Best "Strong Female" Fantasy Novels

List of fantasy novels featuring strong women.
This includes: general fantasy, urban fantasy, young adult fantasy, fairy tale retellings, etc.

This DOES NOT include: Science-Fiction (including Dystopian, Apocalyptic, or Post-Apocalyptic).
Which means it DOES NOT include The Host, or any of The Hunger Games books.
If you're looking for Science-Fiction, check out this one:
http://tinyurl.com/scifi-goodreads

If you're confused about the difference between Science-Fiction and Fantasy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_...

Even more important than the Fantasy aspect: Please think about the "strong" female aspect of this list before adding a book! These women kick ass! These women are not victims! They have personality! Their names are not Bella, so please stop adding the Twilight series!

Challenge: Can you, or have you, read the top 25?

Edits: If you see a book that does not fit this criteria, please comment with the number of its current rating so I can remove it (that is, if you are not a librarian).

Edits: There are almost 2000 books on this list, so check to see if your book is already listed before adding it. A good rule of thumb: If your book was published more than two years ago, has more than 500 ratings, is by a popular author and fits the above criteria, it's here. Just find it and vote. :-)

flag

All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore 4.07 avg rating — 470,405 ratings score: 368,875, and 3,738 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 1,850,281 ratings score: 353,442, and 3,589 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.27 avg rating — 133,311 ratings score: 214,461, and 2,181 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 170,609 ratings score: 191,164, and 1,961 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 661,061 ratings score: 159,871, and 1,626 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, #1) by Patricia Briggs 4.15 avg rating — 211,638 ratings score: 157,427, and 1,616 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Fire (Graceling Realm, #2) by Kristin Cashore 4.10 avg rating — 189,831 ratings score: 156,823, and 1,625 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Sabriel (Abhorsen, #1) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.17 avg rating — 212,579 ratings score: 135,055, and 1,382 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle, #1) by Diana Wynne Jones 4.29 avg rating — 392,983 ratings score: 123,851, and 1,275 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.48 avg rating — 783,198 ratings score: 121,994, and 1,256 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 129,625 ratings score: 117,877, and 1,231 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 3,256,100 ratings score: 100,787, and 1,056 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	His Dark Materials (His Dark Materials #1-3) by Philip Pullman 4.29 avg rating — 164,429 ratings score: 99,353, and 1,025 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.35 avg rating — 1,313,981 ratings score: 95,295, and 1,001 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Wild Magic (Immortals, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.31 avg rating — 81,410 ratings score: 94,602, and 995 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads Author) 4.31 avg rating — 849,813 ratings score: 91,001, and 964 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Ella Enchanted (Ella Enchanted, #1) by Gail Carson Levine (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 417,834 ratings score: 86,032, and 913 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	First Test (Protector of the Small, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 62,159 ratings score: 83,897, and 891 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1) by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 160,789 ratings score: 79,795, and 839 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy, #1) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 81,941 ratings score: 73,161, and 755 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin 4.44 avg rating — 2,585,477 ratings score: 72,887, and 769 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 372,795 ratings score: 72,393, and 762 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.65 avg rating — 2,479,280 ratings score: 71,258, and 755 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	Trickster's Choice (Daughter of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.26 avg rating — 67,008 ratings score: 70,870, and 762 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 319,372 ratings score: 69,221, and 728 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.46 avg rating — 1,153,038 ratings score: 68,932, and 739 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	The Mists of Avalon (Avalon, #1) by Marion Zimmer Bradley 4.13 avg rating — 209,249 ratings score: 67,643, and 697 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	The Blue Sword (Damar, #1) by Robin McKinley 4.21 avg rating — 61,851 ratings score: 67,516, and 706 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 362,882 ratings score: 63,912, and 684 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, #1) by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 67,680 ratings score: 61,506, and 646 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Terrier (Beka Cooper, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 69,160 ratings score: 60,067, and 655 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.37 avg rating — 293,097 ratings score: 58,521, and 640 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.32 avg rating — 300,468 ratings score: 58,402, and 633 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 376,614 ratings score: 58,183, and 622 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness, #2) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 99,990 ratings score: 56,091, and 614 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Dealing with Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #1) by Patricia C. Wrede (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 92,427 ratings score: 55,855, and 597 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1) by Libba Bray (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 224,312 ratings score: 54,790, and 579 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Lady Knight (Protector of the Small, #4) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 54,397 ratings score: 53,733, and 585 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Bitten (Otherworld, #1) by Kelley Armstrong (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 104,042 ratings score: 52,888, and 561 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, #1) by Philip Pullman 4.03 avg rating — 1,562,086 ratings score: 52,188, and 566 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Lirael (Abhorsen, #2) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 121,187 ratings score: 52,037, and 555 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1) by Kim Harrison (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 127,359 ratings score: 50,967, and 543 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.61 avg rating — 1,028,904 ratings score: 50,291, and 547 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	The Hero and the Crown (Damar, #2) by Robin McKinley 4.21 avg rating — 54,208 ratings score: 47,851, and 509 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 88,165 ratings score: 46,367, and 512 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness, #3) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 81,738 ratings score: 45,339, and 515 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Trickster's Queen (Daughter of the Lioness, #2) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 