Top Fantasy Books Featuring Strong Female Characters

“The Final Empire” sweeps you into a world where oppression reigns and hope seems lost. Yet, in this darkness shines a glimmer of light—Vin, a young and strong female hero with untapped powers.

Vin’s life changes forever when she discovers she’s Mistborn, capable of magic she’s only dreamed of. She’s pulled into a daring plot led by Kelsier, a rebel with a vendetta against the tyrannical Lord Ruler. As they weave their plan, Vin learns the power of trust and friendship.

“To Shape a Dragon’s Breath” is a heartwarming yet thrilling tale of Anequs, a 15-year-old girl who discovers a dragon‘s egg on Masquapaug Island. This discovery makes her a hero among her people, earning her the title Nampeshiweisit. However, the joy is short-lived when the Anglish conquerors demand she meets their strict dragon-raising standards.

Anequs faces the challenge head-on, determined to protect her dragon at all costs. Enrolled in an Anglish dragon school, she fights to stay true to her roots while navigating a world that wants her to conform. It’s a story of resilience, friendship, and the power of standing up for what’s right.

In “The Bear and the Nightingale,” we meet Vasya, a young girl with the rare ability to see and communicate with the spirits of Russian folklore. Her talents, though extraordinary, unsettle her village and even her family. She finds herself at odds with society’s expectations, a theme that resonates deeply in this tale.

As the harsh Russian winter approaches, dark forces begin to stir, threatening the safety of Vasya’s home. Despite the fear and opposition she faces, Vasya’s bravery shines. She decides to protect her village, relying on her wits and her unique connection to the spirit world.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco. Set against the backdrop of a wandering circus that appears without warning and vanishes just as suddenly, their rivalry is marked by beauty and mystery.

As they craft ever more enchanting spectacles within the circus’s black-and-white tents, Celia and Marco fall deeply in love, unaware that their contest must end in loss for one of them. Their fates, intertwined with the circus, draw in a cast of vivid characters who find their lives transformed by the wonder of the circus.

“The Wolf of Oren-Yaro” by K.S. Villoso introduces us to Queen Talyien, a fierce and determined ruler. She’s got the weight of her kingdom on her shoulders and a broken marriage that’s the talk of the realm. Talyien is no ordinary queen; she’s a warrior at heart, battling not just political foes but also her inner demons.

However, when her quest to reunite with her estranged husband takes a dangerous turn, Talyien finds herself far from home and without allies. Trust becomes a luxury she can’t afford. Yet, Talyien isn’t one to back down. With every challenge, she grows stronger, proving why she’s called the Wolf of Oren-Yaro.

“Race the Sands” by Sarah Beth Durst is an exhilarating ride set in the desert land of Becar. Here, Tamra and Raia, two determined women, defy the odds in the high-stakes world of kehok racing. These monstrous creatures are the key to glory, but taming them is as dangerous as it is thrilling.

Tamra, once a revered trainer, finds herself at the brink of ruin, while Raia, a runaway, seeks to escape her past by driving a kehok to victory. Together, they embark on a journey not just to win, but to survive. Their path is fraught with challenges, but it’s also lined with the hope of redemption and freedom.

“Circe” by Madeline Miller casts a spellbinding look into the life of the most infamous witch in Greek mythology. Born into the house of Helios, god of the sun, Circe stands apart from her divine family. She turns to mortals for companionship, discovering her own powerful witchcraft by accident.

Exiled by Zeus to a deserted island, Circe hones her craft, crossing paths with some of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. Through these encounters, Circe navigates the complexities of power, love, and immortality.

“Seeds of War” dives into the gritty and tumultuous world of The Smokesmiths series, where smoke magic and alien creatures fill the pages with tension and intrigue. At the heart of this epic fantasy is Gimlore, a formidable single mother and seasoned war veteran. Her life is a balancing act of running a town and safeguarding her family against the backdrop of looming conflict.

Gimlore’s determination to protect her people is unwavering. Despite her past battles and the scars they’ve left, her focus remains on ensuring the safety and stability of her community. She embodies strength, resilience, and the fierce love of a mother not just to her own children but to her town as well.

“The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi” by Shannon Chakraborty unfolds the gripping tale of Amina al-Sirafi, a legendary pirate now seeking a quiet life of piety and motherhood. But the quiet is shattered when a lucrative offer pulls her back to the tumultuous seas. Tasked with rescuing a kidnapped girl, Amina sees a chance not just for riches but to honor an old friend’s request and write her final chapter of glory.

Assembling her diverse crew of rogues and outcasts, Amina sets sail, only to discover the mission is far more perilous than promised. The journey tests her wit, courage, and loyalty, pushing her to confront supernatural forces and ancient mysteries lurking beneath the waves. With every discovery, Amina questions the true cost of her quest for one last shot at legendary status.

In “Queen Among the Dead,” Neve, a spirited princess, and Ronan, a Druid’s apprentice turned rogue, forge an unlikely alliance. Magic, banned and coveted, sets the stage for their journey. Although enemies by birth, their mutual disdain for the Druids unites them.

As Eire teeters on the brink of turmoil, Neve eyes the throne, her birthright, with Ronan by her side. Together, they venture to Eire’s wild edges, where magic thrives unchecked. Here, an outlaw and a would-be queen dare to dream of a different future.

“The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” by Axie Oh is a breathtaking dive into a world swirling with myths and magic. Our brave heroine, Mina, steps into the heart of a stormy sea god’s wrath to save her brother and ends up in a realm beneath the waves. Here, she discovers a cursed kingdom, its mysteries thick as the waters that drown it.

Mina’s courage shines as she navigates this enchanting underwater world. She’s determined to break the curse and bring peace, but the path is woven with challenges. Alongside a cast of spirited companions, she embarks on a quest that will test her strength and heart.

“The Bone Shard Daughter” by Andrea Stewart unfolds in an empire of islands, where the power of bone shard magic animates constructs that maintain order. Lin, the emperor’s daughter, is desperate to prove her worth and unlock her potential to wield this magic. However, her memories are shadows, and her father’s approval is a puzzle.

As rebellion stirs, Lin’s quest for knowledge becomes a race against time. She delves into the forbidden parts of the palace, uncovering secrets that challenge everything she knows about her family and the empire. Meanwhile, outside the palace walls, the lives of several others intertwine with the fate of the empire.

“The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri immerses readers in a lush, ancient Indian-inspired fantasy world. Priya, a servant with a mysterious past, possesses an extraordinary ability to control plants and healing. Her path crosses with Princess Malini, imprisoned by her brother for defying his rule. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest for freedom and justice, challenging the tyrannical forces that threaten their world.

Their alliance is fraught with challenges, but it blossoms into something deeper, defying the norms of their society. As they navigate political intrigue and dark magic, Priya and Malini realize their destinies are intertwined with the fate of the empire. However, the journey is perilous, and the price of their ambition may be higher than either is willing to pay.

“The Shadow of the Gods” by John Gwynne features Orka, a formidable warrior and devoted mother, as its heart. In a world scarred by the fall of gods, where their legacy lives on through their powerful descendants, Orka stands out as a beacon of strength and determination. Her journey is driven by a singular, unwavering purpose: to rescue her kidnapped son.

Orka navigates a landscape filled with danger, where monsters and men are equally to be feared. Her path is fraught with challenges that test her mettle, but her resolve never wavers. As a strong female fantasy character, she embodies the relentless pursuit of a mother’s love against the backdrop of an epic saga.