Best "Strong Female" Fantasy Novels (4790 books)

Listopia > 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. :-)

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All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore 4.06 avg rating — 482,701 ratings score: 369,398, and 3,744 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) 4.19 avg rating — 2,561,950 ratings score: 364,718, and 3,702 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 — 137,764 ratings score: 213,384, and 2,170 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
4	Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 177,701 ratings score: 191,661, and 1,967 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) 4.10 avg rating — 685,074 ratings score: 160,755, and 1,635 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 4.14 avg rating — 220,536 ratings score: 157,626, and 1,618 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 4.09 avg rating — 195,043 ratings score: 156,337, and 1,620 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) 4.16 avg rating — 220,142 ratings score: 134,657, and 1,381 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 4.28 avg rating — 460,848 ratings score: 124,429, and 1,281 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) 4.49 avg rating — 1,032,321 ratings score: 123,479, and 1,271 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) 4.05 avg rating — 136,824 ratings score: 118,553, and 1,238 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
12	A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 4,412,767 ratings score: 106,276, and 1,113 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 — 169,479 ratings score: 99,230, and 1,024 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) 4.36 avg rating — 1,883,858 ratings score: 99,185, and 1,041 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 — 83,255 ratings score: 94,529, and 994 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) 4.30 avg rating — 883,970 ratings score: 91,709, and 972 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) 4.02 avg rating — 425,809 ratings score: 86,490, and 918 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 — 63,707 ratings score: 83,742, and 889 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 — 165,957 ratings score: 79,486, and 836 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	A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.63 avg rating — 3,349,266 ratings score: 75,103, and 795 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	Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.45 avg rating — 1,671,981 ratings score: 73,256, and 784 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	Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy, #1) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 85,439 ratings score: 73,233, and 756 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 Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin 4.45 avg rating — 2,777,471 ratings score: 73,002, and 770 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	Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 382,896 ratings score: 72,584, and 764 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	Trickster's Choice (Daughter of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.26 avg rating — 68,187 ratings score: 70,461, and 758 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	Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 328,637 ratings score: 69,316, and 731 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 — 214,140 ratings score: 67,837, and 699 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 4.20 avg rating — 63,221 ratings score: 67,407, and 705 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 — 374,133 ratings score: 63,819, and 685 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) 4.29 avg rating — 72,243 ratings score: 61,299, and 644 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 — 70,275 ratings score: 59,689, and 650 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) 4.36 avg rating — 301,104 ratings score: 58,812, and 643 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	Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 386,881 ratings score: 58,569, and 627 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	Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5) by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author) 4.32 avg rating — 309,107 ratings score: 58,491, and 634 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 — 103,106 ratings score: 55,671, and 610 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 — 94,881 ratings score: 55,186, and 591 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 — 226,025 ratings score: 54,765, 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 — 55,637 ratings score: 53,621, and 584 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	Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.62 avg rating — 1,506,873 ratings score: 53,612, and 582 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	Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, #1) by Kelley Armstrong (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 106,325 ratings score: 53,260, 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	The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, #1) by Philip Pullman 4.03 avg rating — 1,632,892 ratings score: 52,075, and 565 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	Lirael (Abhorsen, #2) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 124,753 ratings score: 51,707, and 553 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	Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1) by Kim Harrison (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 129,994 ratings score: 51,555, and 551 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 — 55,328 ratings score: 47,921, and 510 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 — 92,437 ratings score: 46,626, and 516 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) 4.18 avg rating — 84,177 ratings score: 45,130, and 513 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) 4.29 avg rating — 61,687 ratings score: 43,948, and 493 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 4.09 avg rating — 41,333 ratings score: 43,900, and 472 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	Lann Dàn: Blades of Destiny Revised Edition III (Dàn Cycle, #1) by James Raquepau (Goodreads Author) 4.94 avg rating — 662 ratings score: 43,405, and 436 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	Lia Dàn: Stone of Destiny Revised Edition II (Dàn Cycle, #2) by James Raquepau (Goodreads Author) 4.95 avg rating — 559 ratings score: 43,146, and 437 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	Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years, #1) by Gregory Maguire 3.50 avg rating — 692,616 ratings score: 42,747, and 452 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	Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3) by Kristin Cashore really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 124,938 ratings score: 38,875, and 428 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	Abhorsen (Abhorsen, #3) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 129,053 ratings score: 38,112, and 419 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	Heart of Destiny (Book Three) – An Epic Fantasy of War & Fate in Mythic Ireland: Identity Shattered. Cost Revealed. Choice Endures. (The Destiny Cycle - aka Dàn Cycle 3) by James Raquepau (Goodreads Author) 4.98 avg rating — 452 ratings score: 37,978, and 381 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	Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 200,001 ratings score: 37,257, and 395 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	Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger (Goodreads Author) 3.90 avg rating — 114,695 ratings score: 35,496, and 393 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	Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, #1) by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 98,854 ratings score: 35,173, and 385 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	Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 90,774 ratings score: 35,160, and 399 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	The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) by Terry Pratchett 4.30 avg rating — 122,082 ratings score: 33,453, and 362 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	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 — 14,372 ratings score: 32,975, and 351 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	Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone, #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 1,131,168 ratings score: 32,593, 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
62	Sunshine by Robin McKinley 3.84 avg rating — 44,310 ratings score: 31,163, and 343 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	Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers 3.89 avg rating — 108,124 ratings score: 30,810, 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
64	Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads Author) 4.45 avg rating — 1,185,042 ratings score: 30,172, and 324 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	Crown Duel (Crown & Court, #1-2) by Sherwood Smith (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 25,561 ratings score: 28,780, and 318 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	The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1) by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 219,102 ratings score: 28,587, and 311 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	The Magicians' Guild (The Black Magician Trilogy, #1) by Trudi Canavan 3.95 avg rating — 91,471 ratings score: 28,033, and 305 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 Novice (The Black Magician Trilogy, #2) by Trudi Canavan 4.08 avg rating — 65,449 ratings score: 27,621, and 301 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	Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1) by Faith Hunter (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 39,777 ratings score: 27,442, 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
70	Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Eon, #1) by Alison Goodman (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 62,994 ratings score: 25,125, and 276 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	On the Edge (The Edge, #1) by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 48,195 ratings score: 24,417, and 282 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 Deed of Paksenarrion (The Deed of Paksenarrion, #1-3) by Elizabeth Moon 4.33 avg rating — 14,218 ratings score: 24,384, and 260 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	The High Lord (The Black Magician Trilogy, #3) by Trudi Canavan 4.14 avg rating — 64,387 ratings score: 23,229, 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
74	Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 93,872 ratings score: 22,960, and 273 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	The Naming (The Books of Pellinor, #1) by Alison Croggon (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 27,744 ratings score: 21,610, and 239 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	The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 1,273,745 ratings score: 21,554, and 241 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	Kushiel's Chosen (Phèdre's Trilogy, #2) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 42,185 ratings score: 20,724, and 230 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	Kushiel's Avatar (Phèdre's Trilogy, #3) by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author) 4.38 avg rating — 38,136 ratings score: 20,671, and 225 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	The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1,804,804 ratings score: 20,309, and 215 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	At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 92,888 ratings score: 19,679, 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
81	Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 34,597 ratings score: 19,378, and 214 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	By the Sword (Valdemar, #9) by Mercedes Lackey (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 21,646 ratings score: 19,169, and 216 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	Wolf-Speaker (The Immortals, #2) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.21 avg rating — 61,124 ratings score: 19,130, 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
84	Emperor Mage (The Immortals, #3) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 65,999 ratings score: 18,739, and 229 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	Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) by Terry Pratchett 4.26 avg rating — 99,571 ratings score: 18,058, and 201 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	The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1) by Rae Carson 3.78 avg rating — 83,831 ratings score: 17,822, 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
87	Deerskin by Robin McKinley 3.94 avg rating — 24,575 ratings score: 17,307, and 194 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	Uprooted by Naomi Novik (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 269,381 ratings score: 17,113, and 191 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	Ship of Magic (Liveship Traders, #1) by Robin Hobb (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 110,145 ratings score: 16,680, and 185 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	Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, #2) by Patricia Briggs 4.28 avg rating — 74,411 ratings score: 16,394, 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
91	Talking to Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #4) by Patricia C. Wrede (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 37,755 ratings score: 16,061, 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	Touch of Power (Healer, #1) by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 47,484 ratings score: 15,858, and 182 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) 4.12 avg rating — 1,024,754 ratings score: 15,610, and 176 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	Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley 4.05 avg rating — 83,363 ratings score: 15,296, and 177 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	River Marked (Mercy Thompson, #6) by Patricia Briggs 4.28 avg rating — 94,347 ratings score: 15,000, and 185 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	The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.56 avg rating — 625,844 ratings score: 14,205, and 158 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	One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2) by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 109,235 ratings score: 14,196, and 174 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	The Tombs of Atuan (Earthsea Cycle, #2) by Ursula K. Le Guin 4.14 avg rating — 138,636 ratings score: 13,741, and 152 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	Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #9) by Laurell K. Hamilton (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 67,103 ratings score: 13,418, and 158 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	Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, #1) by Mercedes Lackey (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 40,120 ratings score: 12,595, 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

