Fantasy
My list of top female scifi/fantasy heroines.
I'm a big fan of anthologies, so I've read a few. Some I liked, so not quite as much. But almost every anthology has at least one story worth reading.
Co-Editor of the Thieves' World Anthology and editor of the new Thieves' World series. For the first series, she created Illyra the S'Danzo among others.
The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (2006)
See the Science Fiction section.
Kingdom of the Golden Dragon (2004)
Magic Bites (2007), Magic Burns (2008)
Piers Anthony, who has been more than proliferate in his writing, authored the Incarnations of Immortality and Xanth series. Incarnations starts with one of my favorite books, On A Pale Horse, which is about the persona behind Death. The rest of the series has it's ups and downs, but it is worth reading at least once. The Xanth books start out well, they're funny, and I enjoyed the puns.
My general advice on Piers Anthony books is that the first couple books in a series are typically good, after that it's a toss-up.
The Incarnations of Immortality: On A Pale Horse (1983), Bearing and Hourglass (1984), With a Tangled Skein (1985), Wielding a Red Sword (1986), Being a Green Mother (1987), For Love of Evil (1988), And Eternity (1990)
Xanth: The series starts with A Spell for Chameleon (1977) I won't even try to list the rest.
Bitten (2001)
The Charmed Sphere (2004)
Co-Editor of the Thieves' World anthology and the M.Y.T.H. Series. He tends more towards the comedic fantasy, which is just fine with me.
Unfortunately the beginning of the MYTH series is better than the later books I read, although this does not seem uncommon with long running comedic fantasy series.
M.Y.T.H. Inc.: Another fine Myth, Myth Conceptions, Myth Directions (1982), Hit or Myth (1983), Mything Persons (1984), Little Myth Marker (1985), M.Y.T.H. Inc Link (1986), Myth-nomers and Im-pervections (1987), M.Y.T.H. Inc in Action, Sweet Myth-tery of Life (1984)
Daemon Eyes (2007)
The Last Unicorn (1968) The Innkeeper's Song (1993), Giant Bones (1997)
Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale (2002)
The Dragon Queen (2001)
The Mists of Avalon (1982), The Firebrand (1987), The Fall of Atlantis (1987), Sword and Sorceress (Yearly anthology), Marion Zimmer Bradley Fantasy Magazine (after the death of MZB this has ceased publication), Lythande (from the Thieves' World series)
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword And Sorceress
Please go to the anthology page.
A Great and Terrible Beauty (2003)
Doppelganger (2006)
Raven's Shadow (2004), Raven's Strike (2005)
Mercy Thompson:Moon Called (2006), Blood Bound (2007), Iron Kissed (2008)
Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf (2008)
Green Rider (1998)
The Vlad Taltos Novels
Published Order:
Jhereg (1983), Yendi (1984), Teckla (1987), Taltos (1988), Phoenix (1990), Athyra (1993), Orca (1996), Dragon (1998), Issola (2001), Dzur (2006)
Chronological Order:
Taltos (1988), Dragon (1998), Yendi (1984), Jhereg (1983), Teckla (1987), Phoenix (1990), Athyra (1993), Orca (1996), Issola (2001), Dzur (2006)
Reissues: The Book of Jhereg (Jhereg, Yendi, and Teckla), The Book of Taltos (Taltos and Phoenix), The Book of Athyra (Athyra and Orca)
The Khaavren Romances: The Phoenix Guards (1991), Five Hundred Years After (1994).
