The 9 Best Fantasy Books with Strong Female Leads
I’ve always been a fan of the fantasy genre, especially when it comes to books that feature strong female leads.
Because there’s nothing more annoying than reading female protagonists in fantasy books who are one-dimensional stereotypes of the damsel in distress!
Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more diverse and empowering representations of women in the world of fantasy. As a result, we can now find an impressive array of books that not only transport us to incredible realms and universes but also celebrate the strength and resilience of female characters. These stories often blend elements of fantasy with other genres, including science fiction, magical realism, and post-apocalyptic themes, creating a rich and diverse tapestry of narratives.
When I think about the best fantasy books with strong female leads, it’s hard to pick just a few. There are countless novels that offer unique and refreshing perspectives on the genre while honoring the powerful, strong women at their core.
But I’ve narrowed it down to my top 10 (in no particular order).
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1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Let me tell you about one of my favorite fantasy books with strong female leads: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
The first novel in an epic fantasy series, this book introduces us to Celaena Sardothian, Rifthold’s most feared assassin, and Manon Blackbeak, a Wyrven-riding witch known for her life of destruction.
Celaena Sardothian: She’s fierce and resilient, having been through a lot in her young life, yet she still manages to find moments of softness and vulnerability.
Manon Blackbeak: A more mysterious character at first, Manon’s journey reveals her impressive growth as she discovers her own power and the importance of choices.
Writing female characters with depth and complexity is crucial in fantasy literature, as it allows for the portrayal of strong, autonomous women who can inspire and empower readers.
These two incredible ladies are on separate, captivating character arcs that allow them to grow in unexpected ways.
Their stories intertwine at various points as they face challenges and personal struggles as they try to unite Erilea against the evil forces trying to take over their land.
You’ve got a mixture of fantasy, politics, and royal intrigue. The plot is filled with hidden agendas, dangerous secrets, multiple romance subplots, and the pursuit of power, which will leave you eager to find out what happens next.
It’s one of my favorite series of all time, and my favorite by this author.
2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is one of my “auto-buy” authors and will read anything she writes. The Poppy War is her first book features a strong female lead, Rin, who is fiercely dedicated to her elite military school in Nikan. Although it’s not my favorite book of Kuang’s (Babel takes that title) it’s still a powerful read.
Rin’s determination and perseverance are qualities that are quite admirable – at least in the beginning. But as the story progresses, she becomes more and more morally grey as she becomes blinded by revenge.
Now, I can’t talk about this book without mentioning how dark it is.
The Poppy War deals with heavy themes and has scenes that can leave you emotionally drained. Just a heads up, this book may not be the best choice for people looking for a light-hearted read.
The fantasy elements in the story come alive as Rin hones her magical gifts. She becomes a person embroiled in war, and through her eyes, we witness firsthand how brutal and far-reaching the consequences of war can be.
So, in summary, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang embodies everything I love in a fantasy book—strong female lead, political intrigue, dark themes, war, and fantasy world-building. But it’s super dark and although there’s no denying that Rin is a strong female, she certainly isn’t the most ethical.
3. A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
I recently read A Broken Blade a few months ago, and it’s got one of the most interesting strong female characters I’ve come across in a while.
The story revolves around Keera, an exceptional assassin with a slight hiccup; she’s got a drinking problem.
Keera takes us on some real nail-biting adventures throughout the book. Each chapter takes you deeper into her struggle as she battles both personal demons and the baddies.
Her fierce fights and thrilling slay-offs never disappoint, with Melissa Blair describing every detail in a flow that hooks you in.
What I particularly enjoyed about A Broken Blade was that the female characters feel real and complex. It was also refreshing to have a lead female protagonist who was older than 25 – if not in appearance, than at least in physical age.
The book effortlessly combines action, adventure, and emotional depth to deliver fans an unforgettable reading experience. Just remember to clear your schedule when picking up this book, because trust me, it’s nearly impossible to put down.
4. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson offers a fresh take on what it means to be a “strong female,” in a story.
Initially, our protagonist Tress doesn’t strike you as your typical powerful figure – she’s just a meek girl living on an isolated island of salt.
However, when her friend Charlie finds himself in danger in a faraway land, Tress realizes she must come to his aid, or no one else will. So she sets off on an adventure across a dangerous sea of magical (and deadly) spores, befriending rats, pirates, and even a dragon along the way.
This is also a great book to start with if you’re looking to get into Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. It’s not overly long but is one of the best standalones I have ever read (along with Yumi & The Nightmare Painter – and yes, Yumi could just as easily be on this list too!)
5. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
I can’t talk about fantasy books with strong ladies without mentioning A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.
