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Genre Guide
Fantasy - Female-centric
By:
ChristchurchLib
Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Staff-created list
Tired of fantasy novels dominated by male heroes and patriarchal societies? Check out this selection of fantasy focusing on strong female characters and feminist themes! There's something to suit everyone, whether your tastes lie down in the dungeons with some gritty and violent grimdark; in the streets of urban fantasy where supernatural themes and magic collide with the modern world; with the highly-charged political intrigue à la Game of Thrones; or simply some good old classic high fantasy filled with otherworldly characters and exotic world-building. Embrace the heroine with these compelling and diverse fantasy tales! A Christchurch City Libraries List.
By:
ChristchurchLib
Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
18 items
18 items
Book - 2019
The house of Berethnet has ruled for a thousand years and Queen Sabran must protect her realm from destruction. This is an epic, female driven fantasy tal...Show more
The house of Berethnet has ruled for a thousand years and Queen Sabran must protect her realm from destruction. This is an epic, female driven fantasy tale filled with dragons, betrayal, politics, and adventure! If you are drawn to the world of Lord of the Rings this is similar but with lesbian, gay, and queer characters and a matriarchal society. A hefty novel at 800 pages, but a truly incredible world with wonderful characters; a real page-turner!
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The house of Berethnet has ruled for a thousand years and Queen Sabran must protect her realm from destruction. This is an epic, female driven fantasy tal...Show more
The house of Berethnet has ruled for a thousand years and Queen Sabran must protect her realm from destruction. This is an epic, female driven fantasy tale filled with dragons, betrayal, politics, and adventure! If you are drawn to the world of Lord of the Rings this is similar but with lesbian, gay, and queer characters and a matriarchal society. A hefty novel at 800 pages, but a truly incredible world with wonderful characters; a real page-turner!
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Book - 2020
Normally a writer of fantasy for teens, Sarah J Maas delves deep into the world of high fantasy for adults with House of Earth and Blood, a richly imagina...Show more
Normally a writer of fantasy for teens, Sarah J Maas delves deep into the world of high fantasy for adults with House of Earth and Blood, a richly imaginative novel full of suspense and memorable characters. Set in an intriguing urban fantasy world with demons, angels, werewolves and more, this heart-pounding tale follows half-human half-fae Bryce Quinlan, who finds herself teaming up with a fallen angel to track down the murderer of one of her closest friends.
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Normally a writer of fantasy for teens, Sarah J Maas delves deep into the world of high fantasy for adults with House of Earth and Blood, a richly imagina...Show more
Normally a writer of fantasy for teens, Sarah J Maas delves deep into the world of high fantasy for adults with House of Earth and Blood, a richly imaginative novel full of suspense and memorable characters. Set in an intriguing urban fantasy world with demons, angels, werewolves and more, this heart-pounding tale follows half-human half-fae Bryce Quinlan, who finds herself teaming up with a fallen angel to track down the murderer of one of her closest friends.
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Book - 2015
Strong heroines, exquisite world-building and a dystopian setting drive this reality-bending series by N K Jemisin. Set in a violent and changing landscap...Show more
Strong heroines, exquisite world-building and a dystopian setting drive this reality-bending series by N K Jemisin. Set in a violent and changing landscape, the civilisation on the planet's single supercontinent has structured its society into a regimented caste system. Against the backdrop of this caste system and deadly land, Jemisin examines oppression and systems of power, as her protagonist flees the wreckage of her family in a struggle for survival.
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Strong heroines, exquisite world-building and a dystopian setting drive this reality-bending series by N K Jemisin. Set in a violent and changing landscap...Show more
Strong heroines, exquisite world-building and a dystopian setting drive this reality-bending series by N K Jemisin. Set in a violent and changing landscape, the civilisation on the planet's single supercontinent has structured its society into a regimented caste system. Against the backdrop of this caste system and deadly land, Jemisin examines oppression and systems of power, as her protagonist flees the wreckage of her family in a struggle for survival.
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by Kuang, R. F.
