long book rec list for strong female characters
Because I made this list, I might as well share it. The requester asked for books with strong female heroines for a non-native English speaker.
Young adult (YA) books
*I’m noting which books I think have the easiest language
In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater Rhodes*
Written when the author was thirteen, it’s a darn good debut novel. Short and surprisingly gritty, Risika was unwilling changed into a vampire centuries ago, and is now on a quest to gain vengeance on the vampire who turned her. The author has other novels set in this universe written long before Twilight.
Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater Rhodes
Set in the same universe as In the Forests of the Night. Sarah is from a long line of vampires, but has never quite fit in like her sisters do. When she falls in love with her vampire classmate, whom she believes is different than other vampires, she’s forced to make difficult decisions.
Hawksong by Amelia Atwater Rhodes
Set in the author’s Keisha’ra universe. Fantasy. In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep-seated fear and distrust of each other. It’s a sweet romance, but Danica is a strong monarch.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi*
On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1802, a 12 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Won a Newberry award.
Tithe by Holly Black
Urban fantasy (think modern day but throw in werewolves, fairies, etc.), and a loose retelling of Tam Lin. Kaye travels from city to city with her mother’s band, but soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death. There’s a direct sequel titled Ironside.
Valiant by Holly Black
Set in the same universe as Tithe, it’s a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where the heroine inhabits the role of sword-wielding prince. Valerie runs away to New York, and takes up with squatters who are addicted to a strange drug that will introduce her to an even stranger underworld.
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody
1 - Obernewtyn
2 - The Farseekers
3 - Aisling
4 - The Keeping Place
5 - The Stone Key (published as two separate books, Wavesong and The Stone Key outside of New Zealand)
Post-apocalyptic fantasy. Due to nuclear fall-out, certain children are now born with Talents and experience extreme prejudice. Elspeth, a Talented orphan, must undertake an arduous race to disarm the last of the nuclear weapons before someone else uses them to destroy the remaining world. You’ll find this series in the children’s, YA, and adult section.
Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
1 - The Huger Games
2 - Catching Fire
3 - Mockingjay
Technically, I think this is a children’s series, but like Harry Potter, its appeal goes all the way to adults. This series is super popular State-side right now, is in pre-production for a movie, and launched the dystopia YA subgenre. Every ten years the government requires each district to send a boy and a girl to fight in the Huger Games, where the children must kill each other until only one is left. When Katniss takes her sister’s place, she must fight for her own survival both in the Games, and in the impending rebellion.
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louis Engdahl
A weird mix of sci-fi and fairy tales that works. Told in alternating points of view from Elana, a girl from an advanced space civilization on a mission to a medieval planet, and Georyn, one of the planet’s inhabitants who’s out to slay a dragon in an enchanted forest. The book won a Newberry, which almost never goes to a sci-fi book.
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
I guess this is technically urban fantasy since it’s modern day and has werewolves. At its heart, it’s a coming of age novel. Vivian is a werewolf, and must make difficult decisions when she falls in love with a human boy, while the next leader of the werewolves has his eye on her. This also was written long before Twilight.
Series: The Queen’s Own by Mercedes Lackey
1 - Arrows of the Queen
2 - Arrow’s Flight
3 - Arrow’s Fall
Medieval fantasy. Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia becomes one of the Queens' own elite guard. Meanwhile, treason is brewing, and Talia must learn her place in the world if she is the save the Queen, the Queen’s daughter, and the kingdom. Mercedes Lackey has many books set in this universe, but after a certain point, the books aren’t as good anymore.
Snow by Tracy Lynn
A retelling of Snow White, where the seven dwarves are a rag-tag bunch of part-animal orphans. It’s a strong and unique retelling, and also one of my favorites.
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Although part of a series, I only really like this first novel. Aislinn has the Sight, the ability to see fairies that can get her killed. When the Summer King sets his eyes on her, she’ll need her best friend, Seth’s, help if she is to survive.
Beauty by Robin McKinley*
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It’s short, and if you like it, she has another retelling for older audiences, Rose Daughter.
