Strong Protagonist Fantasy Books Guide

This tag features fantasy stories led by capable, determined heroes who drive the plot. Ideal for readers who enjoy character-focused journeys and hard-won victories.

Curated by Fabled Tome

79 Books in subgenre
Apr 13, 2026 Last updated
Content filters Expand or collapse to refine what appears in this ranking. NSFW hidden Illustrated hidden LGBTQ+ included Female lead

NSFW

Include books categorized as erotica or containing other explicit content.

Hidden  (7)

Light Novels, Comics & Manga

Show illustrated and light novel entries alongside standard fantasy books.

Hidden  (7)

LGBTQ+ themes

Include books tagged with LGBTQ+ themes or related sub-tags.

Included

Protagonist

Narrow to books tagged with a male and/or female lead. Choose Any to show every book.

Any Male Female
1 The Way of Kings

The Way of Kings

By

Rated 4.66 out of 5 stars, based on 686,558 reviews.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is the first installment in The Stormlight Archive series, set on the storm-battered world of Roshar. The narrative follows Kaladin, a former medical apprentice turned slave soldier, as he navigates a brutal war on the Shattered Plains. Parallel storylines include Dalinar Kholin, a high-ranking noble plagued by visions linked to ancient orders, and Shallan, a young woman with hidden motives studying under a controversial scholar. The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the rediscovery of lost knowledge amid a complex political and magical landscape.

Book 1 of The Stormlight Archive series

Magic Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Medieval Survival Mythology Sword and Sorcery Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Male Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
2 Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing

By

Rated 4.57 out of 5 stars, based on 3,695,139 reviews.

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros follows twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail as she is forced to leave a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant to train as a dragon rider at an elite war college. Despite her small stature and fragile health, Violet must compete against other candidates who see her as a threat or a liability. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom under siege, the story explores themes of survival, loyalty, and hidden dangers within the ruling powers. Yarros presents a tense and challenging environment where Violet’s intelligence and resilience are crucial to navigating both the brutal training and the escalating external threats.

Book 1 of The Empyrean series

Fantasy Magic Romance Dystopia Dragons Monsters War Military Fiction Survival Enemies To Lovers Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy
Purchase on Amazon
3 Mistborn: The Final Empire

Mistborn: The Final Empire

By

Rated 4.49 out of 5 stars, based on 1,005,784 reviews.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson is set in a world where the oppressive Lord Ruler has dominated for a thousand years, casting ash over the land and subjugating the Skaa population. The story follows Kelsier, a half-Skaa Mistborn with extraordinary abilities, who assembles a group of skilled allomancers to challenge the seemingly invincible regime. Central to the plot is Vin, a wary half-Skaa orphan who must learn to trust others as she discovers her own latent powers. The novel explores themes of rebellion, power, and trust within a dark fantasy setting.

Book 1 of The Mistborn Saga series

Magic Gods Dystopia Epic Fantasy Monsters War Medieval Ruling Class Progression Fantasy Revenge Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
4 Reborn

Reborn

By

Rated 4.46 out of 5 stars, based on 2,731 reviews.

Reborn (The Jade Phoenix Saga #1) by D.I. Freed follows Yu, a young cultivator born with a corrupted God Sign, rendering her unable to access cultivation despite her prestigious warrior heritage. Isolated and mistreated by her clan, Yu secretly hones her twin Jian sword techniques, relying on her exceptional memory to develop advanced martial skills. The story explores themes of resilience and self-improvement within a fantasy setting where magic and cultivation define strength.

Book 1 of The Jade Phoenix Saga series

Fantasy Magic Epic Fantasy Martial Arts War Sword and Sorcery Coming Of Age Cultivation Progression Fantasy Revenge Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
5 A Little Hatred

A Little Hatred

By

Rated 4.45 out of 5 stars, based on 62,376 reviews.

A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie opens in a Union transformed by factories, profit, and political maneuvering, even as old hatreds and border wars persist. In the north, young war hero Leo dan Brock seeks glory against Stour Nightfall’s forces, only to find royal support undermined by the unreliable Prince Orso. In Adua, ruthless investor Savine dan Glokta navigates high society and industrial expansion while unrest in the slums threatens to overturn the social order. Far from the capital, Rikke wrestles with the dangerous foresight of the Long Eye under the guidance of Isern-i-Phail, as lingering magic and the schemes of the First of the Magi collide with an age of machines, rebellion, and violent change.

Book 1 of The Age of Madness series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Dark Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Violence
Purchase on Amazon
6 Azarinth Healer: Book One

Azarinth Healer: Book One

By

Rated 4.43 out of 5 stars, based on 10,855 reviews.