Book - 2018
This military fantasy series is inspired by modern Chinese history, and features a complex system of magic, elements of grimdark, and a badass female lead...Show more
This military fantasy series is inspired by modern Chinese history, and features a complex system of magic, elements of grimdark, and a badass female lead! When a poor peasant girl makes it into the elite Sinegard military school, she is mercilessly picked on for her differences...but soon discovers her unique powers in the near-lost art of Shamanism. In the meantime, a deadly war is brewing. Will Rin use her powers to save her people?
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This military fantasy series is inspired by modern Chinese history, and features a complex system of magic, elements of grimdark, and a badass female lead...Show more
This military fantasy series is inspired by modern Chinese history, and features a complex system of magic, elements of grimdark, and a badass female lead! When a poor peasant girl makes it into the elite Sinegard military school, she is mercilessly picked on for her differences...but soon discovers her unique powers in the near-lost art of Shamanism. In the meantime, a deadly war is brewing. Will Rin use her powers to save her people?
Show less
Book - 2017
Reality, history and mythology collide in this fabulous fantasy series based on Middle Eastern mythologies. Nahri, a con artist with a magical gift for he...Show more
Reality, history and mythology collide in this fabulous fantasy series based on Middle Eastern mythologies. Nahri, a con artist with a magical gift for healing, is torn from her reality in Cairo when she learns the folk stories are real– by inadvertently summoning a djinn! Together they must avoid the terrifying ifrit, uncover their mysterious pasts, and navigate the political climate in the djinn city of Daevabad. Full of flawed and fleshed-out characters, a magical (literally) historical setting, and a somewhat slow burning yet very intriguing plot, this will make a great read for fans of Catherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
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Reality, history and mythology collide in this fabulous fantasy series based on Middle Eastern mythologies. Nahri, a con artist with a magical gift for he...Show more
Reality, history and mythology collide in this fabulous fantasy series based on Middle Eastern mythologies. Nahri, a con artist with a magical gift for healing, is torn from her reality in Cairo when she learns the folk stories are real– by inadvertently summoning a djinn! Together they must avoid the terrifying ifrit, uncover their mysterious pasts, and navigate the political climate in the djinn city of Daevabad. Full of flawed and fleshed-out characters, a magical (literally) historical setting, and a somewhat slow burning yet very intriguing plot, this will make a great read for fans of Catherine Arden and Naomi Novik.
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Book - 2017
A visceral read in the vein of Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, 'Godblind' offers a fast-moving story with a multi-character narrative. The sons of a dying ...Show more
A visceral read in the vein of Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, 'Godblind' offers a fast-moving story with a multi-character narrative. The sons of a dying king struggle for control of the throne. An escaped slave brings news of an encroaching invasion. The cruel and bloodthirsty Red Gods hunger for control. 'Godblind' is Anna Stephens' compelling and viscous debut onto the Grimdark scene.
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A visceral read in the vein of Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, 'Godblind' offers a fast-moving story with a multi-character narrative. The sons of a dying ...Show more
A visceral read in the vein of Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, 'Godblind' offers a fast-moving story with a multi-character narrative. The sons of a dying king struggle for control of the throne. An escaped slave brings news of an encroaching invasion. The cruel and bloodthirsty Red Gods hunger for control. 'Godblind' is Anna Stephens' compelling and viscous debut onto the Grimdark scene.
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Book - 2010
The Deed of Paksenarrion follows a sheepfarmer's daughter who at 18 leaves home and undergoes military training to become a mercenary. There's adventure, ...Show more
The Deed of Paksenarrion follows a sheepfarmer's daughter who at 18 leaves home and undergoes military training to become a mercenary. There's adventure, fantastic characters and emotional depth...and all set in a medieval high fantasy world with humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, giant spiders and more!
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The Deed of Paksenarrion follows a sheepfarmer's daughter who at 18 leaves home and undergoes military training to become a mercenary. There's adventure, ...Show more
The Deed of Paksenarrion follows a sheepfarmer's daughter who at 18 leaves home and undergoes military training to become a mercenary. There's adventure, fantastic characters and emotional depth...and all set in a medieval high fantasy world with humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, giant spiders and more!