Deerskin by Robin McKinley
A retelling of Donkeyskin, so does contain an instance of incest and rape. By far my favorite book by the author, but the writing is more difficult than Beauty and The Blue Sword. McKinley’s books always have strong women, but usually not of the sword-swinging kind.
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Fantasy. Harry, bored with her sheltered life in the remote orange-growing colony of Daria, discovers magic in herself when she is kidnapped by a native king with mysterious powers. Contains a very swash-buckling heroine. There’s also a prequel novel, The Hero and the Sword.
Series: Bloody Jack by LA Meyer*
1 - Bloody Jack
2 - Curse of the Blue Tattoo
3 - Under the Jolly Roger
4 - In the Belly of the Bloodhound
5 - Mississippi Jack
6 - My Bonny Light Horseman
7 - Rapture of the Deep
8 - The Wake of the Lorelei Lee
The adventures of Jacky Faber who disguises herself as a boy and joins a pirate ship.
Series: Wind on Fire Trilogy by William Nicholson
1 - The Wind Singer
2 - Slaves of the Mastery
3 - Fire Song
Fantasy. Twin brother and sister, along with a learning disabled classmate, undergo a journey to restore their city and defeat an ancient evil. A lot of the times books have women being sacrifices to save the world, but this series has a nice twist on it.
Series: The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
1 - Sabriel
2 - Lirael
3 - Abhorsen
Fantasy. The world building is pretty awesome here. Sabriel is descended from a long line of Abhorsens, people who make sure the dead stay dead. Lirael is from a clan of seers, except she can’t see the future at all. Both women, despite their stories running parallel, must come of age if they are to thwart a long-sleeping evil that’s beginning to awaken.
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
It’s a genre blend of sci-fi and fantasy. It also uses African mythology, rather than the European mythology usually used in fantasy. Onyesonwu was born from her mother’s rape, and as a result, is a sorceress. As she grows into her power she learns it is her destiny to overthrow the wizard who is oppressing her people. Technically it’s an adult novel, but I think it fits better in YA.
Series: Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce*
1 - Alanna the First Adventure
2 - In the Hand of the Goddess
3 - The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
4 - Lioness Rampant
Medieval fantasy series. Alanna disguises herself as her twin brother, and swaps places with him, in order to become a knight, a profession forbidden to girls.
Series: The Immortals by Tamora Pierce
1 - Wild Magic
2- Wolf Speaker
3 - Emperor Mage
4 - The Realms of the Gods
Set in the same universe as Song of the Lioness. Daine comes to terms with her unique set of magical powers, her ability to speak with animals, and her own mysterious heritage. Tamora Pierce has many book series set in this universe, but the writing isn’t as good after the Trickster books.
Series: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
1 - The Golden Compass (published as Northern Lights in the UK)
2 - The Subtle Knife
3 - The Amber Spyglass
There are also two post-series companions stories, Lyra’s Oxford and Once Upon a Time in the North. As a warning, this series takes a lot of heat for its less than flattering portrayal of the Church. In an Earth very similar to ours, Lyra makes her way by her wits and her daemon companion, eluding the Church who are out to kill her when they hear the witches have prophesied she will end destiny. You’ll find this series in the children’s, YA, and adult section.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
This was originally published as two separate books (Crown Duel and Court Duel), but later editions have them published together under this title. Young Countess Meliara promise to her dying father leads her and her brother into a war for which they are ill-prepared, which threatens the very people they are trying to protect. Meliara fights battles both with sword in hand, as well as a fan as she learns to navigate court politics.
Edge of the Sword by Rebecca Tingle
Historical, medieval fiction. Rather than a romance, this focuses on Flaed’s friendship with her guard Red. Red teaches her how to be a warrior as they make their way to meet her future husband.
Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle
A companion novel to Edge of the Sword. In order to escape an arranged marriage, Aelfwyn disguises herself as a boy and becomes a bard. When she joins King Wilfred’s band, she must choose where loyalties lie.
Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde*
When Kerry went to pick up her younger brother’s teddy bear she didn’t anticipate murder, love, car jacking, and vampires. Also came before Twilight.