Azarinth Healer: Book One (Azarinth Healer, #1) by Rhaegar follows Ilea, a young woman who unexpectedly wakes up in a fantastical world governed by game-like rules. Faced with hostile creatures and unfamiliar magic, she navigates this new reality without a clear quest or mentor, relying on her combat skills and growing magical abilities. The story blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and slice of life as Ilea adapts to her circumstances while confronting various dangers. The tone balances action with moments of personal struggle and discovery.

Book 1 of Azarinth Healer series

Adventure Magic Comedy Role Playing Games Monsters Slice Of Life Martial Arts Apocalyptic Survival LitRPG Progression Fantasy Isekai Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Royal Road Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
7 Perilous Waif

Perilous Waif

By

Rated 4.37 out of 5 stars, based on 4,480 reviews.

Perilous Waif by E. William Brown follows Alice Long, a genetically and cybernetically modified orphan who has always had to conceal the extent of her abilities. Raised in a tightly controlled institution where the Matrons expect obedience, she quickly learns that her enhanced senses and combat potential make her both valuable and dangerous. When a mistake exposes what she can really do, Alice escapes into deep space, where she must navigate criminal syndicates, pirates, and other predators who target vulnerable travelers. Blending science fiction, action-heavy space opera, and a touch of romance, the novel centers on a resilient young woman whose strength and identity put her at odds with the violent worlds around her.

Book 1 of Alice Long series

Fantasy Adventure Action Romance Science Fiction Young Adult Space Opera LGBTQ Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Violence Strong Female Lead
Purchase on Amazon
8 Dragon Link

Dragon Link

By

Rated 4.35 out of 5 stars, based on 567 reviews.

Dragon Link by Ava Richardson follows sixteen-year-old Nova Harris, a foster teen in Florida whose only link to her missing mother is a mysterious dragon pendant. When a real dragon appears and pulls Nova and her best friend Zephyr through a portal to the magical realm of Ragond, they find a world shaped by dragons, witches, and long-standing tensions. Invited to compete in dragon rider and witch trials because of Nova’s family history, the two quickly learn that powerful groups see them as a threat. As Nova unexpectedly bonds with a dragon and uncovers hints of an inter-dimensional conflict, she must weigh the search for her mother against the growing responsibility to protect her new allies.

Book 1 of Ragond's Portal War series

Fantasy Magic Science Fiction Dragons Young Adult War Portal Fantasy Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
9 Dragon's Fate

Dragon's Fate

By

Rated 4.35 out of 5 stars, based on 609 reviews.

Dragon's Fate by Ava Richardson follows Kira, a young woman grieving her stepfather’s death in a dragon-riding accident, as she fights to save his ailing dragon, Axel. Leaving her remote village for the distant city of Caravon, she discovers that a mysterious plague is devastating dragons across the land of Ragond. Along the way, Kira rescues an abandoned hatchling, Gilda, whose unusual resistance to the illness hints at a possible cure and draws Kira deeper into a web of hidden dangers. This young adult epic fantasy centers on a determined female protagonist, her growing bond with dragons, and the uncovering of a secret that threatens both magical creatures and the wider realm.

Book 1 of Reaping of Ragond series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Epic Fantasy Young Adult Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
10 A True Home

A True Home

By ,

Rated 4.35 out of 5 stars, based on 5,117 reviews.

A True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, introduces Mona, a small mouse caught in a storm who discovers the hidden Heartwood Hotel deep in Fernwood Forest. Taken on as a maid, she learns the rhythms of this magical woodland inn, where animals seek shelter, good food, and quiet comfort. As threats to the forest draw nearer, Mona must rely on her resourcefulness and bravery to help protect the hotel and the guests who have begun to feel like family. This gentle fantasy adventure for young readers balances cozy atmosphere, light danger, and themes of belonging, friendship, and finding one’s place.

Book 1 of Heartwood Hotel series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Cozy Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals
Purchase on Amazon
11 Chosen

Chosen

By

Rated 4.33 out of 5 stars, based on 2,478 reviews.

Chosen by Jada Fisher opens the Brindle Dragon series with a young adult high fantasy focused on dragons, magic, and resilience. Eist, a determined orphan convinced she was meant to become a dragon rider, must confront physical injury, social barriers, and a rigid selection system that seems designed to keep her grounded. As she faces grueling tests and uncertain prospects, her path crosses with an unexpected dragon partner, hinting at a bond that could reshape both their futures. The novel blends coming-of-age themes with a zero-to-hero arc, following a strong female protagonist as she begins an adventure tied to a hidden, growing evil in her world.

Book 1 of The Brindle Dragon series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
Purchase on Amazon
12 Pack Dragon

Pack Dragon

By

Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars, based on 322 reviews.