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Book - 1996
An offshoot of the 'Riftwar' saga which definitely deserves its own mention. The 'Empire Trilogy' takes place on the other side of the Rift, in the world ...Show more
An offshoot of the 'Riftwar' saga which definitely deserves its own mention. The 'Empire Trilogy' takes place on the other side of the Rift, in the world of Kelewan, where seventeen-year-old Mara of the Acoma abruptly learns that her father and brother have been killed in battle and she must return home to take up the role of Ruling Lady. This female-centric fantasy series is full of intrigue and politics; there's spies and assassins, scheming and courtly drama, and a strong heroine who overcomes immense challenges in her quest to conquer an empire! Great for fans of Game of Thrones.
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An offshoot of the 'Riftwar' saga which definitely deserves its own mention. The 'Empire Trilogy' takes place on the other side of the Rift, in the world ...Show more
An offshoot of the 'Riftwar' saga which definitely deserves its own mention. The 'Empire Trilogy' takes place on the other side of the Rift, in the world of Kelewan, where seventeen-year-old Mara of the Acoma abruptly learns that her father and brother have been killed in battle and she must return home to take up the role of Ruling Lady. This female-centric fantasy series is full of intrigue and politics; there's spies and assassins, scheming and courtly drama, and a strong heroine who overcomes immense challenges in her quest to conquer an empire! Great for fans of Game of Thrones.
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Book - 2020
This dark and creepy fantasy novel debut by Andrea Stewart contains diverse characters, multiple POV's, and a remarkably vivid world where animal-like cre...Show more
This dark and creepy fantasy novel debut by Andrea Stewart contains diverse characters, multiple POV's, and a remarkably vivid world where animal-like creatures are animated under the power of a mysterious and forbidden bone shard magic. When an emperor's daughter seeks to carve out her place in the world by mastering this magic, she learns that such power comes at great cost...
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This dark and creepy fantasy novel debut by Andrea Stewart contains diverse characters, multiple POV's, and a remarkably vivid world where animal-like cre...Show more
This dark and creepy fantasy novel debut by Andrea Stewart contains diverse characters, multiple POV's, and a remarkably vivid world where animal-like creatures are animated under the power of a mysterious and forbidden bone shard magic. When an emperor's daughter seeks to carve out her place in the world by mastering this magic, she learns that such power comes at great cost...
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Book - 1982
Who doesn’t love the story of King Arthur? It birthed many of the classic tropes. Magic sword, peasant to king, wizard mentor. But this time we see it fro...Show more
Who doesn’t love the story of King Arthur? It birthed many of the classic tropes. Magic sword, peasant to king, wizard mentor. But this time we see it from Morgaine’s perspective. While in traditional tellings she’s seen as an evil sorceress, here we see a powerful yet misguided woman struggling in a man’s world. A beautiful feminist take on a fantasy classic.
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Who doesn’t love the story of King Arthur? It birthed many of the classic tropes. Magic sword, peasant to king, wizard mentor. But this time we see it fro...Show more
Who doesn’t love the story of King Arthur? It birthed many of the classic tropes. Magic sword, peasant to king, wizard mentor. But this time we see it from Morgaine’s perspective. While in traditional tellings she’s seen as an evil sorceress, here we see a powerful yet misguided woman struggling in a man’s world. A beautiful feminist take on a fantasy classic.
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Book - 2003
This enthralling work of epic fantasy earnt author Lois McMaster Bujold a Hugo award! Featuring a middle-aged female lead, the dowager Royina Ista, and a ...Show more
This enthralling work of epic fantasy earnt author Lois McMaster Bujold a Hugo award! Featuring a middle-aged female lead, the dowager Royina Ista, and a host of other intriguing and complex characters you'll fall in love with, this is a captivating tale and masterfully told. Upon setting out on pilgrimage to the kingdom of Chalion, Ista discovers a land infested with demons, having escaped the hell of the five gods who watch over the kingdom.
