High Priestess (The Dragon Mage Chronicles Book 1)

Beware of Dragons (Or Not): 50 Of The Best Epic Fantasy Series

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It doesn't delve as deeply into the characters as I generally like, but the story is very fascinating and so much fun that I don't mind this very much. Each of the princesses does develop further from the first to the second novel, which is great. This story introduces some new and interesting characters that are very important in the stories of the princesses.

Much of this story focuses around the story of Princess Alexandra, who gains new and interesting positions within the various societies of which she is a part. There was so much going on with her throughout this novel that was insane. Let's just say it involves prophecies in dreams, men in the woods, being stranded on an island, and gaining a connection to a goddess. I can't go into too much detail without giving away all of the best parts. Each of the princesses gets some time in this novel, as they did in the last.

There is more of a focus on Alexandra and perhaps Kristina than any of the others, but we still get some time with Sophia and Allan , Laura, Julia, and Catherine. I am really looking forward to delving more deeply into Catherine's story later in the story. I find her very interesting. The story has a very satisfactory conclusion and doesn't leave you with an extreme cliffhanger as so many novels do these days.

There are certainly unanswered questions and many things to be considered. Some huge revelations regarding the Ballantine family. The first novel in this series could definitely be considered a middle grade book, but this one branches more into the YA world. The characters and situations are far more grown up. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fun, fast fantasy reads. I am really enjoying this series.

I had to rate it five stars because it was so much fun to read that giving it a lower rating just wouldn't have made any sense. This started out so slowly, and I really took a long time getting into it, but eventually parts of it began to grip my attention.

Hassan Al rated it it was ok Jul 17, Fauzia Qureshi rated it it was amazing Jan 28, Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez rated it it was amazing Jul 15, Dawn Obrien marked it as to-read Apr 19, Pam marked it as to-read Apr 19, Arlene marked it as to-read Apr 19, Callie marked it as to-read Apr 19, Jianee Carrasco marked it as to-read Apr 19, Tammy Pooser marked it as to-read Apr 19, Vykki marked it as to-read Apr 19, Frederick Rotzien marked it as to-read Apr 19, Kathy Heare Watts marked it as to-read Apr 19, Nicola Fantom marked it as to-read Apr 19, J marked it as to-read Apr 19, Alaina marked it as to-read Apr 19, Michelle marked it as to-read Apr 19, Betty marked it as to-read Apr 19, Debbie Kennedy marked it as to-read Apr 19, Samantha Gunning marked it as to-read Apr 19, Micielle marked it as to-read Apr 19, Roxanne marked it as to-read Apr 19, Madi Bour marked it as to-read Apr 19, Sue marked it as to-read Apr 19, Nancy Jones marked it as to-read Apr 19, It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good Love as thou wilt.

Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission 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 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. 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. Gavriel 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. 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. 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: 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's worth reading Chalion first if you can get it. If not, then it's not that big of a deal. 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.

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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 that 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. 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. Some outstanding female characters in this book and it's got everything most women would love.

Menzoberranzan

And yes, this one appeals to the guys too. This is a modern fantasy book with modern sensibilities for the modern woman. Its the story of a womans transformation from possessing brittle strength to becoming a woman of steely strength. Its a novel that takes you on the journey that follows Katsa as she matures and evolves. Theres quite a bit of romance involved as well, but its handled so deftly that the whole process never comes off as ham-fisted. Magic is present in the story, but its tastefully done with never so much of it thrown at you that it gets overwhelming. For a book that doesnt flinch at addressing some of the social issues that woman currently face, a book that doesnt flinch at thumbing its nose at some of the conservative values society adheres to, and a book with a well-drawn female protagonist, a gripping plot and an interesting, fantastical world, you wont do any better than Graceling.

This is one of those complex, intelligent books that will stick with you long after you've finished turning the last page. Highly recommended by any woman whos tired of clichd fantasy plots and stereotypical female heroines. A young woman sentenced to die is given a second chance: She takes the job to buy some time to plot her escape.

This is a fascinating and compelling novel that matches a resourceful, intelligent, and well developed protagonist with an equally interesting plot and setting. It makes for some great reading that will delight you. There are some well-trod paths here with the plot and character: 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.

This is a trilogy. Tears of a Heart marks the tale of a young man, Aeden, who unwittingly shapes the world. The writing is beautiful, layered, and timely. Chase Blackwood weaves an intricate tale that hints at so much more. And that may be its greatest challenge. Tears of a Heart, the first book in the series, was beautifully written, and interesting.

It shows us an amazing world filled with detail and depth, but for a portion of it, just a touch slow.

The writing, such beautiful writing, overshadows this, as does the ending. Tower of the Arkein , the next book in the series, is where the story truly begins to unfold, and where Chase Blackwood shines as an author. It is fast paced, full of action, adventure, and love.

A very strong entry in the fantasy genre, and if the next book is equally as good, expect it to make quite a splash. You can buy on Amazon now. Berg writes some of the best female heroines in the genre — all of them are carefully developed personalities with a lot of depth to them. The world is well drawn as is the wonderful cast of characters — the female protagonist especially stands out. Oh yes, this book 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.

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. 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 above, the entire plot is not based on romance, but the strong female characters, well-developed world, and addicting plot make this a must read for the fairer sex.

In the year , 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: 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 written in a sort of Victorian-era flowery prose. The flowery prose my be off-putting at first, but the mesmerizing 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.

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Women who love the Jane Austen style settings and prose will especially be delighted. 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 loathe each other and it's interesting to see how their relationship evolves over the span of the novel. Those looking for a complicated love story, look no further than Archangel -- it's a fantasy book that will make women swoon! Highly recommended if you want a full-on epic fantasy in the vein of say, Jordan but with heroines who don't act like tweens. 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 romantic 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 who want a fantasy book with action and good romance, this is your book. In a world outside reality, a young girl's spirit hovers between incarnations, knowing neither her past nor her future.

The Maiden in the Tower: German Oracles and Matrons

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. The entire premise of the series is also pretty interesting: And who doesn't love a magical story about two lovers trapped in a cycle of rebirth — always destined to meet one another with each passing cycle? Lots of romance, betrayal, redemption in this one.

Great for those who like romance fantasy or even something a little different. 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. These books are epic fantasy with a darker edge. And they are somewhat scary as well. The three books all feature 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.

Sabriel is the first in the trilogy and arguably the best one, featuring a very compelling female protaganist. The first book is about a male character, but the story is such that it will appeal to women too and 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.

The Tomes of Autun book 2 and book 4. Coming from the author of The Left Hand of Darkness, you can expect well-drawn female characters who are not content to play second fiddle to any male hero. Yet more epic fantasy. This one is a "man's fantasy" but there are some well-written female characters as well. Again, this is "guy fantasy" but there are also some good female characters -- strong ones.

More epic fantasy from a male author. But this one centers about a female protagonist.

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