Pack Dragon by Ava Richardson follows Eva Thirsk, an orphan raised on a remote farm in war-torn Destia, who joins the army in search of belonging and answers about her past. A disastrous mission releases the ancient Venistrare Warlock, a threat once sealed away to safeguard the realm, and Eva begins to experience unsettling visions and surges of unfamiliar power. Her growing bond with Perrell, a rare pack dragon, suggests a magical connection she was never meant to possess, especially at her age. As the conflict escalates into full-scale war, this heroic fantasy centers on whether Eva can understand and control her emerging abilities in time to confront a rising magical enemy.

Book 1 of Dragon Defenders of Destia Part I series

Fantasy Magic Dragons War Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
13 Ravenwood

Ravenwood

By

Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars, based on 3,330 reviews.

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell follows Tanyth Fairport, an older traveling herbalist who has spent decades studying the plants and folk medicine of Korlay. Planning to complete one final journey before settling down to write her life’s work, she pauses to assist a struggling village and finds her practical knowledge entangled with unsettling hints of deeper magic. As Tanyth confronts local dangers and unexpected responsibilities, she begins to question long-held assumptions about the world and her place in it. Blending quiet, slice-of-life detail with elements of heroic fantasy, Ravenwood offers a measured, character-focused coming-of-age story for a protagonist well past youth.

Book 1 of Tanyth Fairport series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Slice Of Life Cozy Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
14 Fluff

Fluff

By

Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars, based on 345 reviews.

Fluff by RavensDagger follows Emily Wright, a socially anxious freshman whose first day of college coincides with the global event that grants random people superhuman abilities. Classified as a villain against her will, Emily accidentally creates a tiny, overenthusiastic supervillain sidekick and soon finds herself responsible for an expanding group of similarly chaotic “little sisters.” Set in an urban fantasy world where superheroes and villains are officially labeled and monitored, the story blends light action, humor, and slice-of-life college concerns as Emily tries to keep her head down. The novel focuses on a reluctant, strong female protagonist who would rather pass her classes than conquer the world, giving this young adult superhero story a cozy, character-driven tone.

Book 1 of Fluff series

Fantasy Action Humor Science Fiction Superheroes Urban Fantasy Slice Of Life Cozy Young Adult College Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
15 Dragon Tongue

Dragon Tongue

By

Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars, based on 760 reviews.

Dragon Tongue by Ava Richardson follows Cora, a young woman in a high fantasy kingdom who knows the old tales of dragon riders better than anyone, even as most dismiss them as superstition. Burdened by her father’s illness and crushing debt, she risks the dangerous borderlands as a scale scavenger, harvesting valuable dragon scales from feral, lethal creatures. When a near-fatal encounter leads to an unexpected bond with a dragon named Alaric, Cora discovers she can communicate with him, revealing long-buried truths about magic, dragons, and the fall of the riders. As they investigate the kingdom’s history and the corrupt power that ended the riders’ era, Cora must decide how far she will go to challenge those who still control the realm and suppress its forgotten legends.

Book 1 of Rise of the Dragon Riders series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
16 Wild Magic

Wild Magic

By

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 83,109 reviews.

In Wild Magic, Tamora Pierce introduces Daine, a young girl whose uncanny connection with animals earns her work escorting a herd of ponies to the kingdom of Tortall. As she assists the royal horsemistress, Daine discovers that her talent is not simple animal handling but a rare form of magic that lets creatures understand and respond to her. Surrounded by riders, mages, and eventually dragons, she must confront painful memories and her mistrust of people in order to control this wild power. The novel blends high fantasy adventure with a coming-of-age story centered on a strong female protagonist and her evolving bond with the animal world.

Book 1 of The Immortals series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals
Purchase on Amazon
17 Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

By

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 77,264 reviews.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend follows Morrigan, a girl condemned as cursed and fated to die on her eleventh birthday. Rescued at the last moment by the enigmatic Jupiter North, she is taken to Nevermoor, a hidden city where magic, strange creatures, and secret powers are part of everyday life. There, Morrigan is unexpectedly entered into a series of four perilous trials to win a place in the elite Wundrous Society, competing against children who all seem to possess remarkable abilities she believes she lacks. Blending fantasy adventure, mystery elements, and a zero-to-hero arc with a strong young female protagonist, the novel explores belonging, courage, and identity within an imaginative children’s and young adult setting.

Book 1 of Nevermoor series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Young Adult Mystery Childrens Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Competition
Purchase on Amazon
18 Tress of the Emerald Sea

Tress of the Emerald Sea

By ,

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 303,927 reviews.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson, illustrated by Howard Lyon, follows Tress, a young woman whose quiet life on a remote island in an emerald-hued ocean ends when her closest friend, Charlie, is taken away by his noble father and lost to disaster. Determined to rescue him, Tress secretly boards a ship and is drawn into a wider world of spore-filled seas, lethal magic triggered by water, and ruthless pirates. As she seeks the feared Sorceress who rules the Midnight Sea, Tress must adapt from an unassuming islander into a capable protagonist navigating warlike tensions and dangerous alliances. This standalone fantasy adventure blends high-stakes magic, romance, and heroic discovery within Sanderson’s broader Cosmere setting.

