Liu, who also translated the first volume of the wildly popular Chinese sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem , draws from Asian inspirations but creates a fantasy world that feels wholly original, not like an amalgamation of existing cultures. From the music to the balls to the swoon-filled romances, this is a gorgeous series the YA community is sad to see go. A Dance with Dragons by George R. It took 11 years for Martin to publish the pair of books that span a single timeline. Book Two avoids the sophomore slump, prioritizing character development and increasingly insane stakes to keep your adrenaline pumping.
And Tahir continues to tackle serious topics like slavery and government corruption with strength, proving that compelling fantasy stories exploring real-world issues are not only entertaining but essential when done right. The harrowing climax is frustratingly predictable, but the beautiful, strange journey here is what matters. The Obelisk Gate by N. Jemisin The Hugo Award-winning second book in N. The Obelisk Gate boasts everything that made The Fifth Season phenomenal—a brilliant magic system, three-dimensional female characters, world-ending stakes—and ratchets it up to Jemisin consistently pairs fascinating character development with intense action, continuing a fantasy epic that demands your undivided attention.
Jonathan Strange serves as apprentice to Mr. The page novel includes copious footnotes following one rabbit hole after the next. Though Rosie grows up in the shadow of a curse, she proves to be a fierce, courageous and spirited woman who seeks to save herself and her kingdom. This captivating tale delivers a refreshing adventure, revealing that female friendships and high-stakes action belong together in fantasy.
Drawing heavily from Middle Eastern mythology, Throne of the Crescent Moon follows Doctor Adoulla Makhslood, a paunchy, past-his-prime ghul hunter drawn away from his impending retirement by a wicked plot brewing in the royal palace. Studios, surrounds the Doctor with a varied cast, including a resourceful older married couple, a shape-shifting tribeswoman with nothing to lose and an honor-bound Dervish warrior.
This modern day Alice In Wonderland starts out quite charming, with the precocious Coraline Jones and her parents moving into a mansion full of quirky flat-mates and a talking cat. And somehow all three books were published between October and December of —just a little factoid to depress fans of Patrick Rothfuss and George R. It is kind of an epistolary story, except most of the story is written in prose.
A Memory of Light gave us a satisfying ending to the epic high fantasy saga. Our heroes from the quiet village of Two Rivers and their motley cast of allies all get their moments to shine. Set in a post-nuclear-holocaust Africa, the novel follows a child of rape destined to become a powerful sorcerer. Trust us, Who Fears Death is necessary reading for the fantasy canon. The novel takes you back to her fantasy realm of Ketterdam, featuring a ragtag crew of outcasts who must pull off a major heist. The result is a fast-paced story that will keep you turning the beautifully designed pages for hours.
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Six of Crows stands on its own. Rowling In the s, the Harry Potter novels became the rare series read by fantasy fans and non-fantasy fans, book lovers and non-book lovers, basically everyone on planet Earth. Harry, Hermione and Ron captured our collective hearts even as they bickered and lost trust in each other. Harry comes to believe his dual nemeses at Hogwarts—Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape—are in direct league with Lord Voldemort, something he gets only partly right.
The books grew up along with their characters and their readers, raising the stakes and emotions in the best-selling book series in history. A Storm of Swords by George R. Martin No author does Machiavellian political intrigue quite like George R. The writing is beautiful, layered, and timely. Chase Blackwood weaves an intricate tale that hints at so much more.
And that may be its greatest challenge. Tears of a Heart, the first book in the series, was beautifully written, and interesting. It shows us an amazing world filled with detail and depth, but for a portion of it, just a touch slow. The writing, such beautiful writing, overshadows this, as does the ending. Tower of the Arkein , the next book in the series, is where the story truly begins to unfold, and where Chase Blackwood shines as an author.