60,759 ratings score: 44,154, and 495 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Green Rider (Green Rider, #1) by Kristen Britain 4.08 avg rating — 39,216 ratings score: 43,374, and 466 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years, #1) by Gregory Maguire 3.54 avg rating — 620,013 ratings score: 42,962, and 454 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3) by Kristin Cashore really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 121,105 ratings score: 38,951, and 429 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Abhorsen (Abhorsen, #3) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 125,915 ratings score: 38,389, and 422 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 194,188 ratings score: 37,450, and 397 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 112,236 ratings score: 35,634, and 391 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 86,608 ratings score: 34,952, and 397 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, #1) by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 95,053 ratings score: 34,942, and 383 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) by Terry Pratchett 4.29 avg rating — 115,475 ratings score: 33,467, and 361 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness (The Black Jewels, #1-3) by Anne Bishop 4.39 avg rating — 14,068 ratings score: 32,803, and 349 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Sunshine by Robin McKinley 3.84 avg rating — 43,332 ratings score: 31,433, and 346 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 1,008,810 ratings score: 31,414, and 348 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers 3.89 avg rating — 106,834 ratings score: 30,830, and 340 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Crown Duel (Crown & Court, #1-2) by Sherwood Smith (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 25,394 ratings score: 29,153, and 322 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1) by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 215,471 ratings score: 28,763, and 312 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	The Magicians' Guild (Black Magician Trilogy, #1) by Trudi Canavan 3.95 avg rating — 87,029 ratings score: 27,940, and 304 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1) by Faith Hunter (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 38,968 ratings score: 27,541, and 300 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	The Novice (Black Magician Trilogy, #2) by Trudi Canavan 4.08 avg rating — 61,966 ratings score: 27,439, and 299 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads Author) 4.47 avg rating — 1,030,072 ratings score: 27,205, and 293 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Eon, #1) by Alison Goodman (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 62,035 ratings score: 25,409, and 279 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	The Deed of Paksenarrion (The Deed of Paksenarrion, #1-3) by Elizabeth Moon 4.32 avg rating — 13,787 ratings score: 24,314, and 259 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	On the Edge (The Edge, #1) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 46,306 ratings score: 24,155, and 279 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	The High Lord (Black Magician Trilogy, #3) by Trudi Canavan 4.14 avg rating — 61,289 ratings score: 23,235, and 258 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 91,501 ratings score: 23,147, and 275 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	The Naming (The Books of Pellinor, #1) by Alison Croggon (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 27,126 ratings score: 21,545, and 238 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Kushiel's Avatar (Phèdre's Trilogy, #3) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.38 avg rating — 37,094 ratings score: 20,855, and 227 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Kushiel's Chosen (Phèdre's Trilogy, #2) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 40,909 ratings score: 20,808, and 231 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 90,917 ratings score: 19,735, and 232 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 32,981 ratings score: 19,676, and 217 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.21 avg rating — 818,438 ratings score: 19,492, and 219 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	By the Sword (Valdemar, #9) by Mercedes Lackey (Goodreads Author) 4.27 avg rating — 21,306 ratings score: 19,263, and 217 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Wolf-Speaker (Immortals, #2) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.21 avg rating — 59,607 ratings score: 19,120, and 233 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Emperor Mage (Immortals, #3) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 64,626 ratings score: 18,673, and 228 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) by Terry Pratchett 4.25 avg rating — 92,951 ratings score: 17,879, and 199 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1) by Rae Carson 3.78 avg rating — 82,610 ratings score: 17,811, and 200 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	Deerskin by Robin McKinley 3.93 avg rating — 23,525 ratings score: 17,498, and 196 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	Uprooted by Naomi Novik (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 248,058 ratings score: 16,697, and 186 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	Ship of Magic (Liveship Traders, #1) by Robin Hobb (Goodreads Author) 4.22 avg rating — 90,763 ratings score: 16,336, and 181 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, #2) by Patricia Briggs 4.28 avg rating — 71,751 ratings score: 16,120, and 193 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	Talking to Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #4) by Patricia C. Wrede (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 36,768 ratings score: 16,081, and 183 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 1,434,204 ratings score: 15,953, and 170 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Touch of Power (Healer, #1) by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 46,625 ratings score: 15,562, and 178 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley 4.05 avg rating — 81,282 ratings score: 15,410, and 178 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	River Marked (Mercy Thompson, #6) by Patricia Briggs 4.28 avg rating — 90,827 ratings score: 14,800, and 183 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2) by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 106,493 ratings score: 14,195, and 172 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 961,371 ratings score: 14,104, and 160 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.55 avg rating — 480,942 ratings score: 13,741, and 153 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	The Tombs of Atuan (Earthsea Cycle, #2) by Ursula K. Le Guin 4.13 avg rating — 124,740 ratings score: 13,666, and 151 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #9) by Laurell K. Hamilton (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 65,846 ratings score: 13,335, and 156 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, #1) by Mercedes Lackey (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 38,882 ratings score: 12,506, and 150 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.40 avg rating — 77,305 ratings score: 12,388, and 154 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 55,244 ratings score: 11,951, and 134 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Fire Study (Study, #3) by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 63,966 ratings score: 11,537, and 140 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 42 43 Next →

