If you’ve heard all the hype about fantasy books online and you’re wondering where to start, girl, I got you! I have hand selected the perfect start pack of fantasy books for women!
I originally was not sold on fantasy novels until I read ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) series and was immediately hooked. Before I started reading fantasy, I enjoyed Colleen Hoover, Lucy Score, or books that were fiction but based in our reality. Once I made the switch to fantasy books, I literally couldn’t go back. They are so addictive and fun.
To begin, there are so many reasons you should start reading fantasy books, or the subgenre, romantasy books, a twist of both romance and fantasy.
- Immersive, world building
- Love stories as a side plot, with action and plot twists as the main attraction
- Strong female leads
- Complex, well rounded characters
All of the books I am recommending are books written by women FOR women. There is a reason fantasy romance is having a resurgence, they cater to us! These characters are deep and well thought out. You will be hooked no matter which you choose first!
*I try not to give away any spoilers but I list out the intriguing things about each book or series to guide you in the right direction to find the best fantasy book for you*
Look no further for a starter list of captivating fantasy books for women!
7 Captivating Fantasy Books for Women
1.) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass
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First, I am starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses. This is a great fantasy book for women trying to get into the genre. The world building is well developed but not too complex that it’s hard to follow. Next, action is the main plot point with romance being the subplot that keeps you going. There are familiar themes found outside of the fantasy world such as heartbreak, loss, growth, and inner turmoil. I recommend starting with this series if you are wanting to delve into the fantasy genre.
Feyre Archereon, the protagonist and narrator of A Court of Thorns and Roses, accidentally kills a wolf and is forced to make a choice: die or live as a captive in the faerie lands of Prythian. The choices made along the way and the characters tangle into a captivating story of finding yourself in the darkest moments.
Read ACOTAR if you like:
- Sisterly love
- Strong Female Lead
- Villain gets the girl
- Complex, well developed characters
- Deep human emotions (in a fantasy world!)
- Action packed battle scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat
Once you read A Court of Thorns and Roses, there are four more books in the series. The series first follows Feyre as the protagonist and narrator but we get the viewpoints of many other side characters towards the last few books. The different points of view bring a depth to the story that wouldn’t have been achieved through just Feyre’s lens.
2.) Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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Next, if you are looking for fantasy books for women, Fourth Wing is a must! Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, a former recruit for the Scribe Quadrant, where she would have lived a quiet, reserved life, joins the Riders Quadrant, where she will go through the trials and tribulations of trying to become a dragon rider.
Rebecca Yarros followed up Fourth Wing with Iron Flame, a sequel that is sure to keep you equally and enthralled as the first!
Read Fourth Wing if you like:
- Enemies to Lovers
- The Divergent Series
- Dragons
- High Fantasy
- Strong Female Lead
- Cliffhanger
3.) Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
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After Fourth Wing, of course I have another Sarah J. Mass series recommendation. Throne of Glass is another high fantasy novel that will hook you immediately.
The world in Throne of Glass is ruled by a harsh king who summons an assassin from her prison camp to win her freedom. She fights other competitors for her place as the potential King’s champion.
Celaena Sardothien attempts to focus on the competition but as some evil presence begins killing off her competitors, she is forced into an investigation to find out the truth. She is intelligent and has depth. Furthermore, she captures the essence of a truly complicated and well thought out protagonist.
Read Throne of Glass if you like:
- Assassin/warriors
- Forbidden magic
- Strong female lead who is the complete opposite of the helpless herioin trope
- A splash of humour
- Love triangle drama
4.)From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Next on the list, we have a serious contender for best immersive fantasy book that makes you forget about reality for awhile.
Poppy’s journey has been laid out for her since she was born. The journey of a maiden is one of solitude, where she is to never be spoken to, looked at, or approached at all. She desires nothing more than to fight with the guards and protect the kingdom. The entire fate of the kingdom rests on her Ascension, and Hawke Flynn, guard is there to ensure it happens.
Read From Blood and Ash if:
- Friendship and betrayal
- Twisted politics
- Romance and passion
- Mythical creatures
- Forgotten civilizations
5.) Crescent City House of Blood and Earth by Sarah J. Mass
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Then we have the third and equally as intriguing Sarah J. Mass series, Crescent City.
In addition to The Throne of Glass and ACOTAR series, The Crescent City series is a quintessential piece of fantasy books for women by women. The genre of romantasy is ruled by Sarah J. Mass. This book made me LOSE my mind. I loved it so much. The plot twist just about had me throwing my kindle against the wall, but so do all the best books, right?
Half fae, half human Bryce Quinlain’s life was going great. She was roomates with her best friend, Danika Fendryr and partied regularly. Her whole life gets turned upside down when someone close to her is murdered. The first Crescent City series book, House of Earth and Blood, follows Bryce’s journey of revenge. Bryce teams up with fallen Angel, Hunt, to solve the murder.
This contemporary high fantasy weaves in classic fantasy elements with modern components.
Read Crescent City if you like:
- Character development
- Urban Fantasy
- World on the brink of war
- SO many plot twists you’ll be on the edge of your seat
- Emotional, intense scenes
- Female friendships
6.) The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
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Next, a fantasy book for women that cannot be missed is The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.
A brutal murder lands Jude, her twin sister Taryn, and her older sister Vivienne, in the care of the redcap general-Mardoc. Forced to live amongst the faeries, Jude wants nothing more than to be accepted and to fit in. The faeries don’t like humans like Jude, especially Prince Cardan, who she must pull one over. The twists and turns reveal more to Jude about herself than she could have ever imagined.
Read The Cruel Prince if you like
- Fae
- Enemies to Lovers
- Underdog protagonist
- Unique and strong family dynamics
- Twisted Fairytale
7.) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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Lastly, a young adult fantasy novel that will immediately suck you into it’s fantasy world is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.
Six of Crows follows six protagonists. Six teengers in the city of Ketterdam with the same mission, kidnap Bo Yul-Bayur, a scientist from the Ice Court and get the lump sum promised. Each character is impressive, tough, and skillful in their own right. The unlikely group is put together as a crew to complete the task. A spy heist mixed with an intricate fantasy plot, this book is hard to put down!
Read the Six of Crows if you like:
- Heist movies/books (think fantasy Ocean’s Eleven)
- Strong character arcs
- Group dynamics and banter
- Action packed with a side of romance
- Engaging World Building
Whatever your preference is, you will find an amazing starter series or stand alone book from this list of captivating fantasy books for women. There is something for everyone in the romtansy genre.
This post offers suggestions for a jumping off point into the vast genre of fantasy books for women. I can’t wait for you to begin your journey into this immersive and enchanting. Happy Reading Friends!
looking for more book suggestions? Check out my other blog post:
11 Books to Read if You Like Colleen Hoover