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
Giannine gets trapped in a medieval virtual reality game and has to beat it before the machine she’s using overheats and kills her. If you’ve ever played video games, it’s a fun read because Giannine goes about everything wrong, haha.
Diana Wynne Jones is another author that got recommended a lot by my friends. Particularly Howl’s Moving Castle and the Dalemark Quartet.
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series was also recommended.
If your feeling really adventurous here are some adult novels:
Series: The Inheritance Trilogy by NK Jemisin
1 - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
2 - The Broken Kingdoms
3 - The Kingdom of the Gods (will be released later this year)
Each book deals with a different heroine, but there’s an overarching theme of three who have been torn apart and need to reconcile. The first book deals with Yeine, a reluctant heiress, who learns about the other side of her family, their treachery, and the gods they enslaved. The second book deals with Oree, a blind artist, who finds a mysterious man and a slew of murders. Out of the adult novels I’m recommending, I think this series has the easiest language.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
A retelling of the Six Swans, and part of the Sevenwaters series. When her brothers are turned into swans, Sorcha must weave six sweaters made of thorns while taking a vow of silence. The task will take years, and during that time, she travels from Ireland to England where she’s forced to choose between her brothers and her own happiness.
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
1 - A Game of Thrones
2 - A Clash of Kings
3 - A Storm of Swords
4 - A Feast for Crows
5 - A Dance with Dragons (releasing in June)
This series is incomplete, the books long (all over 700 pages), and the language the most difficult of what I’m recommending. It’s an adult fantasy series, and there’s murder, violence, sex rape, incest, you name it, it’s probably in there. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the series has some of the most interesting female characters out there in the fantasy genre. The cast of women explore, gain, control, and keep power in very different ways; we have the woman knight all the way to a queen unafraid to use her wiles to get what she wants. The story deals with a kingdom in turmoil as factions vie for the throne, meanwhile the disposed princess gains power, and to the north an old power is stirring.
The urban fantasy genre is known for its smart-mouthed, sassy, sword-wielding heroines as well. Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is one of the best in the genre.
Young adult (YA) books
*I’m noting which books I think have the easiest language
In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater Rhodes*
Written when the author was thirteen, it’s a darn good debut novel. Short and surprisingly gritty, Risika was unwilling changed into a vampire centuries ago, and is now on a quest to gain vengeance on the vampire who turned her. The author has other novels set in this universe written long before Twilight.
Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater Rhodes
Set in the same universe as In the Forests of the Night. Sarah is from a long line of vampires, but has never quite fit in like her sisters do. When she falls in love with her vampire classmate, whom she believes is different than other vampires, she’s forced to make difficult decisions.
Hawksong by Amelia Atwater Rhodes
Set in the author’s Keisha’ra universe. Fantasy. In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep-seated fear and distrust of each other. It’s a sweet romance, but Danica is a strong monarch.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi*
On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1802, a 12 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Won a Newberry award.
Tithe by Holly Black
Urban fantasy (think modern day but throw in werewolves, fairies, etc.), and a loose retelling of Tam Lin. Kaye travels from city to city with her mother’s band, but soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death. There’s a direct sequel titled Ironside.
Valiant by Holly Black
Set in the same universe as Tithe, it’s a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where the heroine inhabits the role of sword-wielding prince. Valerie runs away to New York, and takes up with squatters who are addicted to a strange drug that will introduce her to an even stranger underworld.
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody
1 - Obernewtyn
2 - The Farseekers
3 - Aisling
4 - The Keeping Place
5 - The Stone Key (published as two separate books, Wavesong and The Stone Key outside of New Zealand)
Post-apocalyptic fantasy. Due to nuclear fall-out, certain children are now born with Talents and experience extreme prejudice. Elspeth, a Talented orphan, must undertake an arduous race to disarm the last of the nuclear weapons before someone else uses them to destroy the remaining world. You’ll find this series in the children’s, YA, and adult section.
Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
1 - The Huger Games
2 - Catching Fire
3 - Mockingjay
Technically, I think this is a children’s series, but like Harry Potter, its appeal goes all the way to adults. This series is super popular State-side right now, is in pre-production for a movie, and launched the dystopia YA subgenre. Every ten years the government requires each district to send a boy and a girl to fight in the Huger Games, where the children must kill each other until only one is left. When Katniss takes her sister’s place, she must fight for her own survival both in the Games, and in the impending rebellion.
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louis Engdahl
A weird mix of sci-fi and fairy tales that works. Told in alternating points of view from Elana, a girl from an advanced space civilization on a mission to a medieval planet, and Georyn, one of the planet’s inhabitants who’s out to slay a dragon in an enchanted forest. The book won a Newberry, which almost never goes to a sci-fi book.
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
I guess this is technically urban fantasy since it’s modern day and has werewolves. At its heart, it’s a coming of age novel. Vivian is a werewolf, and must make difficult decisions when she falls in love with a human boy, while the next leader of the werewolves has his eye on her. This also was written long before Twilight.
Series: The Queen’s Own by Mercedes Lackey
1 - Arrows of the Queen
2 - Arrow’s Flight
3 - Arrow’s Fall
Medieval fantasy. Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia becomes one of the Queens' own elite guard. Meanwhile, treason is brewing, and Talia must learn her place in the world if she is the save the Queen, the Queen’s daughter, and the kingdom. Mercedes Lackey has many books set in this universe, but after a certain point, the books aren’t as good anymore.
Snow by Tracy Lynn
A retelling of Snow White, where the seven dwarves are a rag-tag bunch of part-animal orphans. It’s a strong and unique retelling, and also one of my favorites.
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Although part of a series, I only really like this first novel. Aislinn has the Sight, the ability to see fairies that can get her killed. When the Summer King sets his eyes on her, she’ll need her best friend, Seth’s, help if she is to survive.
Beauty by Robin McKinley*
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It’s short, and if you like it, she has another retelling for older audiences, Rose Daughter.
Deerskin by Robin McKinley
A retelling of Donkeyskin, so does contain an instance of incest and rape. By far my favorite book by the author, but the writing is more difficult than Beauty and The Blue Sword. McKinley’s books always have strong women, but usually not of the sword-swinging kind.
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Fantasy. Harry, bored with her sheltered life in the remote orange-growing colony of Daria, discovers magic in herself when she is kidnapped by a native king with mysterious powers. Contains a very swash-buckling heroine. There’s also a prequel novel, The Hero and the Sword.
Series: Bloody Jack by LA Meyer*
1 - Bloody Jack
2 - Curse of the Blue Tattoo
3 - Under the Jolly Roger
4 - In the Belly of the Bloodhound
5 - Mississippi Jack
6 - My Bonny Light Horseman
7 - Rapture of the Deep
8 - The Wake of the Lorelei Lee
The adventures of Jacky Faber who disguises herself as a boy and joins a pirate ship.
Series: Wind on Fire Trilogy by William Nicholson
1 - The Wind Singer
2 - Slaves of the Mastery
3 - Fire Song
Fantasy. Twin brother and sister, along with a learning disabled classmate, undergo a journey to restore their city and defeat an ancient evil. A lot of the times books have women being sacrifices to save the world, but this series has a nice twist on it.
Series: The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
1 - Sabriel
2 - Lirael
3 - Abhorsen
Fantasy. The world building is pretty awesome here. Sabriel is descended from a long line of Abhorsens, people who make sure the dead stay dead. Lirael is from a clan of seers, except she can’t see the future at all. Both women, despite their stories running parallel, must come of age if they are to thwart a long-sleeping evil that’s beginning to awaken.
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
It’s a genre blend of sci-fi and fantasy. It also uses African mythology, rather than the European mythology usually used in fantasy. Onyesonwu was born from her mother’s rape, and as a result, is a sorceress. As she grows into her power she learns it is her destiny to overthrow the wizard who is oppressing her people. Technically it’s an adult novel, but I think it fits better in YA.