The Viscount of Adrilankha: Paths of the Dead (2002), Lord of Castle Black (2003), Sethra Lavode (2004)
Gypsy (1982) with Megan Lindholm, To Reign In Hell (1984), Brokedown Palace (1986), The Sun, the Moon and the Stars (1987), Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and Grille (1990) (this is Science Fiction), Freedom and Necessity (1997) with Emma Bull
War for the Oaks (1987), Freedom & Necessity (1997) with Steven Brust
The Dresden Files: Storm Front (2000), Fool Moon (2001), Grave Peril (2001), Summer Knight (2002), Death Masks (2003), Blood Rites (n2004), Dead Beat (2005), Proven Guilty (2006)
Weather Warden: Ill Wind (2003), Heat Stroke (2004), Chill Factor (2005)
See the Science Fiction section
Kushiel's Dart (2001)
Touch the Dark (2006), Claimed by Shadow (2007)
C.J. Cherryh has written a great deal in both Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She participated in the dark fantasy series Thieves' World, creating the vampire-witch, Ischade, among others (I really like Ischade).
Rusalka (1989) and Chernevog (1990) are grounded in Russian folklore. I found these, at times, to be difficult to read.
City of Bones (2007)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2004), The Ladies of Grace Adieu (2006)
Shadows in the Darkness (2004), Shadows in the Starlight (2007)
Paper Mage (2003)
Anthologies : Snow White, Blood Red (1993), White Rose, Black Thorn; Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears, The Green Man : Tales from the Mythic Forest (2002) The Faery Reel: Tales from the Twilight Realm (2004) A Wolf at the Door (2000), Swan Sister (2003)
The Compass Rose (2005)
Unshapely Things (2007), Unquiet Dreams (2008)
Books by Charles de Lint:
Wolf Moon (1988), The Harp of the Gray Rose, The Dreaming Place (1990), The Little Country (1991), Dreams Underfoot (1993), Into the Green (1993), Memory & Dream (1994), The Ivory and the Horn (1995), Moonlight & Vines (1999), Jack of Kinrowan (1999), Tapping the Dream Tree (2002), The Onion Girl (2002), Waifs and Strays (2002), Spirits in the Wires (2003), The Blue Girl (2004), Widdershins (2006)
NOTE: Jack of Kinrowan is a combined re-release of Jack, the Giant Killer and Drink Down the Moon.
Kids Books: A Circle of Cats (2003)
The Mirror of Her Dreams (1986), A Man Rides Through (1987)
Dancing with Werewolves (2007)
The Axis Trilogy: The Wayfarer Redemption (2001), Enchanter (2002) and StarMan (2003)
The Kings Daggers: Sir Stalwart (1999), The Crooked House (2000)
The King's Blades: The Gilded Chain (1998), Lord of the Fire Lands (1999)
The Belgariad: Pawn of the Prophecy (1982), Queen of Sorcery (1982), Magician's Gambit (1983), Castle of Wizardry (1984), Enchanter's End Game (1984)
The Malloreon: Guardian of the West (1987), King of the Murgos (1988), Demon Lord of Karanda (1988), Sorceress of Darshiva (1989), The Seeress of Kell (1991)
Belgarath the Sorcerer (1995), Polgara the Sorceress (1997) and The Rivan Codex (1998)
The Elenium: The Diamond Throne (1989), The Ruby Knight (1990), The Sapphire Rose (1991)
The Tamuli: Domes of Fire (1992), The Shining Ones (1993), The Hidden City (1994)
Please go to the anthology page.
The Golden Key (1996) with Melanie Rawn & Jennifer Roberson
See also the anthology page.
The Vampire Files: Bloodlist (1990), Lifeblood (1990), Bloodcircle (1990), Art in the Blood (1991), Fire in the Blood (1991), Blood on the Water (1992), A Chill in the Blood (1998)
My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (2006)
Riftwar Saga: Magician: Apprentice (1982), Magician: Master (1982), Silverthorn (1985), A Darkness At Sethanon (1986)
The Empire Series, co-written with Janny Wurts: Daughter of the Empire (1987), Servant of the Empire (1990), Mistress of the Empire (1992)
Prince of the Blood (1989), The King's Buccaneer (1992)
Path of Fate (2003)
See also the Kids page and the Graphic Novels page .
