Fantasy and science fiction, the latest generation:
Women authors who give us strong female lead characters as healers, warriors, shamans, priestesses, queens, dragonriders, explorers, bards, sorceresses and shapechangers; who focus on the powers of magic and of the mind rather than on technology and force; and who give us a depth of character development, personal growth, and thoughtfulness new to the genre.
One of the leaders of this group is of course Marion Zimmer Bradley, who wrote The Mists of Avalon. I would like to recommend other books by her, and by other authors as well. This is an exciting adventure of other worlds and alternate realities, where women are recognized as powerful and gifted, strong and compassionate, magical and sacred. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Marion Zimmer Bradley
As The Mists of Avalon was the story of Camelot focusing on the women of the legend, The Firebrand is the story of the Trojan War told through the eyes of Helen, Penthesilea queen of the Amazons, and especially Kassandra, a priestess of the goddess.
A collaboration with Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey, Tiger Burning Bright tells of a priestess grandmother, a reigning queen mother, and a warrior princess daughter who must protect their city from invaders.
There is a whole series of books that take place on a planet called Darkover, and I am giving this one its own page here.
Marion Zimmer Bradley has also edited a series of books called Sword and Sorceress that contain short stories by various writers, with women as the lead characters.
Mercedes Lackey
Many of her books take place in a world called Valdemar, where the Heralds have various powers of the mind and are telepathically bonded with "Companions", who look like horses but are actually much more. Here are some beginning books in the series:
Tanya Huff
Princess Annice has the Bard's Gift, and can call the elemental spirits -- earth, water, fire and air -- from the four quarters. Her story is told in four volumes:
Tara Harper
Her Wolfwalker series is about a woman who is a healer who works through her telepathic bond with a wolf. The books in the series are:
Janny Wurts
This series is co-written with Raymond Feist, taking place in his Riftwar world. But you do not need to have read his books to appreciate this story of Mara, a Ruling Lady of Acoma, who takes over when her family is murdered, and must win at both war and political intrigue through her wits and strength of will.
Holly Lisle
In a city divided into Mages (women) and Sages (men), Faia Rissedotte struggles to learn about and control her awakening magic powers.
Gayle Greeno
Doyce Marbon and her bondmate, a telephathic cat-like creature called a ghatti, are Seekers Veritas, searching for an enemy who is murdering those with Mindspeech.
Anne McCaffrey
Killashandra Ree's musical talent and affinity to crystal are abilities that bring her into the Heptite Guild of Ballybran as a Crystal Singer.
Written with Elizabeth Scarborough, the Petaybee series tells of Major Yana Maddock, sent to an arctic planet on a medical discharge. She gradually discovers that the planet itself is sentient, and is healing her and protecting itself from those who would exploit its resources.
Judith Tarr
Many of the books Judith Tarr has written are historical fiction. In ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut proclaims herself king in King and Goddess. Throne of Isis is the story of Cleopatra and her priestess Dione, the voice of the goddess on earth. Set in medieval times, Queen of Swords tells of Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem, and her attendant, Lady Richildis. The Eagle's Daughter takes place at the end of the Roman Empire, and is about Princess Theophano, daughter, wife, and mother of emperors.
Elizabeth Haydon
This is the story of Rhapsody, a Lirin, a Singer, and a Namer, whose powers are of music and the element of fire and who must use these powers to re-unite a divided land and overcome the demon that threatens it.