Book 1 of Hoid's Travails series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance High Fantasy Young Adult War Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Pirates Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
19 The Seventh Princess: A Reincarnation Progression Fantasy

The Seventh Princess: A Reincarnation Progression Fantasy

By , ,

Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, based on 851 reviews.

The Seventh Princess: A Reincarnation Progression Fantasy (Adelheid) by D.C. Haenlien, Chris Ford, and Sa Dui follows the story of Adelheid, who awakens as the Seventh Princess of the Vuldar Empire with a frail body but an overwhelming amount of mana. Facing the threat her power poses to her life, she commits herself to claiming the throne and restoring her birthright. The narrative explores themes of ambition and sacrifice as Adelheid navigates challenges to fulfill her goals within a complex imperial setting.

Book 1 of Adelheid series

Fantasy Magic War Medieval Elves Ruling Class Progression Fantasy Reincarnation Revenge Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Royal Road Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
20 Demon's Ascent: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG

Demon's Ascent: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG

By , ,

Rated 4.30 out of 5 stars, based on 435 reviews.

Demon's Ascent: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG (Newly Summoned Demoness) by Erios909, Michaela Choi, and CREADFECTUS follows Elania, a girl summoned by demon-worshiping cultists into a perilous world where she must navigate hostile creatures and deep-seated anti-demon prejudice. As she uncovers latent powers linked to a mysterious System, Elania faces threats both external and internal while forming an uneasy alliance with Yolani, an arcane artificer entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. Set in an underground civilization fraught with danger, the story explores themes of survival, identity, and power within a fantasy LitRPG framework.

Book 1 of Newly Summoned Demoness series

Magic Demons Monsters War LGBTQ Apocalyptic Lesbian Survival LitRPG Progression Fantasy Isekai Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
21 Saintess Summons Skeletons

Saintess Summons Skeletons

By

Rated 4.30 out of 5 stars, based on 1,066 reviews.

Saintess Summons Skeletons (Saintess Summons Skeletons #1) by Mornn follows Sofia, who aspires to be a Necromancer but unexpectedly awakens as a Saintess. Instead of summoning powerful heroes, she calls forth undead skeletons, challenging the expectations of the church and those around her. Set in a fantasy world populated by familiar races like Beastmen, Dwarves, Trolls, Dragons, and Elves, the story incorporates elements of magic and a video-game-like system with classes, skills, and levels. As Sofia navigates this complex environment, she becomes involved in deeper power struggles tied to divine forces and the nature of saintly selection.

Book 1 of Saintess Summons Skeletons series

Adventure Magic Gods Epic Fantasy Monsters Zombies Mythology Sword and Sorcery Progression Fantasy Rebellion Strong Protagonist Royal Road Female Protagonist Necromancer
Purchase on Amazon
22 The Girl Who Kept the Castle

The Girl Who Kept the Castle

By

Rated 4.29 out of 5 stars, based on 649 reviews.

In The Girl Who Kept the Castle, Ryan Graudin introduces Faye, a practical and determined maid who discovers that her absent-minded employer, Wizard West, has died and returned as a powerless ghost. With the enchanted castle of Celurdur due to collapse at the next full moon unless its foundation magic is renewed, West hastily organizes a successor’s competition filled with young spellcasters, temperamental creatures, and unpredictable magic. As Faye manages crises from kitchen mishaps to a compost dragon and dangerous cockatrice pens, she uncovers sabotage linked to the Shadow Queen’s servant and a threat that reaches beyond the castle walls. This cozy fantasy adventure for children centers on Faye’s resourcefulness, quiet courage, and emerging magic as she works to protect both Celurdur and the kingdom of Solum.

Book 1 of Faye series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Cozy Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Ghosts Competition
Purchase on Amazon
23 Heaven's Fallen

Heaven's Fallen

By

Rated 4.29 out of 5 stars, based on 343 reviews.

Heaven's Fallen (Mantles of Power #1) by Benjamin Medrano follows Isalla, an angel cast out from the heavens and stranded in the hells after betrayal. Stripped of her wings, she is aided by Kanae, a demoness who defies Isalla’s preconceived notions about demons. As Isalla navigates this unfamiliar and dangerous realm, she must confront threats from unseen enemies while forming a complex bond with Kanae. The novel explores themes of trust, survival, and unexpected alliances within a fantasy setting that includes magic, demons, and angels.

Book 1 of Mantles of Power series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Demons Romance War Supernatural LGBTQ Angels Lesbian Mythology Enemies To Lovers Low Fantasy Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
24 The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season

By

Rated 4.28 out of 5 stars, based on 340,049 reviews.