Good Omens (1990), Smoke and Mirrors (1998), American Gods (2001), Stardust (1999), Anansi Boys (2005)
Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes (1991), The Doll's House (1991), Dream Country (1991), Season Of Mists (1992), A Game Of You (1993), Fables And Reflections (1993), Brief Lives (1994), World's End (1994), The Kindly Ones (1996), The Wake (1997), The Dream Hunters (1999) with Yoshitaka Amano, Sandman: Endless Nights (2003)
Kids Books: Coraline (2002), Wolves in the Walls (2003) with Dave McKean
Witchling (2006)
Staying Dead (2005)
Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love The Princess Bride? I haven't? Inconceivable!
If you have only seen the movie, I suggest that you also read the book.
The Princess Bride (1973)
Wizard's First Rule (1994)
Please go to the anthology page.
Nightside: Something from the Nightside (2003), Agents of Light and Darkness (2003), Nightingale's Lament (2004), Hex and the City (2005), Paths Not Taken (2005), Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth (2006), Hell To Pay (2006)
Hawk & Fisher: Swords of Haven (1999)
Eddie Drood: The Man with the Golden Torc (2007)
Please go to the anthology page.
The Southern Vampire Mysteries: Dead Until Dark (2001), Living Dead in Dallas (2002), Club Dead (2003), Dead to the World (2004), Dead As A Doornail (2005), Definitely Dead (2006), All Together Dead (2007)
Dead Witch Walking (2004), The Good, The Bad, and the Undead (2005), Every Which Way But Dead (2005), A Fistful of Charms (2006), For a Few Demons More (2007)
Please go to the anthology page.Seraphim (2004)
The Traveler (2005)
Rhapsody (2000), Prophecy (2001), Destiny (2002)
Tales of the Otori: Across the Nightingale Floor (2002) Grass for His Pillow (2003) Brilliance of the Moon (2004)
The Summer Country (2002)
Darksword Trilogy: Forging the Darksword (1987), Doom of the Darksword (1988), Triumph of the Darksword (1988)
Rose of the Prophet: Will of the Wanderer (1988), The Paladin of the Night (1989), The Prophet of Akhran (1989)
The Deathgate Cycle: Dragon Wing (1990), Elven Star (1990), Fire Sea (1991), Serpent Mage (1992), The Hand of Chaos (1993), Into the Labyrinth (1993), The Seventh Gate (1994)
The Farseer Trilogy: Assassin's Apprentice (1995), Royal Assassin (1996), Assassin's Quest (1997)
The Liveship Traders Trilogy: Ship of Magic (1998) The Mad Ship (1999) Ship of Destiny (2000)
The Tawny Man: Fool's Errand (2002), Golden Fool (2003), Fool's Fate (2004)
The Thread that Binds the Bones (1993), A Red Heart of Memories (1999), Past the Size of Dreaming (2001), A Stir of Bones (2003), A Fistful of Sky (2004)
Murcheston: The Wolf's Tale (2000)
Blood Series: Blood Price (1991), Blood Trail (1992), Blood Lines (1993), Blood Pact (1993)
Sing the Four Quarters (1994), Fifth Quarter (1995), No Quarter (1996), The Quartered Sea (1999)
Wizard of the Grove (1999)
Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was (1984)
Already Dead (2005)
The Book of Words: The Baker's Boy (1995), A Man Betrayed (1996), Master and Fool (1996)
Ghosts in the Snow (2004), Valley of the Soul (2006)
Tigana (1990), Song for Arbonne (1992), The Lions of Al-Rassan (1995), The Last Light of the Sun (2004)
The Fionavar Tapestry: The Summer Tree (1984), The Wandering Fire (1986), The Darkest Road (1986)
The Sarantine Mosaic: Sailing to Sarantium (1998), Lord of Emperors (2000)
Silver's Edge (2004)
Deverry: Daggerspell (1986), Darkspell (1987), The Bristling Wood (1989), The Dragon Revenant (1990), A Time of Exile (1991), A Time of Omens (1992), Days of Blood and Fire (1993), Days of Air and Darkness (1994)
