Best New Fantasy Books with Female Protagonists

Rider’s Revenge

Alessandra Clarke

Release Date: September 29, 2015

Why read it: it’s a coming-of-age adventure fantasy featuring K’lrsa, who is on an a mission to avenge her father’s murder. It’s set in a world that you’ll love exploring. Alessandra Clarke’s debut novel reads like a seasoned author’s work.

Darken the Stars

Amy A. Bartol

Release Date: September 8, 2015

Why read it: Amy A. Bartol’s Kricket series explores fantasy tropes we’re all familiar with: a patriarchial society, prophecies, and a mysterious Brotherhood. But Kricket refuses to be used by those around her – she’s determined to shape her future for herself.

The Master Magician

Charlie N. Holmberg

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Why read it: this is the third book in the wildly-popular Paper Magician Series. Follow magician Ceony Twill, who has a secret – she knows how to practice forms of magic other than her own. In this third installment, Ceony is preparing to take her final magician’s exam – all while facing a criminal who wants revenge on Ceony.

As Black as Ebony

Salla Simukka

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Why read it: Salla Simukka’s Snow White Trilogy is a fantastic YA fantasy series starring seventeen-year-old Lumikki Andersson. It incorporates fantasy, fairy tale, thriller, and literary elements into one amazing trilogy. Note: we recommend reading this series in order (As Black as Ebony is book 3).

The Banished of Muirwood

Jeff Wheeler

Release Date: August 18, 2015

Why read it: Jeff Wheeler explores concepts of gender inequality and unequal access in his new epic fantasy series. Follow Maia, an exiled princess living as a servant, as she flees and hones her magic that she learned in secret (in a world where magic is forbidden to women).