If you liked (x), you might like (y)

[Aimee]

I'm a huge fantasy fan and I realized recently that most of the fantasy books I buy were written by men. I've read some great fantasy books by female writers, but these tend to be one-off books rather than huge sprawling series I spend lots of money on. I'm going to try and change that this year by reading more fantasy books by women.

I thought others might in the same boat and looking to broaden out their reading horizons, so I came up with some recommendations. Feel free to add your own, including any sci-fi or other geek-related books.

If you liked (x) then you might like (y)

If you liked… Sabriel by Garth Nix
Then you might like…
Graceling by Kristin Cahore
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Why? Young adult fantasy and magical realism stories that will delight older adults too, featuring multi-dimensional female characters who do more than wait to get rescued

If you liked… Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Then you might like…
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Why? Magical realism, larger-than-life characters, plenty of humour and a smattering of star-crossed romance, as well as surreal locations and stunning descriptions.

If you liked… The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Then you might like… The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan
Why? Pseudo-medieval high fantasy with strong female leads from tough backgrounds. Both of the main characters came from oppressed peasant classes and discovered amazing magical abilities they didn’t know they had.

If you liked… Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Then you might like… His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Why? Fantasy set in our own world – Aaronovitch’s books are set in modern-day London but with lots of historical references such as ancient river gods and goddesses. Novik’s books take place during the Napoleonic Wars.

If you liked… The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Then you might like… The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon
Why? Epic fantasy featuring tough warriors looking for adventure and revenge

[Krissy]

Some great ideas here and a few I don't know. Have to say I adore the Night Circus but found Strange and Norrel a bit heavy going

[Aimee]

Yeah Strange and Norrell takes a while to get going, there's so much scene-setting and the language is very Dickensian which could be off-putting. I loved it though, all the footnotes and the pen and ink illustrations - just gorgeous.