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin follows Essun, a woman living undercover as a schoolteacher in a small town, who faces devastating personal loss when her husband kills their son and abducts their daughter. Set in the Stillness, a continent plagued by seismic disasters and societal fear of orogenes—individuals who can manipulate the earth—this story unfolds amid the collapse of the Sanze empire and a catastrophic rift that threatens to darken the sky for generations. Essun’s determination to reclaim her daughter drives her through a fractured world on the brink of collapse.

Book 1 of The Broken Earth series

Magic Adult Post Apocalyptic Dystopia Epic Fantasy Monsters War LGBTQ Apocalyptic Survival Low Fantasy Ruling Class Revenge Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
25 Alanna: The First Adventure

Alanna: The First Adventure

By

Rated 4.27 out of 5 stars, based on 137,456 reviews.

Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce follows Alanna of Trebond, a young girl who disguises herself as her twin brother to train as a knight in the realm of Tortall. Set in a medieval fantasy world where women are barred from knighthood, Alanna faces challenges in mastering combat skills, magic, and courtly expectations while maintaining her secret identity. The narrative explores themes of identity, perseverance, and the complexities of growing into a role traditionally denied to her gender.

Book 1 of Song of the Lioness series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Medieval LGBTQ Childrens Sword and Sorcery Coming Of Age Low Fantasy Ruling Class Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
26 Born a Queen

Born a Queen

By

Rated 4.27 out of 5 stars, based on 817 reviews.

Born a Queen (Lilith's Shadow, #1) by Benjamin Medrano follows Lilith, a being created by the notorious supervillain Shadowmind, who lacks a personal history and faces a death sentence because of her origin. Fleeing into the world, she encounters both heroes and villains, including Gina and Rachel, two superheroines in San Francisco. Their interactions develop into a complex friendship amid ongoing threats from adversaries. The novel blends elements of urban fantasy, science fiction, and romance with themes of identity and survival in a setting where magic and superpowers coexist.

Book 1 of Lilith's Shadow series

Adventure Action Romance Science Fiction Monsters Superheroes LGBTQ Polyamory Lesbian Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Artificial Intelligence
Purchase on Amazon
27 Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 30,151 reviews.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George follows Creel, a practical young heroine whose aunt schemes to have her offered to a dragon in hopes of attracting a knight and improving the family’s fortunes. When a dragon does appear, Creel negotiates her freedom and leaves with what seems to be an ordinary pair of blue shoes from his hoard. As she travels through a kingdom edging toward war, she discovers that the slippers hold powerful magic tied to dragons and the fate of the realm. The novel blends light romance, fairy-tale elements, and classic heroic fantasy in a young adult adventure centered on choice, courage, and unintended consequences.

Book 1 of Dragon Slippers series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Dragons Young Adult War Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales
Purchase on Amazon
28 Trickster's Choice

Trickster's Choice

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 68,121 reviews.

Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce follows Alianne, a sharp-witted teenager determined to become a spy rather than the knight her legendary mother might prefer. After a quarrel drives her from home, Aly is seized by slavers and taken to the Copper Isles, where she is sold into bondage among a noble family entangled in rebellion and court politics. There she learns that her capture is part of a larger design orchestrated by the Trickster God Kyprioth, who draws her into a dangerous game of espionage and prophecy. The novel blends high fantasy, magic, and political intrigue with a focus on a capable young woman navigating loyalty, power, and the costs of resistance.

Book 1 of Daughter of the Lioness series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Gods High Fantasy Young Adult Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
29 The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station

The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station

By

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 460 reviews.

The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station by Fay Abernethy blends cozy science fiction with light fantasy as an alien-run orbital station secretly shields Earth from hostile forces. Hanna Abebe, an undocumented cleaner in London, is pulled from a life on the streets into a hidden training school for Shantivira fighter pilots, only to suspect betrayal among the recruits. On Dartmoor, horse rider Lucy Cooper encounters a shapeshifter who offers her a place on the same programme, while a shadowy group pressures her to spy on the station’s true intentions. Above them all, bored station captain Joe Llewellyn faces an unexpected crisis when an asteroid strike on the International Space Station forces him to reveal the existence of aliens, drawing these intertwined human and non-human loyalties into open conflict.

Book 1 of The Shantivira series

Fantasy Magic Science Fiction Cozy Shapeshifters Space Opera Aliens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals
Purchase on Amazon
30 First Test

First Test

By

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars, based on 63,599 reviews.