It is fast paced, full of action, adventure, and love. A very strong entry in the fantasy genre, and if the next book is equally as good, expect it to make quite a splash. You can buy on Amazon now. One of the best authors in the genre and one who seems to be underrated by the average fantasy reader. But those who are in the know about this author and have the patience for his slower, character-driven narratives, enjoy some of the best fantasy out there. The rest of you, well, are missing out. Parker has a number trilogies out, but The Folding Knife is a solid stand alone. It's not necessary his best work but it's certainly one of his more accessible, easy to digest works -- an easy way to suss out if you like his personal flavor of fantasy.
Paker's fantasy is usually dark, twisted, with a cast of self-destructing, amoral characters who are driven to the brink by powerful motivations -- be it love, hate, or revenge. His books often incorporate a technology theme as well, showing how technology in the right or wrong hands can ultimately catalyze complete social upheavals. Rich, dark, captivating, and oh so intelligently written; these are adjectives that accurately describe Parker's work. Read The Folding Knife for one of the more original fantasy books in the genre. If you love it, then good good things await for you in his other works.
It's rare to find a good high fantasy tale that doesn't span less than half a foot tall. Elantris is an exception. By now, nearly everyone knows who Brandon Sanderson is. You know, author of The Way of Kings, Mistborn, and all those big fat fantasy novels that are selling out quickly at the bookstore. But the novel that first put him on the map was Elantris, a standalone fantasy novel and arguably one of the most imaginative books in the genre.
While Elantris doesn't do anything new in the genre and few books do these days , it's a thoroughly enjoyable tale and certainly one of the better high fantasy tales you can find in packed into a single volume. Elantris proves that you don't have to cut down a wide swath of forest to tell a fantastic fantasy tale -- something that many fantasy authors don't seem to realize. What's surprising is that Fat Fantasy Meister Sanderson started his forest-killing career with an environmentally-friendly standalone.
If you like Sanderson's other books, it's a no brainer to read Elantris. But author pedigree aside, Elantris is a great story with a rather unique to fantasy anyway story? Now why should you read Elantris out of the many other great books out there? The plot is great, the characters well drawn, and it's a fantasy adventure that sucks you in and won't spit you out till you've finished the last page.
The book has a strong female protagonist too something that's quite common in most of Sanderson's books and a likable, manly hero too. If you are looking for a standard high fantasy tale to make this list, then Elantris is the stand-in one for that spot. Apparently, Sanderson is working or thinking about writing a sequel the book, though the story is completely self contained as it is. The colonization of Egypt by western European powers is the launch point for power plays and machinations. Steeping together in this time-warp stew are such characters as an unassuming Coleridge scholar, ancient gods, wizards, the Knights Templar, werewolves, and other quasi-mortals, all wrapped in the organizing fabric of Egyptian mythology.
In the best of fantasy traditions, the reluctant heroes fight for survival against an evil that lurks beneath the surface of their everyday lives. Tim Powers doesn't get a lot of love from the fantasy crowd, either because he refused to be known as a fantasy writer or simply because people are too glued to tales about village boys and evil lords to bother caring. A pity too, since Tim Powers writes some amazing speculative fiction. He also knows how to tell a pretty damn exciting adventure tale. The Anubis Gates is not your classic high fantasy tale. Rather, it's an urban adventure fantasy tale with a mish mash of pretty much everything you can think of.
There's a slew of interesting characters present in the novel: Powers has taken pretty much every fantasy archetype, coated it with Egyptian mythology,mixed in a time travel plot, then sprinkled in a reluctant hero to create a stew of surprising genius. This IS one of the best standalone "fantasy" books out there. Action, adventure, magic, time travel,wizards, evil, and love fill the pages of this impossible-to-put-down novel. Don't let the "unconventional" aspect of this fantasy tale scare you away -- Anubis Gate delivers on all fronts.
You won't find a more bloody novel than Heroes Die. For those who have the stomach for the raw bloodfest this book entails, Heroes Die is unlike anything out there. It's raw, vicious, action-packed, and a pretty intelligent story to boot. Not for the weak of stomach though. While Heroes Die was originally a stand alone, it's now part of a greater series called The Acts of Caine with as of has 4 books out.
