Recs if you like The Mists of Avalon ...

f*ck misogyny, women write epic fantasy too

Contemporary fantasy books inspired by the legend of King Arthur & related characters - not just Merlin, Lancelot, or the other knights of the roundtable, but the women centered in the myth whose stories are so often cast aside, including Morgana, Guinevere and Nimue. These books center the women of Arthurian legend and their perspectives, or take a feminist spin on the classic Arthurian tale.

Women who are often background characters in the story, modern retellings that give voice to the women in folklore and mythology.

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.

Greek, Roman, Arthurian, Norse, Celtic, Hindu, Japanese, and more!

Fantasy romance books from before the coining of Romantasy.

I tried to find the latest version (2026).

The most comprehensive list of award winning sci-fi and fantasy novels. The books on this list have won either 1 or multiple awards out of the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Locus Sci-Fi, Locus Fantasy, goodreads Choice Fantasy, or goodreads Science Fiction Awards.

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!)

Arthurian history, mythology, legends, fantasy, and retellings from history and modernity, as well as books and stories directly inspired by Arthurian myth. Series include just the first book as this list started to get very long

Sìth (Gàidhlig)/Sidhe (Irish) - Fairy folk ☆ Books featuring, or inspired by, scottish and irish folklore and more specifically stories related to magic & the fae/faeries 🧚‍♀️

The legend that never stopped being told. From medieval romances to modern retellings, these are the stories of knights, quests and camelot dreams that keep pulling you back to the round table.

A personal study in gothic lit, fantasy, mythology, and the writing of it.

Feel free to add any others in the comments

I have been a long-time fan of Arthurian lit, to the point that I actually took two separate classes in University that covered themes of Arthurian tales, which also increased my library. These are books I actively own, and most of which I have read or at least used in my writing on the Arthurian Age. I do wish I could make comments on the books themselves, as several of these require a little explanation, but if you have any questions, feel free to leave questions or other book suggestions.

before romantasy became its own genre, there were fantastical stories with romantic subplots and they are peak

requirements: -published before 2012 (first book if in a series at least) -no scifi

looking for: -more authors of color -more queer fantasy romance

wouldn’t you like to know weather boy

My most recommended selection of King Arthur retellings/mythos reimaginings