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4,790 books · 19,203 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

2989 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

People Who Voted On This List (19203)

Amy 2327 books
177 friends

Jennifer 3983 books
52 friends

Adam 1955 books
84 friends

I am Bastet 2324 books
136 friends

Jon 3038 books
129 friends

Flora 4699 books
47 friends

King Haddock 1278 books
35 friends

Agata 1153 books
21 friends

More voters…

Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-50 of 410 (410 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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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message 5: by Mari (new)

Jul 15, 2009 12:06PM

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

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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 :)

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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.

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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

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message 9: by Amy (new)

Oct 14, 2009 11:12AM

@Laura - yea, this list changes pretty consistently.

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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...

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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)

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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. =)

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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.

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message 19: by Winnie (new)

Mar 18, 2010 02:15PM

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

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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.

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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.

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message 22: by [deleted user] (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:18PM

Pride and Prejudice (sans Zombies)?

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

Mar 21, 2010 12:22PM

Say WHAT?

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message 24: by [deleted user] (new)

Mar 21, 2010 12:56PM

#105

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

Mar 21, 2010 01:26PM

Good lord.

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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...

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

Mar 21, 2010 01:36PM

Removed for not being fantasy:

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

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message 28: by Patrick (new)

Aug 27, 2010 03:11AM

Good, but no Blood Lily Chronicles? No Buffy?

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

Aug 27, 2010 10:46AM

Why don't you add them?

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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.

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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.

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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!!

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

Nov 17, 2010 11:11AM

You could add it.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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).

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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!

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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 :)

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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 :)

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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!

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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

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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...

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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.

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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.....

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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.

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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.

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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.

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message 50: by molly ✨ (new)

Jan 02, 2012 05:15PM