The Legends of Camber: Camber of Culdi (1976), Saint Camber (1978), Camber the Heretic (1981)
The Heirs of Saint Camber: The Harrowing of Gwynnedd , King Javan's Year, The Bastard Prince
The Chronicles of the Deryni: Deryni Rising (1970), Deryni Checkmate (1972), High Deryni
The Histories of King Kelson: The Bishops Heir (1984), The King's Justice (1985), The Quest of Saint Camber (1981);
The Adept: The Adept (1991), Lodge of the Lynx (1992), The Templar Treasure (1993)
Swordspoint (1987), The Fall of the Kings (2002) , Thomas the Rhymer (1990), The Privilege of the Sword (2006)
The Last Herald Mage: Magic's Pawn (1989), Magic's Promise (1990), Magic's Price (1990)
Vows and Honor: The Oathbound (1988), Oathbreakers (1989), Oathblood (1998), By the Sword (1991)
The Heralds of Valdemar: Arrow's Flight (1987), Arrow's Fall (1988), Arrows of the Queen (1987)
Mage Winds: Winds of Fate (1991), Winds of Fury (1993), Winds of Change (1993)
Mage Storms: Storm Warning (1994), Storm Rising (1995), Storm Breaking (1996)
Mage Wars: The Black Gryphon (1994), The White Gryphon (1995), The Silver Gryphon (1996)
Bardic Voices, Halfblood Chronicles (with Andre Norton)
Diana Tregarde: Burning Water (1989), Children of the Night (1990), Jinx High (1991)
The Serpent's Shadow (2001)
Byzantium (1996)
Shadows of Myth (2005)
Iron Hunt (2008)
A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), The Tombs of Atuan (1970), The Farthest Shore (1972)
Dog Days (2007)
Gypsy with Steven Brust (1982), Cloven Hooves (1991)
Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls (1994), The Buried Pyramid (2004), Child of a Rainless Year (2005)
Diplomacy of Wolves (1998)
Fire in the Mist, Bones of the Past, Mind of Magic
Please go to the anthology page.
Twice Upon A Time (1999), Rotten Relations
The Elementals (1993), Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish (1984), 1916 (1998), Lion of Ireland (1981), Red Branch (1989), Finn MacCool (1994)
Night Watch (2006), Day Watch (2006), Twilight Watch (2007)
The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006)
You Slay Me (2004)
Ex Cathedra (2006)
Kingmaker's Sword (1996) , The Western King (1996), Broken Blade (1997)
The Thief's Gamble (1999), The Swordsman's Oath (2000), The Gambler's Fortune (2000), The Warrior's Bond (2001), The Assassin's Edge (2002)
The Iron Tower Trilogy: The Dark Tide (1984), Shadows of Doom (1984), The Darkest Day (1984)
The Silver Call Duology: Trek to Kraggen-Cor (1986), The Brega Path (1986)
Hel's Crucible Duology: Into the Forge (1997), Into the Fire (1998)
Tales from Mithgar (1994), The Eye of the Hunter (1992), Voyage of the Fox Rider (1993), The Dragonstone (1996), Silver Wolf, Black Falcon (2001) Red Slippers (2004).
Dennis McKiernan's recommended reading order: The Dragonstone, Voyage of the Fox Rider, Into the Forge, Into the Fire, Tales of Mithgar, The Dark Tide, Shadows of Doom, The Darkest Day, Trek to Kraggen-Cor, The Brega Path, The Eye of the Hunter, Silver Wolf, Black Falcon.
Sunshine (2003)
Perdido Street Station (2000)
Bloodsucking Fiends (1995)
Negotiator: Heart of Stone (2007), House of Cards (2008)
Sabriel (1997), Lirael (2002), Abhorsen (2003), Across the Wall (2005)
His Majesty's Dragon (2006), Throne of Jade (2006), Black Powder War (2006), Empire of Ivory (2007)
Shadowspawn (1987), The Shadow of Sorcery (1993)
The Hounds of the Mórrigan (1985)
One of the writers involved in the Thieves World series. Much of what I have is her reinterpretations of folktales.
