Recs if you like Illusion...

A list of First books in Fantasy series (or standalones) published in 1980s-2000s written by female authors. Many of these authors are/were prolific writers so most additions are limited to their debut book or most popular series. Go read more by these authors!

A collection of older, sometimes lesser-known, fantasy (or science fantasy) books written by incredible women and published primarily between the 1980s and early 2000s (with nods to a few older ones). In a time when female fantasy authors were few and far between, these authors carved out their own space in the genre. These stories might not be mainstream hits today, but they are full of brilliant magic, deep characters, and/or worlds that helped shape the genre. (First in Series / standalones only for now - open to suggestions!)

if they get together before book three, or before the last twenty pages, it doesn’t count.

viva la revolucion. all books/series that deserve the hype.

because forbidden romance = yearning.

they genuinely have to meet as kids. these all also happen to be closed-door.

series + standalones that i personally vouch for, all written by women

specifically when she’s unaware he’s been pining this whole time

because some of that stuff is a wee bit problematic

*editor’s note: lowkey some of these are problematic too but in a manner i could stomach