Series: Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce*
1 - Alanna the First Adventure
2 - In the Hand of the Goddess
3 - The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
4 - Lioness Rampant
Medieval fantasy series. Alanna disguises herself as her twin brother, and swaps places with him, in order to become a knight, a profession forbidden to girls.
Series: The Immortals by Tamora Pierce
1 - Wild Magic
2- Wolf Speaker
3 - Emperor Mage
4 - The Realms of the Gods
Set in the same universe as Song of the Lioness. Daine comes to terms with her unique set of magical powers, her ability to speak with animals, and her own mysterious heritage. Tamora Pierce has many book series set in this universe, but the writing isn’t as good after the Trickster books.
Series: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
1 - The Golden Compass (published as Northern Lights in the UK)
2 - The Subtle Knife
3 - The Amber Spyglass
There are also two post-series companions stories, Lyra’s Oxford and Once Upon a Time in the North. As a warning, this series takes a lot of heat for its less than flattering portrayal of the Church. In an Earth very similar to ours, Lyra makes her way by her wits and her daemon companion, eluding the Church who are out to kill her when they hear the witches have prophesied she will end destiny. You’ll find this series in the children’s, YA, and adult section.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
This was originally published as two separate books (Crown Duel and Court Duel), but later editions have them published together under this title. Young Countess Meliara promise to her dying father leads her and her brother into a war for which they are ill-prepared, which threatens the very people they are trying to protect. Meliara fights battles both with sword in hand, as well as a fan as she learns to navigate court politics.
Edge of the Sword by Rebecca Tingle
Historical, medieval fiction. Rather than a romance, this focuses on Flaed’s friendship with her guard Red. Red teaches her how to be a warrior as they make their way to meet her future husband.
Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle
A companion novel to Edge of the Sword. In order to escape an arranged marriage, Aelfwyn disguises herself as a boy and becomes a bard. When she joins King Wilfred’s band, she must choose where loyalties lie.
Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde*
When Kerry went to pick up her younger brother’s teddy bear she didn’t anticipate murder, love, car jacking, and vampires. Also came before Twilight.
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
Giannine gets trapped in a medieval virtual reality game and has to beat it before the machine she’s using overheats and kills her. If you’ve ever played video games, it’s a fun read because Giannine goes about everything wrong, haha.
Diana Wynne Jones is another author that got recommended a lot by my friends. Particularly Howl’s Moving Castle and the Dalemark Quartet.
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series was also recommended.
If your feeling really adventurous here are some adult novels:
Series: The Inheritance Trilogy by NK Jemisin
1 - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
2 - The Broken Kingdoms
3 - The Kingdom of the Gods (will be released later this year)
Each book deals with a different heroine, but there’s an overarching theme of three who have been torn apart and need to reconcile. The first book deals with Yeine, a reluctant heiress, who learns about the other side of her family, their treachery, and the gods they enslaved. The second book deals with Oree, a blind artist, who finds a mysterious man and a slew of murders. Out of the adult novels I’m recommending, I think this series has the easiest language.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
A retelling of the Six Swans, and part of the Sevenwaters series. When her brothers are turned into swans, Sorcha must weave six sweaters made of thorns while taking a vow of silence. The task will take years, and during that time, she travels from Ireland to England where she’s forced to choose between her brothers and her own happiness.
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
1 - A Game of Thrones
2 - A Clash of Kings
3 - A Storm of Swords
4 - A Feast for Crows
5 - A Dance with Dragons (releasing in June)
This series is incomplete, the books long (all over 700 pages), and the language the most difficult of what I’m recommending. It’s an adult fantasy series, and there’s murder, violence, sex rape, incest, you name it, it’s probably in there. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the series has some of the most interesting female characters out there in the fantasy genre. The cast of women explore, gain, control, and keep power in very different ways; we have the woman knight all the way to a queen unafraid to use her wiles to get what she wants. The story deals with a kingdom in turmoil as factions vie for the throne, meanwhile the disposed princess gains power, and to the north an old power is stirring.
The urban fantasy genre is known for its smart-mouthed, sassy, sword-wielding heroines as well. Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is one of the best in the genre.