Wodan's Children: The Wolf and the Raven, The White Raven
Fionn MacCumhal: Master of Earth and Water, The Shield Between the Worlds, Sword of Fire and Shadow (with Adrienne Martine-Barnes)
Tathea (1999)
I have to say I was very disappointed with Anne Perry's Tathea. My grandmother and I quite like her mysteries, so I was curious as to what her fantasy writing would be like. I had picked up the book in large paperback, because I saw it before a trip to Baltimore, and I thought my grandmother might enjoy it, so I bought it and left it with her. Got it back this winter, but did not have a chance to read it until recently.
It wasn't dreadful. But it was great either. The plot mostly held together, but I did get lost a couple of times, and she took a twist about a third of the way into the book that struck me mostly as strange rather than intriguing.
But what irritated me the most were the heavy religious overtones. Now don't get me wrong, I like books on religion, and I like fantasy books where religion is a theme, but the religion of this book just grated on my nerves. Perhaps it was because it seemed to be thinly disguised Christianity--but I'm not sure I can put my finger on it. After all, there should have been a lot to recommend it: it extolled the evils as well as the virtues of religion, and the primary prophet of the religion was a woman.
But I just couldn't get into it. I could barely sympathize with the characters. It wasn't badly written, it wasn't a bad idea. I just couldn't make myself care about what happened to the characters.
Rating: 4/10
Tathea (1999)
See also the Kids Section.
Good Omens (1990) with Neil Gaiman
Discworld: The Color of Magic (1985), Mort (1987), Wyrd Sisters (1988), Pyramids (1989), Guards! Guards! (1989), Eric Faust (1990), Reaper Man (1991), Witches Abroad (1991), Small Gods (1992), Lords and Ladies (1992), Men at Arms (1993), Interesting Times (1994), Soul Music (1995), Hogfather (1996), Jingo (1997), Carpe Jugulum (1998), The Fifth Elephant (2000),Monstrous Regiment (2003), Going Postal (2004), Where's My Cow? (2005), THUD (2005)
Kids: The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (2001), Where's My Cow? (2005)
Blood Engines (2007)
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (1996), The Subtle Knife (1997), The Amber Spyglass (2000)
Once Bitten, Twice Shy (2007)
The Golden Key (1996) with Jennifer Roberson, Kate Elliot
The Renshai Chronicles: The Last of the Renshai (1992), The Western Wizard (1992), Child of Thunder (1993)
The Legend of Nightfall (1993), Spirit Fox with Jennifer Wingert (1998)
Tripping to Somewhere (2006)
In Legend Born (1998), Disappearing Nightly (2005)
Greywalker (2006), Poltergeist (2007)
Chronicles of the Cheylusi: Shapechangers (1984), The Song of Homana (1985), Legacy of the Sword (1986), Track of the White Wolf , A Pride of Princes (1988), Daughter of the Lion (1989), Flight of the Raven (1990), A Tapestry of Lions (1992)
The Sword Dancer Saga: Sword Dancer (1986), Sword Singer (1988), Sword Maker (1989), Sword Breaker (1991), Swordborn (1998)
The Golden Key (1996) with Melanie Rawn, and Kate Elliot, Lady of the Forest (1992), editor of Highwaymen: Robbers and Rogues (1997), editor of Return to Avalon
The Stars Dispose (1997), The Stars Compel (1999)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1998), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1999) , Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2001), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2005)
The Initiate Brother (1991) and Gatherer of Clouds (1992)
Moontide and Magic Rise: World Without End (1994) Sea Without a Shore (1996)
The River into Darkness: Beneath the Vaulted Hills (1997), The Compass of the Soul (1999)
The Swans War: The One Kingdom (2001), The Isle of Battle (2002), The Shadow Roads (2004)
Hunter's Oath (1995)
Cast Series: Cast in Shadow (2005), Cast in Courtlight (2006), Cast In Secret (2007)
Working for Devil (2005)
The Secret History of Moscow (2007)
Co-author with Robert Anton Wilson of The ILLUMINATUS! Trilogy (1975). rd
The Essential Bordertown (1998), The Fall of the Kings (2002)
The Shape-Changer’s Wife (1995), Summers at Castle Auburn (2001), Mystic and Rider (2005)
Please to to the anthology page.