It’s the first in the Shades of Magic series and has totally captured my heart, in no small part due to Delilah Bard, the main female protagonist.
The story features a 1800s London fantasy setting and revolves around magic and parallel universes with magic. You follow the adventures of Kell, one of the last magical beings known as Antari, and Delilah (aka Lila) Bard, a skilled thief who ends up on an unexpected journey alongside him.
Delilah Bard is the definition of a strong female lead. She’s fierce and doesn’t give a hoot what other people think. As a (perhaps overly) self-reliant character, she refuses to let anyone define her or dictate her actions.
By not conforming to traditional gender roles, she carves her own path and does things her own way.
I absolutely love how fearless she is and how she continuously fights for what she believes is right.
Also, the relationship that develops between Lila and Kell is one of the highlights of the series for me.
It’s intriguing to see two characters with their own strengths and challenges grow together, complementing each other along the way.
Although Delilah is seen as hard to most, she and Kell form a fascinating bond that I can’t get enough of!
6. A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
I just finished reading this book a few days ago, and although it was a bit short for my tastes, there are some great things about it and the lead female protagonist is one of them.
The main character, Arthie, is the embodiment of resilience and strength.
Tragedy strikes at a young age, but instead of succumbing to despair, she learns to fend for herself and manages to create an empire of tea out of nothing.
Faizal does a fantastic job of making you feel connected to Arthie and seeing her evolve throughout the story.
You can’t help but root for her as she faces adversity head-on.
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy books with an 1880s vibe and a heaping dose fo vampires, give A Tempest of Tea a read – or read my full review first!
7. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Oh, how I love the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson! It’s a phenomenal epic fantasy tale with a fantastic female protagonist, Vin.
Vin’s journey from a street urchin to one of the most influential figures in the world of Scadrial is nothing short of amazing, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
The magic system in this series is incredibly unique, with mistings and mistborns who ingest metals to gain extraordinary abilities.
As a Mistborn, Vin possesses an incredible range of powers that she gradually learns to control throughout the story.
This in-depth magic system is one of the things I find most fascinating about Mistborn and sets it apart from other fantasy series, along with some other aspects that make this series of my all-time favorites:
Strong female lead: Vin defies gender stereotypes and is a force to be reckoned with in the highly male-dominated environment of Scadrial.
Political intrigue: The intricacies of politics and power struggles are a huge part of the story, and Vin’s role in these machinations adds a layer of complexity that keeps the reader engaged.
Magic system: As I mentioned earlier, the unique magic system involving ingested metals and the associated abilities is captivating and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Epic fantasy: This series is set in a meticulously crafted world full of history and lore, making it a must-read for any fans of the epic fantasy genre.
Mind-Blowing Ending: Each book in the series mind-blowing plot twists at the end – especially The Hero of Ages, which is why this trilogy is my Roman Empire.
As for Vin, I enjoyed watching her Vin grow and change throughout the books. She begins as a character with little power or influence, but as she hones her skills (both with metals and in politics), she emerges as a strong, determined woman. It’s truly inspiring to witness her transformation.
Just do yourself a favor and read it!
8. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
The protagonist from The City of Brass is Nahri, a skilled con artist, who unintentionally summons a formidable Djinn warrior, setting off an extraordinary sequence of events and discoveries.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the rich and detailed world that Chakraborty created for Nahri and her adventures.
The intricate world-building is really something to marvel at! (In fact, it might be a bit too intense for some.) The book has everything from ancient magical cities to a fresh take on Middle Eastern lore, resulting in a fascinating and immersive reading experience.
The story doesn’t shy away from political intrigue either.
The author skillfully weaves complex and engaging storylines that keep your mind racing in tandem with Nahri’s incredible adventures. You’ll find yourself plunged into a world of manipulation, power plays, and hidden alliances.
9. Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Carissa Broadbent is a master at writing strong woman protagonists, but out of all of her books, I think the best example is Tisaanah from Daughter of No Worlds.
As a child who grew up displaced from her homeland, she has managed to survive through sheer determination, resourcefulness, and even a touch of magic.
One of the best aspects of this book is the unique “grumpy/sunshine” romance that adds depth and intrigue to the story.
It’s not only a joy to read, but it also adds another dimension to how a strong female character can balance her relationships alongside her own personal growth and development.
It hits all the right spots when it comes to a fantasy book with a strong female lead. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling story featuring a remarkable protagonist and a magical world where determination and self-discovery prevail.
Conclusion
There are many more books with strong female characters to be sure, and I purposefully left out some of the more well-known ones (like the mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen of Game of Thrones fame, for example), but these are my personal favorites that I think more people should read!
All of these are fantasy book series, so you should be set for some quality reading with your new fictional female friends for a good while. Enjoy the girl power!
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