4,299 books · 19,977 voters · list created October 31st, 2008 by Amy (votes) .

Tags: adult, character, epic-fantasy, fairy-tale-retellings, fantasy, female, feminism, feminist, fiction, heroine, strength, strong-female, strong-girls, strong-women, urban-fantasy, women, young-adult

2971 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

People Who Voted On This List (19977)

Amy 2327 books
180 friends

Jennifer 3845 books
51 friends

Adam 1890 books
85 friends

I am Bastet 2141 books
136 friends

Jon 3151 books
132 friends

Flora 4421 books
48 friends

King Haddock 1312 books
35 friends

Agata 1149 books
21 friends

More voters…

Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-50 of 409 (409 new)

date

newest »

message 1: by arianna (new)

Apr 01, 2009 06:55AM

wow, i need to find more of these books... and read more.

reply | flag

message 2: by Mary (new)

Jun 24, 2009 08:28PM

Can't wait to read some of these that I haven't yet gotten around to, and it was really nice to see some old favorites too.

reply | flag

message 3: by Christa (is on top of the world!) (new)

Jun 26, 2009 09:03AM

Why is only one of Tamora Pierces books on this list?

reply | flag

message 4: by Amy (new)

Jun 26, 2009 09:05AM

Christa (call me Chris) wrote: "Why is only one of Tamora Pierces books on this list? "

Two are - Wild Magic and Alanna: The First Adventure. You can add more if you'd like, it's user driven.

reply | flag

message 5: by Anna (new)

Jul 15, 2009 12:06PM

I've only read a few of these books, I am dying to read the others. Interesting list.

reply | flag

message 6: by Lucille (new)

Aug 19, 2009 10:22AM

I think that Tamora Pierce is perhaps the best author i've read for 'strong heroine' novels.
Graceling was also a really good book with an incredibly strong female lead.
i want to read all of these :)

reply | flag

message 7: by Laura (new)

Oct 14, 2009 11:04AM

Christa (is a sleepy kitty...) wrote: "Why is only one of Tamora Pierces books on this list? "

There's actually more than one, I saw a few different ones in the series about Keladry- can't remember the series name currently... lol
Oh, nevermind! The Protector of the Small Quartet. :) And the Alanna books.

reply | flag

message 8: by Laura (new)

Oct 14, 2009 11:04AM

Amy wrote: "Christa (call me Chris) wrote: "Why is only one of Tamora Pierces books on this list? "

Two are - Wild Magic and Alanna: The First Adventure. You can add more if you'd like, it's user driven."

They have Lady Knight by Tamora Peirce as well, though

reply | flag

message 9: by Amy (new)

Oct 14, 2009 11:12AM

@Laura - yea, this list changes pretty consistently.

reply | flag

message 10: by Ari (new)

Oct 17, 2009 11:25PM

I dont understand why you people keep taking Fawcetta out when the voting is legit...Seems to me someone is getting paid to do it..or..there are some real jealous people on this site..eiter way it is wrong and cruel...

reply | flag

message 11: by Amy (new)

Oct 18, 2009 06:35AM

@Ari I can't take any of these off the list, or there's a few I'd remove myself. If it's coming off, it's because the people don't agree. (the creator of the list)

reply | flag

message 12: by Pete (new)

