If you’re looking for some of the best fantasy books for women (or any speculative fiction written for girls), read this guide.

It’s no surprise that women want a different type of fantasy book than men. Many women complain that speculative fiction books are almost all geared toward men. However, fear not. Not all the best books are for men! There are some great series in the genre for women! If you’re a woman tired of male leads, pathetic female characters, and lousy romance, you’ve come to the right place!

While most of the books in the genre are aimed at men, there are in fact a fair number of great books in the genre for girls. I have created a recommended list of the 10 best fantasy books for women.

#1: Living Ship Traders (Robin Hobb)

Robin Hobb is one of the best writers in the fantastic genre. His characterization and writing skills are sublime. Robb has the ability to create magical worlds (in every way) that really draw you in. Hobb’s handling of romance is very well done. If you are looking for a book with a fascinating magical world with a very strong female protagonist, Living Ship Traders will deliver this. This is a book that will appeal to both men and women, but I think women will find the captivating female lead quite attractive.

#2: The Seven Waters Trilogy (Juliet Marillier)

Without a doubt, Juliet Mariner is a master at creating realistic female characters. His trilogy of the seven waters is a masterpiece: intelligent, complex, adventurous and sad. This is Celtic speculative fiction with a well-realized world, a well-developed romance, and a magical and mysterious world. This is a very well written fantasy for the girls!

#3: Kushiel’s Dart (Jacqueline Carey)

Read this book and experience a range of emotions: passion, elation, and sadness. Kushiel’s Dart is a great read for both women and men, but especially for women. If you’re a woman looking for women’s literature, Kushiel’s Dart is just what you need. The female character is one of the most complex characters in the fantasy genre. While the book can be read by both men and women, I think the strong female lead makes this novel especially appealing to women.

#4: The Lions of Al-Rassan (Guy Gaverial Kay)

This man has yet to write a bad book. Kay populates her landscapes with fully realized characters. Kay’s female characters are always smart, thoughtful, and likeable heroines. Kay is a wordsmith: she takes her art very seriously. If she’s looking for a beautifully written mature read that lacks all the magical powers that are prevalent in most modern fantasy books, she chooses this series. Women should enjoy the vivid characterization of the main (female) lead. A fantastic story for women that is absolutely great!

#5: Archangel (Sharon Shinn)

If you are looking for a wonderful romance novel set in a fantastical landscape, then definitely take a look at this novel. It’s something of a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid with a bit of John Milton reimagined for the ride. This fantasy story has a great love story: it is interesting that the relationship between the two protagonists evolves from total aversion to love. For those women who are looking for a heavy romantic fantasy with a lot of character, check out this book.

#6: The Ambrai Ruins (Exiles, Vol. 1) (Melini Rawn)

Melini Rawn is a great fantasy author who writes books geared towards women. This story is completely character driven, with a complex array of characters and a very compelling world. Rawn’s ability to create layered plots combined with her strong writing really makes this book something to treasure. Without a doubt, this fantastic novel is a story that all women will love.

#7: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (Susan Clarke)

Those women who are fans of Jane Austin and Lord of the Rings should definitely read this fantasy book. It is written in the old Victorian style with many important words and flowery prose. But the story, oh my gosh! It’s fabulous. This isn’t really a romantic fantasy (although it does have strong romantic elements), but this is a book not to be missed. It’s one of the best fantasy books out there and it’s on my list of the 25 best fantasy books.

#8: Dragon and the Phoenix (Joanne Bertin)

This novel is an absolute romance hidden in the skin of a fantasy book. But it’s also a good romance. If you love fantasy books and you love romance then I urge you to read this book. This romantic fantasy book has everything women could want in a fantasy novel: a powerful hero, strong romantic tension, love triangles, action, and an addictive plot. If there is a subgenre of fantasy books for women, then this book definitely qualifies.

#9: The Dragon Prince Trilogy (Melini Rawn)

Those ladies who are longing for some epic fantasy for women will find themselves quite satisfied with this novel. This novel is epic fantasy with a strong cast of dangerous women. The romance between the male and female leads is the central focus of the book, but the world building is pretty good. I felt like this was some kind of Robert Jordan series for girls (although the plot is completely different). It’s nice to see some epic fantasy for girls. Who says only men can read epic fantasy?

#10: Rhapsody (Elizabeth Haydon)

This is an interesting book. This is another “fancy dress romance” book. Haydon creates an interesting world with an undertone of romantic tension. This book makes no apologies for being a sheer bra ripper, so if she’s looking for a fantasy novel with lots of romance and lots of sex, this book is sure to deliver in spades. Despite the high prevalence of romance plotlines, Haydon’s world-building is pretty good. There are different races, cultures, religions and magic. However, I only recommend reading the first book in the series; the sequels are not so good. If you want a fantasy book geared toward women, this book delivers. It’s a fantasy book for women!