Legends II (2004)
Crown Duel (2002)
Please go to the anthology page.
The Becoming (2004)
Delicate Creatures (2001)
Graphic Novels:
Rising Stars: Born in Fire (2001) Power (2002) Fire and Ash (2005)
Supreme Power: Contact (2004), Powers and Principalities (2004)
The Amulet of Samarkand (2003), The Golem's Eye (2004), Ptolemy's Gate (2006)
Thieves' World (1979), Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn (1980), Shadows of Sanctuary (1981), Storm Season (1982), The Face of Chaos (1983), Wings of Omen (1984), The Dead of Winter (1985), Soul of the City (1986), Blood Ties (1986), Aftermath (1987), Uneasy Alliances (1988), Stealers' Sky (1989)
Turning Points (2003), Enemies of Fortune (2004)
Nightlife (2006), Moonshine (2007), Madhouse (2008)The Assassins of Tamurin (2003)
Kitty and the Midnight Hour (2005), Kitty Goes to Washington (2006), Kitty Takes a Holiday (2007), Kitty and the Silver Bullet (2007)
Hideyuki Kikuchi, Yoshitaka Amano, translated by Kevin Leahy
Volume 1 (1983)
Illusion (1992)
The King's Peace (2000), The King's Name (2001)
Darksword Trilogy: Forging the Darksword (1987), Doom of the Darksword (1988), Triumph of the Darksword (1988).
Rose of the Prophet: Will of the Wanderer (1988), The Paladin of the Night (1989), The Prophet of Akhran (1989)
The Deathgate Cycle: Dragon Wing (1990), Elven Star (1990), Fire Sea (1991), Serpent Mage (1992), The Hand of Chaos (1993), Into the Labyrinth (1993), The Seventh Gate (1994)
Wraith (2007)
Hunter's Oath (1995)
Cast Series: Cast in Shadow (2005), Cast in Courtlight (2006), Cast In Secret (2007)
The Banquet of the Lords of Night & Other Stories (2004), Snake Agent (2005), The Demon and the City (2006)
Repariman Jack: The Tomb (1984/2004) , Legacies (1998), All the Rage (2000), Hosts (2001), The Haunted Air (2002), Gateways (2003)
Wrote The ILLUMINATUS! Trilogy (1975) with Robert Shea
The Wood Wife (1996)
Anthologies : Snow White, Blood Red; White Rose, Black Thorn; Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears, The Green Man : Tales from the Mythic Forest (2002) The Faery Reel: Tales from the Twilight Realm (2004) A Wolf at the Door (2000), Swan Sister (2003)
Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
Please go to the Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer page.
Sorcery & Cecelia -OR- The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (1988), The Grand Tour (2004)
Cycle of Fire: Stormwarden (1984), Keeper of the Keys (1988), Shadowfane (1988), Master of White Storm
The Wars of Light and Shadow: Curse of Mistwraith (1993), Ships of Merior (1995), Warhost of Vastmark (1995)
The Empire Series (with Raymond E. Feist): Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire, Mistress of the Empire
The Great Book of Amber (1999) : Nine Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, Sign of the Unicorn, The Hand of Oberon, The Courts of Chaos
Trumps of Doom, Blood of Amber, Sign of Chaos, Knight of Shadows, Prince of Chaos
In Camelot's Shadow (2004), For Camelot's Honor (2005), Under Camelot's Banner (2006)
Isavalta: A Sorcerer's Treason (2002), The Firebird's Vengeance (2004)
Bad Magic (2004)
