11 Enthralling Fantasy Series Written By Women
Fantasy stories have the power to transport all readers to magical lands and faraway places. But as a woman, it can be frustrating when male authors pigeon-hole their female characters as love interests, dainty princesses, or damsels in distress. Luckily, there are plenty of talented women who have contributed to the genre. Here is our list of eleven fantasy series written by women who do an amazing job of building enthralling worlds and filling them with fascinating characters. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
11 Enthralling Fantasy Series Written By Women
Ground-Breaking Female Authors
The contemporary authors on our list are part of a decades-long tradition of women writing fantasy. Here are a few writers who have penned classic works in the genre:
- Patricia A. McKillip: Author of Riddle-Master
- Robin McKinley: Author of Beauty
- Katherine Kurtz: Author of Camber of Culdi
- Gloria Naylor: Author of Mama Day
- Ursula K. Le Guin: Author of The Earthsea Cycle
Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy
In Depth
Reading fantasy novels can be a great way of escaping the simplicity of everyday life. It can take you to extraordinary places and make you experience heart-pounding adventures that aren't bound by earthly limitations. So if you're interested in traveling to unusual worlds and meeting bizarre creatures, then these enthralling fantasy series written by women will certainly satisfy your imagination. In no particular order, here is our list of eleven.
Starting off at #1 is the series "An Ember in the Ashes." Sabaa Tahir gives us a story that combines historical brutality with supernatural elements. Set in a world similar to the Roman Empire, the narrative follows the alternating viewpoints of Laia, who makes a pact with rebels in order to rescue her brother, and Elias, a soldier who is struggling to free himself from the tyrannical regime. This genre-bending tale features a mix of history, fantasy, and dystopian thrills, making the storyline unpredictable and captivating.
At #2 is the "Remnant Chronicles" series. It follows the story of Lia, a princess who runs away from her kingdom to flee from an arranged marriage with a prince she doesn't know. As she starts a new life in a small village, two young men with contrasting motives arrive, and Lia finds herself tangled up in a love triangle. Mary E. Pearson shows us a complex world with different languages, religions, and political views, and a huge plot twist in conclusion.
As she starts a new life in a small village, two young men with contrasting motives arrive, and Lia finds herself tangled up in a love triangle.
What we have at #3 is the "Monstress" series, which is a set of graphic novels that tell the story of Maika, a girl with a monster living inside of her. Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda give us a supernatural world that is torn apart by racism and slavery. A professor cat named Tam Tam teaches readers about its unique history and geography.
As Maika searches for her past, the tale presents us with a matriarchal society that explores feminist issues and gives importance to women in every facet of life. It delves into the theme of sisterhood while engaging readers with grotesque scenarios in stunning illustrations.
At #4 is the "Steampunk Chronicles" series. Written by Kady Cross, the story is set in an alternate version of Victorian London, where steam-powered vehicles are combined with androids, rogues, and supernatural ladies. It follows the life of four misfits who possess extraordinary abilities, which they use to protect one another and their country from dark forces. Cross features each characters' backstory and captivates readers with a tale full of intriguing technology, great friendship, exciting adventures, and a touch of romance.
It follows the life of four misfits who possess extraordinary abilities, which they use to protect one another and their country from dark forces.
What we have at #5 is the "Shadow Falls: After Dark" series, which is a sequel to the "Shadow Falls" series by C. C. Hunter. After being turned into a vampire, Della Tsang takes refuge at Shadow Falls, a summer camp for supernatural beings. As she makes friends and searches for her place in the world, she finds her heart torn between a powerful vampire and an alluring shapeshifter. Hunter gives us a young adult narrative that signifies inner strength in the midst of trials.
Coming in at #6 is the "Loom Saga" series, which features a world of steampunk gadgets, magic, and mythical creatures. Elise Kova presents an action-packed tale that is set in a realm where dragons rule the heavens and the land of Loom. It mainly follows the perspective of three characters from three different races that possess diverse abilities and appearances. As they form an unlikely alliance to defeat the dragon king, the story takes on an epic experience about vengeance, family, love, and power-struggles.
At #7 is the "Elemental Trilogy" by Sherry Thomas. The story revolves around Iolanthe, an elemental mage whose destiny is to face the most powerful tyrant of her time. As she attends school disguised as a boy, she meets Prince Titus, who is searching for the prophesied mage who will release their people from the bondage of New Atlantis.
As she attends school disguised as a boy, she meets Prince Titus, who is searching for the prophesied mage who will release their people from the bondage of New Atlantis.
Thomas presents a world that is divided into magic and non-magic, as she shows Titus also attending school at Eton College, where people have no idea mages exist. Filled with political intrigue, the narrative tackles the subjects of identity, fate, and free will.
At #8 is the "Biker Witches Mystery" series. The story follows the life of Lizzie, an average preschool teacher who discovers she is a demon slayer on her 30th birthday, when her witch grandmother surprisingly appears to her for the first time. As demons begin to attack her, she meets a shapeshifter named Dimitri who claims to be her protector. Angie Fox gives us a humorous fantasy that features a cute little talking dog, quirky details, suspense, redemption, and an unusual romance that is tangled between the world of devils and humans.
Coming in at #9 is the "Strange the Dreamer" series. Laini Taylor presents a tale that explores the themes of hope, tolerance, and forgiveness. It tells the story of Lazlo, a junior librarian who makes it his quest to find the lost and forgotten city of Weep. As he meets Sarai, a blue-skinned goddess who appears in his dreams, the duology goes on an unusual path regarding the relationship between heroes and monsters. With a romance that depicts the meaning of redemption, the narrative enthralls readers with a mythical world of dreams, nightmares, and wonder.
As he meets Sarai, a blue-skinned goddess who appears in his dreams, the duology goes on an unusual path regarding the relationship between heroes and monsters.
At #10 is the "Shadow Reader" series. The story follows the viewpoint of McKenzie, a 26-year-old human girl whose job is to track down rebel fae for their ruler, King Atroth. Sandy Williams shows us a world where these supernatural creatures can travel back and forth between Earth and their realm.
Most mortals do not know about their existence, and there are some who are aware, but intend to destroy the fae, along with the humans working for them. The tale also features a complicated love triangle between the two races, and a forbidden romance that drives the heroine to make an important choice about what she truly desires.
Finally, at #11 is the "Imdalind" series, which revolves around the life of Joclyn, an ordinary girl who struggles to hide the dragon-shaped mark she got from a bug bite when she was five years old. As her estranged father gives her a peculiar stone on her birthday, another realm opens for the heroine and her best friend Ryland.
As her estranged father gives her a peculiar stone on her birthday, another realm opens for the heroine and her best friend Ryland.
Rebecca Ethington gives us an expansive world that contains a lot of mysterious phenomenal elements, keeping readers guessing throughout the series. With a plot full of suspense and unpredictable scenarios, the story shows us the different viewpoints of each character, and a unique perspective on the concept of magic.