First Test by Tamora Pierce returns to the kingdom of Tortall, where ten years after knighthood training is opened to girls, Keladry of Mindelan becomes the first to attempt page training. Determined to earn her place in the royal academy, she faces harsh hazing, punishing physical demands, and the open hostility of Lord Wyldon, the conservative training master who places her on a probationary trial no boy has ever faced. As Kel navigates isolation, prejudice, and the expectations of her peers, she slowly builds alliances among other pages and within the magical world around them. This young adult high fantasy novel focuses on perseverance, quiet courage, and a strong female protagonist testing the limits of tradition.

Book 1 of Protector of the Small series

Fantasy Adventure Magic High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Strong Female Lead
Purchase on Amazon
31 Ancient Ruins

Ancient Ruins

By

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 1,913 reviews.

Ancient Ruins (Ancient Dreams, #1) by Benjamin Medrano follows Sistina, who awakens after thousands of years with fragmented memories in the remains of an ancient city. As she navigates a conflict involving two elven nations and the slaver kingdom of Kelvanis, Sistina becomes both a refuge and a strategic stronghold after rescuing a princess from captivity. The novel explores themes of power, forgotten knowledge, and survival within a dark fantasy setting, incorporating elements of lesbian romance.

Book 1 of Ancient Dreams series

Magic Harem Demons Romance Epic Fantasy Monsters War Dark Fantasy LGBTQ Queer Elves Lesbian Survival Rebellion Dungeon Core Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
32 The Zero Blessing

The Zero Blessing

By

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 1,835 reviews.

The Zero Blessing by Christopher G. Nuttall follows twelve-year-old Caitlyn Aguirre, the only non-magical child in a powerful sorcerous family. Sent with her gifted sisters to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy as a final attempt to awaken her magic, she must navigate demanding classes and social pressures without the basic abilities her classmates take for granted. As Caitlyn searches for any sign of power, she stumbles onto an old secret buried within the academy’s history that may explain her apparent lack of talent. This young adult fantasy blends school-of-magic adventure, a determined female protagonist, and a gradual zero-to-hero arc with hints of deeper, possibly science fiction–tinged mysteries behind the world’s magic.

Book 1 of The Zero Enigma series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Academy
Purchase on Amazon
33 Forge of Destiny, Volume 1

Forge of Destiny, Volume 1

By

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 1,232 reviews.

Forge of Destiny, Volume 1 (Destiny Cycle, #1) by Yrsillar follows Ling Qi, a young girl from the slums of the Celestial Empire who discovers she possesses a rare Talent that could lead to immortality. Sent to the Argent Peak Sect, she faces a demanding three-month training period before disciples compete for resources and power. The novel explores Ling Qi’s challenges with rigorous tests, complex relationships, and her struggle to advance among more experienced peers in a world shaped by spirits, beasts, and ancient martial traditions. This fantasy blends elements of magic, slice of life, and science fiction within a richly imagined setting.

Book 1 of Destiny Cycle series

Adventure Magic Epic Fantasy Monsters Slice Of Life Martial Arts Asia Cultivation Progression Fantasy Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
34 The Little Shop of Grand Curiosities

The Little Shop of Grand Curiosities

By

Rated 4.23 out of 5 stars, based on 922 reviews.

In The Little Shop of Grand Curiosities, Iris Lake introduces Nepheli, a determined shopkeeper whose magical curiosity shop stands as the last remnant of wonder in the increasingly ordinary city of Elora. Her quiet routine unravels when Apollo, an enigmatic traveler from distant lands, arrives and draws her into a wider world filled with dangerous creatures, strange enchantments, and unsettling truths about her own powers. As Nepheli and Apollo navigate perilous landscapes and shifting loyalties, their partnership deepens into a nuanced romance shaped by empathy and shared vulnerability. Blending cozy fantasy atmosphere with adventure, mystery, and a subtle coming-of-age arc, the novel follows a strong female protagonist who must decide how far she is willing to go to protect magic from encroaching mundanity.

Book 1 of Tales from the Faraway North series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance Cozy Mystery Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
35 Emergence

Emergence

By

Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars, based on 2,083 reviews.

Emergence by David R. Palmer follows Candidia Maria Smith-Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who discovers she belongs to a new human offshoot after a global catastrophe. When a bionuclear assault devastates the world and her father, a covert biowarfare specialist, is summoned to Washington, Candy survives in an underground shelter with only her pet bird for company. As she ventures out into a largely empty, post-apocalyptic landscape, she must navigate the ruins of civilization, understand her unusual abilities, and determine whether any other survivors share her genetic legacy. The novel blends science fiction and dystopian adventure with a young yet capable female protagonist at its center.

Book 1 of The Emergence Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia Young Adult Speculative Fiction Apocalyptic Survival Strong Protagonist Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
36 The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 176,902 reviews.

