at the agency of Supernatural Protection and Investigation. During her birthday party, a building from outer space literally crashes into the ground. She soon realizes that the structure is her goblin boyfriend's house from his own planet. Mak investigates to figure out how and why this happened, and the clues point to an even bigger disaster that is about to transpire.

Next, at #7 is a standalone paranormal romance titled "Stone Obsession." Authored by Julie Morgan, the story centers on Amaryah, a siren who is on a quest to find a Legacy Stone that will make her world a better place again. Cursed by dark magic, she must survive in a place where creatures turn into fierce predators and the waters are plagued. As she continues on her journey, she faces difficult threats that jeopardize her mission, and her chance to experience love.

Taking the #8 spot is "Shiv Crew," by Laken Cane. This is the first installment in a series titled after the main character, Rune Alexander. As an agent in her county's law enforcement, it is her responsibility to protect the humans from supernatural beings, such as vampires and rogue wolves. However, when she learns that an unknown human is leading a group that inflicts harm on the dark creatures, Rune and her crew must reassess the situation and stop this abuse.

However, when she learns that an unknown human is leading a group that inflicts harm on the dark creatures, Rune and her crew must reassess the situation and stop this abuse.

Coming in at #9 is "Desolate," a paranormal romance. Authored by Amy Miles, this is volume one in the Immortal Rose Trilogy series. It features Roseline Dragomir, a young woman who became an immortal. Bound by a marriage vow with a cruel killer, she lives in constant fear. One day, she meets another immortal who shows her that not all vampires are evil and that life is still worth living. This book is dark, twisted, and compelling, keeping readers glued to the pages until the very end.

Finally, at #10 is "The Crow Box" by Nikki Rae. The main character is a college art student named Corbin. With a family history of mental illness, she fears that she is at the brink of insanity when she starts to hear a voice from the dusty wooden box that she discovered. However, something inside her makes her believe that the voice is real. As the story progresses, she struggles to draw the line between reality and imagination. Readers will enjoy the dark and wild ride that this novel offers.