Oct 19, 2009 07:47AM

Christa (is a sleepy kitty...) wrote: "Why is only one of Tamora Pierces books on this list? "....I don't know...but my friends and other people have voted on Fawcetta as well as I have...and when Fawcetta is up on the top 5...they completly take it out of the list...this has happened three times...this is not fair...maybe they are getting paid...

reply | flag

message 13: by Pete (new)

Oct 19, 2009 07:48AM

Lucille wrote: "I think that Tamora Pierce is perhaps the best author i've read for 'strong heroine' novels.
Graceling was also a really good book with an incredibly strong female lead.
i want to read all of t..."......You should read Fawcetta as well...you want strong female leads...read Fawcetta....promise..you'll enjoy it...

reply | flag

message 14: by Pete (new)

Oct 19, 2009 07:50AM

Amy wrote: "@Ari I can't take any of these off the list, or there's a few I'd remove myself. If it's coming off, it's because the people don't agree. (the creator of the list)"....or maybe they are just getting paid to keep the top sellers at front...

reply | flag

message 15: by Amy (new)

Oct 19, 2009 11:29AM

@Davlyon I seriously doubt that anyone cares enough about this list to keep the top sellers at the front. If anyone has any problems with the list they can *vote*. Sheesh. It's a fun list designed to help people find other strong-female-fantasy reads out there. Folks need to stop taking it so seriously.

reply | flag

message 16: by Eris (new)

Oct 22, 2009 04:04AM

Ari wrote: "I dont understand why you people keep taking Fawcetta out when the voting is legit...Seems to me someone is getting paid to do it..or..there are some real jealous people on this site..eiter way it ..."

I don't think the voting is legit if you are spamming the lists with a book with tons of fake accounts. From what I understand Listopia is for the Readers at Goodreads to get recommendations from their fellow Readers; not for Authors to try to promote their new book.

reply | flag

message 17: by Meredith (new)

Feb 28, 2010 08:49PM

I'm surprised "Elske" isn't on the list. If you haven't read it, it's a great read (one of my faves). While I don't feel that "Book of a Thousand Days" is in the genre of fantasy, it definitely has a strong female protagonist. =)

reply | flag

message 18: by Kathy (new)

Mar 10, 2010 07:09PM

If you want an incredible cast of characters led by the most incredibly strong woman character ever, read Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel books. You can't find a stronger character (male or female) than Phedre.

reply | flag

message 19: by Winnie (new)

Mar 18, 2010 02:15PM

Huh? I've only read two of the books in the top 100.

reply | flag

message 20: by pop (new)

Mar 21, 2010 10:34AM

My book, Trouble Starts, Pane Follows, isn't on this list, so it's not a fair listing. My Ash Pane is stronger, tougher, meaner than all these characters put together, if you're on her bad side.

reply | flag

message 21: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:01PM

Then why don't you add it? The form to add books to the list is at the right-hand side of the page.

reply | flag

message 22: by [deleted user] (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:18PM

Pride and Prejudice (sans Zombies)?

reply | flag

message 23: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:22PM

Say WHAT?

reply | flag

message 24: by [deleted user] (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:56PM

#105

reply | flag

message 25: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Mar 21, 2010 01:26PM

Good lord.

reply | flag

message 26: by [deleted user] (new)

Mar 21, 2010 01:27PM

I guess they were confusing it with the Zombie version, but I think it should go...

reply | flag

message 27: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Mar 21, 2010 01:36PM

Removed for not being fantasy:

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

reply | flag

message 28: by Patrick (new)

Aug 27, 2010 03:11AM

Good, but no Blood Lily Chronicles? No Buffy?

reply | flag

message 29: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Aug 27, 2010 10:46AM

Why don't you add them?

reply | flag

message 30: by Kate (new)

Aug 28, 2010 11:33PM

I love the fact that there are a ton of Tamora Pierce books on this list. I just finished the fourth book in The Immortals series, and I must say that Alanna, Daine, and Keladry are three of my favorite characters ever written about.

reply | flag

message 31: by Sarah (new)

Sep 09, 2010 06:52PM

I love most of the books on here Tamora Pierce is the best! I have probably read the Song of the Lioness so many times I can quote it.

reply | flag

message 32: by Mrs.Vishous-Kattalakis-Belikov (new)

Nov 12, 2010 11:57AM

Mrs.Vishous-Kattalakis-Belikov :::Para Itch Reviews:::

I can't believe the Night Huntress series isnt on here...Cat totally kicks ass!!

reply | flag

message 33: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Nov 17, 2010 11:11AM

You could add it.

reply | flag

message 34: by Brittany (new)

Jan 10, 2011 02:43PM

Hey everyone I would love it if you voted for the Maximum Ride books. Max is a very strong female character. She's not like all these other girls who whine and mope around. She takes action and stays on top of her game. She tries to stay strong for her flock. She cares for her flock like a big sister/mother. She's always there for everyone and is a great role model.

reply | flag

message 35: by Carolyn (new)

Feb 02, 2011 12:38PM

Brittany wrote: "Hey everyone I would love it if you voted for the Maximum Ride books. Max is a very strong female character. She's not like all these other girls who whine and mope around. She takes action and sta..."