In The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart introduces four unusually gifted children who pass a strange series of intelligence and logic tests advertised in a newspaper. Chosen by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict, they form a small team and are sent undercover to the isolated Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school whose lack of rules conceals something far more troubling than strict teachers or difficult exams. As they navigate secret passages, coded messages, and psychological manipulation, the boys and girls must rely on their distinct strengths and quick thinking to uncover a hidden threat. Blending mystery, light science fiction elements, and adventure, this young adult novel follows strong child protagonists facing escalating suspense in an academic setting.

Book 1 of The Mysterious Benedict Society series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Young Adult Mystery Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Male Protagonist Suspense
Purchase on Amazon
37 Sleight of Hand

Sleight of Hand

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 4,470 reviews.

Sleight of Hand (Bite Back, #1) by Mark Henwick follows Amber Farrell, a former military operative turned private investigator in Denver. Amber faces multiple threats, including a contract on her life from a local drug lord and pressure from the secretive Athanate, a powerful group of supernatural beings. When Jennifer Kingslund hires Amber to uncover sabotage at her resort, the investigation draws Amber into a hidden world of vampires, werewolves, and magic. The novel explores complex alliances and an ancient conflict that endangers the city and the country Amber is committed to protecting.

Book 1 of Bite Back series

Magic Action Romance Urban Fantasy Shapeshifters Mystery War Military Fiction Supernatural Vampires Thriller Werewolves Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
38 Fantasy of Frost

Fantasy of Frost

By

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 12,457 reviews.

Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare introduces a veiled heir to the throne whose own mother despises her, leaving her isolated within a hostile royal court. As Tatuma, she is next in line to rule, yet years of abuse, secrecy, and enforced anonymity have denied her even the knowledge of her own face. When a peace delegation from the feared world of Glacium arrives, political tensions expose buried truths and force her into a dangerous web of alliances and betrayals. Balancing her determination to become Tatum with the need to survive, she navigates paranormal threats, court intrigue, and a fragile romance in a young adult fantasy that centers on identity, power, and resilience.

Book 1 of The Tainted Accords series

Fantasy Adventure Romance Young Adult Paranormal Ruling Class Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist New Adult
Purchase on Amazon
39 Butter, Sugar, Magic

Butter, Sugar, Magic

By

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 5,593 reviews.

Butter, Sugar, Magic by Jessica Rosenberg introduces Cassie, a recently divorced, midlife single mother who unexpectedly inherits a fully equipped bakery and an elegant apartment from a great-aunt she never knew. Moving to the small town to test this new life with her pre-teen daughter, she quickly realizes the apartment shifts to match her needs and the neighbors treat magic as casually as small talk. As Cassie weighs stability against the unsettling paranormal undercurrents, she must decide whether this cozy yet uncanny community can truly become home. Blending slice-of-life rhythms with light mystery and witchy elements, the novel focuses on a strong female protagonist rebuilding her future on her own terms.

Book 1 of Baking Up a Magical Midlife series

Fantasy Magic Adult Slice Of Life Cozy Mystery Paranormal Witches Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Small Town
Purchase on Amazon
40 The Shadow of the Gods

The Shadow of the Gods

By

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 102,320 reviews.

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne opens a Norse-inspired epic fantasy set in Vigrið, a fractured land still marked by the long-ago extinction of its gods. As rival jarls maneuver for advantage and monstrous creatures roam forests and mountains, the remains of those fallen deities offer dangerous magical power to those willing to claim it. The novel follows three central figures: a huntress on a perilous mission, a battle-hungry noblewoman who has turned away from comfort, and a thrall seeking revenge within the mercenary company known as the Bloodsworn. Their intersecting paths drive a dark, war-torn narrative of magic, dragons, and ancient mythology returning to shape the fate of their world.

Book 1 of The Bloodsworn Saga series

Fantasy Magic Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy War Mythology Revenge Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
41 Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass

By

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 2,488,507 reviews.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas follows Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin summoned from prison to compete for her freedom by serving as the King’s Champion. Set in a kingdom ruled by a ruthless king, the story unfolds within the castle walls where Celaena must face twenty-three other contenders, including murderers and warriors. As mysterious deaths begin to occur among the competitors, Celaena’s challenge shifts from winning a contest to uncovering a deadly threat lurking in the castle. The novel combines elements of political intrigue and suspense with a dark fantasy atmosphere.

Book 1 of Throne of Glass series

Adventure Magic Romance Epic Fantasy Monsters Young Adult War Fae Survival Enemies To Lovers Sword and Sorcery Ruling Class Political Intrigue Assassins Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
42 Shadow Blessed

Shadow Blessed

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 1,454 reviews.

