Recs if you like The Magicians' Guild...

I've noticed most fantasy lists are saturated with YA and romantasy books, but some of us crave adult high-stakes adventures. If you enjoy epic stakes, deep characters, and majestic world-building (without the distraction of romance) this list is for you. For series, I've only added the first book. 📖

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!

f*ck misogyny, women write epic fantasy too

I can't be the only one who want to remember all the books without jumping around in a video, right?

what gab smolders read in 2025 as per her book talk video! horror + in tier order from most to least liked by her:

★ S TIER: from "night shoot" to "old country"

★ A TIER: from "what stalks the deep" to "listen to your sister"

★ B TIER: from "the long walk" to "the gathering"

★ C TIER: from "banquet for the damned" to "model home"

★ D TIER: from "3 streets" to "my darling dreadful thing"

★ F TIER: from "basilisk" to "survivor song"

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!)

knights, magic, and classic fantasy feels

PageBound users have mentioned these titles as books/series they gravitate towards during rough times. Some are here because readers enjoyed them during childhood and go back to that for a sense of calm, while others just give general cozy vibes.

the foundation of the woman written fantasy,