But the Maximum Ride series is Science Fiction, not Fantasy, and this list is for Fantasy only. The flying children are genetically engineered and in the original book they are bred and raised in a top secret government compound to be experimented on. When the Wind Blows

reply | flag

message 36: by cacinta (new)

Mar 06, 2011 04:16AM

I added 'Ship of Magic' by Robin Hobb. What's more bad-ass than a leading lady captain who goes a sailing on a magical ship over troubled waters? One of my favourite characters ever

reply | flag

message 37: by Suz (new)

Apr 06, 2011 07:28AM

I was a bit confused at some of the entries for "strong female" and found myself wondering how many of these were just popular votes. "Oh! I read and loved that!" without much thought to whether the heroine was strong or not. I saw among some of the most popular (at the time of my voting) selections a lot of insipid heroines that needed to be saved, or silly heroines that use denial/ avoidance as their rule of thumb to blunder into the next harrowing experience. But I also saw a lot of great selections and some I am really looking forward to reading. Good list.

reply | flag

message 38: by Suz (new)

Apr 06, 2011 07:30AM

Oh yeah, I added three or four selections from the Dragonriders of Pern series. Specifically the ones where Lessa, Moreta, and Nerilka were the leading females (because they all rock).

reply | flag

message 39: by J (new)

Apr 27, 2011 09:58AM

Hmm... I've only read a few. I adore the Vampire Academy and Graceling series books but I think I'm the only person who finds something annoying about the Mortal Instruments books. Otherwise, I have a lot of catching up to do!

reply | flag

message 40: by Donna (new)

Jul 10, 2011 11:52AM

I've read a few books in this list and I am dying to read The Graceling series there said to be really good :)

reply | flag

message 41: by Piyochama (new)

Jul 17, 2011 09:26PM

Awesome list - I've read quite a few books and am overjoyed to discover the rest :)

reply | flag

message 42: by Farrah (new)

Jul 19, 2011 02:42PM

what a fantastic list! im loving that the authors are male and female. ive really been struggling to get suggestions for anything past the vampire meets girl stories. BRILLIANT!! so many books for me to try out!

reply | flag

message 43: by Lucille (new)

Jul 21, 2011 04:19PM

Jamie wrote: "Hmm... I've only read a few. I adore the Vampire Academy and Graceling series books but I think I'm the only person who finds something annoying about the Mortal Instruments books. Otherwise, I hav..."

I'm not a fan of the 'heroine' of the Mortal Instruments series. She just can't compete with the strong characters written by authors like Tamora Pierce or Kristin Cashore

reply | flag

message 44: by Dolly (new)

Oct 22, 2011 03:52AM

I'm so glad this list exists! Can't wait to read some of these...

reply | flag

message 45: by Dahlia (new)

Nov 18, 2011 03:03AM

The girl from Evermore is a strong female character? Someone please explain this to me.

reply | flag

message 46: by Lucille (new)

Nov 23, 2011 09:11AM

Dahlia wrote: "The girl from Evermore is a strong female character? Someone please explain this to me."

bleh. as far as inner strength goes she would probably get a beatdown by Bella Swan. Where does Evermore appear on the list? Hopefully there are just a few people who voted for it.....

reply | flag

message 47: by Lis (new)

Dec 07, 2011 07:56PM

All of Tamora Pierce's main characters, obviously. Tamir from the Tamir Triad (Lynn Flewelling) is a definite automatic upvote; I'm surprised it's gotten so little recognition. Graceling, Sabriel, The Hunger Games, His Dark Materials, and Liveship traders were where the rest of my votes went.

reply | flag

message 48: by Deena (new)

Dec 11, 2011 07:27AM

Carolyn wrote: "Brittany wrote: "Hey everyone I would love it if you voted for the Maximum Ride books. Max is a very strong female character. She's not like all these other girls who whine and mope around. She tak..."

That sounds like an awesome book, though.

reply | flag

message 49: by Deena (new)

Dec 11, 2011 07:29AM

How about we add some WoC to the list? I vote for The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. VERY much worth reading.

reply | flag

message 50: by molly ✨ (new)

Jan 02, 2012 05:15PM