Shadow Blessed by D.K. Holmberg follows Carth, a young woman whose life is shattered when the feared A’ras of Nyaesh murder her parents. In the aftermath, she uncovers that her family secretly prepared her to wield magic, leaving her with dangerous abilities she barely understands. As she learns to survive among swordsmen, sorcerers, and political tensions, Carth’s search for answers and revenge draws her into a wider conflict that threatens far more than her own future. Blending high fantasy adventure with hints of the paranormal and war, the novel centers on a determined female protagonist forced to decide how far she will go to protect new allies and an unexpected sense of belonging.

Book 1 of The Shadow Accords series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction High Fantasy Young Adult War Paranormal Revenge Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
43 The Mystwick School of Musicraft

The Mystwick School of Musicraft

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 7,133 reviews.

The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury follows Amelia Jones, a determined young musician who earns a precarious trial spot at an elite academy where music is the source of magic. After a failed audition, she must navigate demanding classes, skeptical classmates, and the pressure to hide her mistakes by presenting a flawless version of herself. As strange, dangerous storms begin to threaten the school, Amelia’s struggle to master her craft becomes tied to the safety of Mystwick itself. Blending fantasy adventure, humor, and a focus on self-acceptance, this story centers on a strong female protagonist learning what it truly means to belong.

Book 1 of Mystwick series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy
Purchase on Amazon
44 Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 4,146 reviews.

In Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, Julie Abe introduces a young witch whose limited powers put her future at risk. Nearly thirteen, Eva must complete a coming-of-age quest to earn the title of Novice Witch or lose her magic entirely, a challenge made harder by spells that misfire and magic that leaves her suddenly asleep. Sent to the quiet seaside town of Auteri, she opens a small repair shop, using her unreliable abilities and practical problem-solving to help residents with everyday troubles. As an unprecedented magical storm approaches, this cozy fantasy adventure becomes a test of Eva’s courage, resourcefulness, and sense of responsibility, shaping her path from uncertain apprentice to determined young heroine.

Book 1 of Eva Evergreen series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Cozy Young Adult Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
45 The Dragon of Trelian

The Dragon of Trelian

By

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 2,023 reviews.

The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen introduces Calen, an isolated apprentice mage, and Princess Meglynne, whose secret bond with a young dragon changes both their lives. As Meg struggles with the dangerous magical link tying her to the dragon, Calen grapples with his uncertain powers and his new role in royal intrigues. Together they uncover a plot that threatens the kingdom of Trelian, forcing them to test their courage, loyalty, and growing abilities. This first book in a high fantasy adventure trilogy blends magic, dragons, and political tension through the perspectives of two young protagonists facing the prospect of war.

Book 1 of Trelian series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult War Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
Purchase on Amazon
46 Foundryside

Foundryside

By

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 56,320 reviews.

Foundryside (The Founders Trilogy, #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett follows Sancia Grado, a skilled thief in the city of Tevanne, who steals a powerful artifact linked to the magical technology of scriving. This technology allows objects to be imbued with sentience through coded commands and has been exploited by the ruling Merchant Houses to enforce a rigid capitalist order. As Sancia becomes entangled in a conflict over control of the artifact, she must navigate political intrigue and harness its power to survive. The novel explores themes of magic, technology, and transformation within a high fantasy setting that includes queer and LGBT elements.

Book 1 of The Founders Trilogy series

Fantasy Magic Gods Epic Fantasy Monsters War LGBTQ Queer Thriller Lesbian Low Fantasy Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
47 Red Sister

Red Sister

By

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 63,547 reviews.

Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) by Mark Lawrence introduces Nona Grey, a young girl taken from execution and raised in the Convent of Sweet Mercy, where girls are trained as lethal warriors. Over ten years, Nona develops formidable skills in combat and uncovers deeper mysteries under the guidance of Abbess Glass. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and a declining empire, the story explores Nona’s struggle to control her violent past while navigating rivalries within the church and attracting imperial attention. The novel combines elements of fantasy and martial training with complex character dynamics.

Book 1 of Book of the Ancestor series

Fantasy Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Martial Arts War Dark Fantasy Medieval Survival Enemies To Lovers Coming Of Age Political Intrigue Assassins Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon
48 Spiral of Need

Spiral of Need

By

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 20,346 reviews.

Spiral of Need by Suzanne Wright is an adult paranormal romance set in a contemporary world of wolf shifters and pack politics. Ally Marshall, a wolf shifter with rare Seer abilities, finds herself under the reluctant protection of Derren Hudson, the Mercury Pack’s Beta, who has every reason to mistrust her kind. Their uneasy alliance is complicated by an intense physical attraction neither of them welcomes, especially as old grudges and supernatural threats close in on the pack. As danger escalates and Ally’s visions become crucial to survival, both characters are forced to confront prejudice, loyalty, and the risks of accepting a mate they never wanted to need.

Book 1 of The Mercury Pack series

Magic Adult Romance Shapeshifters Supernatural Enemies To Lovers Werewolves Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
Purchase on Amazon