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This enthralling work of epic fantasy earnt author Lois McMaster Bujold a Hugo award! Featuring a middle-aged female lead, the dowager Royina Ista, and a ...Show more
This enthralling work of epic fantasy earnt author Lois McMaster Bujold a Hugo award! Featuring a middle-aged female lead, the dowager Royina Ista, and a host of other intriguing and complex characters you'll fall in love with, this is a captivating tale and masterfully told. Upon setting out on pilgrimage to the kingdom of Chalion, Ista discovers a land infested with demons, having escaped the hell of the five gods who watch over the kingdom.
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by Glass, Jenna
Book - 2019
Set in a highly patriarchal society where women are considered property, Jenna Glass' slow-burning feminist fantasy series is full of magic, politics, str...Show more
Set in a highly patriarchal society where women are considered property, Jenna Glass' slow-burning feminist fantasy series is full of magic, politics, strong women, and dark themes of power and control. This tale follows several different female characters and perspectives and is very strong on character development and growth. A richly detailed, vivid, and complex work of fantasy ideal for fans of the Handmaid's Tale. Word of warning for some sexual violence
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Set in a highly patriarchal society where women are considered property, Jenna Glass' slow-burning feminist fantasy series is full of magic, politics, str...Show more
Set in a highly patriarchal society where women are considered property, Jenna Glass' slow-burning feminist fantasy series is full of magic, politics, strong women, and dark themes of power and control. This tale follows several different female characters and perspectives and is very strong on character development and growth. A richly detailed, vivid, and complex work of fantasy ideal for fans of the Handmaid's Tale. Word of warning for some sexual violence
Show less
Book - 2018
An arresting fantasy novel set in a captivating and highly unique post-apocalyptic south-Asian world! Kyra is the youngest member of the Order of Kali, a...Show more
An arresting fantasy novel set in a captivating and highly unique post-apocalyptic south-Asian world! Kyra is the youngest member of the Order of Kali, a group of female assassins who administer justice in the world. But when her mentor is murdered, she sets off on a world-changing mission of revenge... Magical weapons, great characters, a multi-layered plot and a vividly drawn world steer this compelling female-driven fantasy. First in the Asiana trilogy.
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An arresting fantasy novel set in a captivating and highly unique post-apocalyptic south-Asian world! Kyra is the youngest member of the Order of Kali, a...Show more
An arresting fantasy novel set in a captivating and highly unique post-apocalyptic south-Asian world! Kyra is the youngest member of the Order of Kali, a group of female assassins who administer justice in the world. But when her mentor is murdered, she sets off on a world-changing mission of revenge... Magical weapons, great characters, a multi-layered plot and a vividly drawn world steer this compelling female-driven fantasy. First in the Asiana trilogy.
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Book - 2009
Teeming with action, magic, and criminal alliances formed in the shadowy underworld of a dark and cruel world- long ruled with an iron fist. A crew of cri...Show more
Teeming with action, magic, and criminal alliances formed in the shadowy underworld of a dark and cruel world- long ruled with an iron fist. A crew of criminal allomancers- practitioners of the elemental magic system- rise up in rebellion, led by the powerful Kelsier. The characters are well-developed, relatable, and tinged with humour, and Sanderson's magic system is intricate and unique. A superb example of epic fantasy which is vividly yet accessibly written. The Final Empire kicks off Brandon Sanderson's epic Mistborn series.
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Teeming with action, magic, and criminal alliances formed in the shadowy underworld of a dark and cruel world- long ruled with an iron fist. A crew of cri...Show more
Teeming with action, magic, and criminal alliances formed in the shadowy underworld of a dark and cruel world- long ruled with an iron fist. A crew of criminal allomancers- practitioners of the elemental magic system- rise up in rebellion, led by the powerful Kelsier. The characters are well-developed, relatable, and tinged with humour, and Sanderson's magic system is intricate and unique. A superb example of epic fantasy which is vividly yet accessibly written. The Final Empire kicks off Brandon Sanderson's epic Mistborn series.
