Recs if you like The Riddle-Master of Hed (Riddle-Master, #1)...

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!

Series starting points for getting into some of the most prolific women authors in sci-fi and fantasy from the 70s-00s.

Non-exhaustive list of foundational reading for the fantasy genre; either foundational texts or classics that influenced the development of the genre and its conventions. Also some key modern texts + criticism.

Note: Only the first book in a series are added. The goal is to try it, not dedicate oneself to it. Marion Zimmer Bradley has been added with caution--buy from a small business if not able to check out at the library.

A collection of older, lesser-known, fantasy (or science fantasy) books written by incredible women. 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!)

Your favourite female fantasy writer's... favourite female fantasy writer. Works of SFF by female writers which proved critically lauded or influential to subsequent writers.

Epic medieval fantasy worlds you can get lost in (but you probably wouldn't, because there is a map)!

r/fantasy bingo complete hard mode for 2026, books will be added for each bingo category in the comments

genre books (sff, horror, thriller) with one of a kind characters who stick with you after the book is over.