Show less
Book - 1999
The first book in NZ-born Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series is inspired by 'The Six Swans'/'Wild Swans' fairytale and the Irish legend of the Children...Show more
The first book in NZ-born Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series is inspired by 'The Six Swans'/'Wild Swans' fairytale and the Irish legend of the Children of Lir. Set in medieval Ireland, Sorcha, the only daughter of the Lord of Sevenwaters, and her six older brother's are cursed by their stepmother. In line with the fairytale, Sorcha must weave shirts out of stinging nettles to transform her brothers back from being swans. Yet Sorcha's is an epic journey that spans from Ireland to Britain, and encompasses further themes of love and politics. A great fairytale retelling for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
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The first book in NZ-born Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series is inspired by 'The Six Swans'/'Wild Swans' fairytale and the Irish legend of the Children...Show more
The first book in NZ-born Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series is inspired by 'The Six Swans'/'Wild Swans' fairytale and the Irish legend of the Children of Lir. Set in medieval Ireland, Sorcha, the only daughter of the Lord of Sevenwaters, and her six older brother's are cursed by their stepmother. In line with the fairytale, Sorcha must weave shirts out of stinging nettles to transform her brothers back from being swans. Yet Sorcha's is an epic journey that spans from Ireland to Britain, and encompasses further themes of love and politics. A great fairytale retelling for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
Show less
Book - 2022
YA author Holly Black takes on adult fantasy in this compelling dark urban fantasy which teems with magic and treachery. Charlie Hall is a wordly con arti...Show more
YA author Holly Black takes on adult fantasy in this compelling dark urban fantasy which teems with magic and treachery. Charlie Hall is a wordly con artist (in the process of reform) who finds herself drawn reluctantly into a shadowy world of danger, deceit, murder, and magic. A layered fantasy with dark magic, a slowly intensifying plot, and a host of shadowy characters. Sit back and enjoy!
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YA author Holly Black takes on adult fantasy in this compelling dark urban fantasy which teems with magic and treachery. Charlie Hall is a wordly con arti...Show more
YA author Holly Black takes on adult fantasy in this compelling dark urban fantasy which teems with magic and treachery. Charlie Hall is a wordly con artist (in the process of reform) who finds herself drawn reluctantly into a shadowy world of danger, deceit, murder, and magic. A layered fantasy with dark magic, a slowly intensifying plot, and a host of shadowy characters. Sit back and enjoy!
Show less
Book - 2018
Continuing a lengthy trend of female-centric retellings of Greek mythologies, 'Circe' builds upon the few lines originally given to the witch Circe in 'Th...Show more
Continuing a lengthy trend of female-centric retellings of Greek mythologies, 'Circe' builds upon the few lines originally given to the witch Circe in 'The Odyssey' in this delightful, highly readable novel. Plainer and less glorious-looking than the other gods on Olympus, Circe is looked down upon and mistreated. When a magical misdemeanor finds Circe banished from her homeland to a small island, she must find her own way in her isolated world— we follow her on her journey of self-discovery, growth, and love over the centuries of her life.
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Continuing a lengthy trend of female-centric retellings of Greek mythologies, 'Circe' builds upon the few lines originally given to the witch Circe in 'Th...Show more
Continuing a lengthy trend of female-centric retellings of Greek mythologies, 'Circe' builds upon the few lines originally given to the witch Circe in 'The Odyssey' in this delightful, highly readable novel. Plainer and less glorious-looking than the other gods on Olympus, Circe is looked down upon and mistreated. When a magical misdemeanor finds Circe banished from her homeland to a small island, she must find her own way in her isolated world— we follow her on her journey of self-discovery, growth, and love over the centuries of her life.
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Book - 2015
An epic work of grimdark featuring a middle-aged retired female General who embarks on a mission for revenge after her village is unduly massacred. With g...Show more
An epic work of grimdark featuring a middle-aged retired female General who embarks on a mission for revenge after her village is unduly massacred. With great world-building, compelling and morally dubious characters, snappy dialogue, diverse sexualities, loads of humour, and of course violence and bloodshed- this is perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie!
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An epic work of grimdark featuring a middle-aged retired female General who embarks on a mission for revenge after her village is unduly massacred. With g...Show more
An epic work of grimdark featuring a middle-aged retired female General who embarks on a mission for revenge after her village is unduly massacred. With great world-building, compelling and morally dubious characters, snappy dialogue, diverse sexualities, loads of humour, and of course violence and bloodshed- this is perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie!
Show less