However, the the first book can be read as a standalone without problem. Set in a fictional ancient China that never was, this is a tale that will delight you, amuse you, and enthrall you the whole way through. It's probably the best book you've never read. Bridge of Birds is the first of three books. It can easily be read as a standalone book but it's a sure bet that you'll be picking up the other two novels which continue the adventures of Number Ten Ox and Master Li. The story basically follows the misadventures of the two as they pursue money by all the wrong means by fair or foul -- usually foul for all the right reasons to save the children of Number Ten Ox's village.
This one is a strange mix of a fairy tale, an epic, and a fantasy with a wallop of humor thrown in as well.
Best Stand Alone Fantasy Books
It works though, wonderfully so. Bridge of Birds is one of those rare novels that actually lives up to the hype that surrounds it, perhaps even surpassing it. It's a tragedy that the books are not as well-known as they should be they are really some of the best stuff you'll ever read in any genre. If you read ONE book from this recommendation list, I suggest it be this book. Yes, it's that good. A powerful story about a primeval forest somewhere in England, a forest that contains within it the living embodiment of every myth created by man.
Into the heart of the forest a man will travel to save the woman he loves, a woman created from myth, given life by the forest, who has been captured by an enemy. It's a journey into the heart and soul of mankind and a heartwarming love story to boot.
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Featuring beautiful,almost poetic writing, a compelling story, and interesting hero, and an evocative and highly atmospheric setting, this is one of the best fantasy standalone's I've read, even as of A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful,strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule.
It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous. Lois McMaster Bujold is well known in science fiction circles for her "The Curse of Chalion," a marvelous foray into the realm of fantasy.
It's got all the elements that make a good fantasy novel: Let me be clear here, Chalion is not an action fantasy tale in any sense of the word. There are no super heroic heroes who can slay anything walking with a wink, there are no all-powerful god magicians that can break the world simply by flatulating, rather it's a serious story about redemption, love, and sacrifice. It's a well written tale that has a lot to offer those who enjoy well written, well-plotted fantasy.
If you want a more complex fantasy novel with a good dose of the bizarre, a sprinkle of noir, and a dash of pathos, The Etched City is it. You'll find a lot of comparisons with King's The Dark Tower, as both novels feature a dark, brooding hero tromping through a wasteland of a world. But the stories, in terms of similarities, end there.
Bishop is a strong storyteller with a keen knack for crafting characters that don't fit into the normal mode. You won't find those canned fantasy characters such as the spoiled princess, the dumb hero, the evil dark mage, etc. Rather, you will be presented with a cast of sometimes despicable characters, human warts and all. Let me emphasize that if you are looking for standard fantasy village boy discovers secret power, gathers up companions including a beautiful princess in disguise, and sets off to fight a dark lord , you should look to other authors.
But if you want an entirely different kind of fantasy, a dark, dirty, sensual fantasy where the norms are still yet undefined, where you can root for evil to win and the wretched to victory. Yes, it's that kind of novel. Don't think you can fit The Etched City into your standard fantasy. Reading this book is like going on a trip and experiencing something bizarre -- it's likely the experience may not be entirely comfortable when it's happening, but afterwards you wouldn't trade it for the world. The Etched City is not always a comfortable read, nor is it a casual read. Concentration and attention on your part is required, but if you are prepared to put in the effort of reading the novel and it's not such an effort as you might think , there is a potent and wonderful story to lose yourself in.
It's unfortunate that even as of , the author has not written anything else. A magical tale about two magicians who take part in a competition where only one will be left standing. It's a dark, haunting and powerful tale, and hands down one of the best standalone novels I've ever read. There are some shades of The Prestige in this novel, but only shadows; The Night Circus is a more intelligent and complex piece and it soon becomes apparent they are nothing alike. The prose is awesome beautiful without being too verbose and flowery. And the setting is just magical. The mysterious and magical Le Cirque des jumps from the pages seeming so vividly realized youcan almost see it from the words.
The plot, of course, is enthralling; it keeps you entangled till the very end as you wait to see exactly how everything is going to play out. This may scare some guys away from reading the book,but the book is a compelling read for both sexes. The Mists of Avalon is a refreshing take on the tale of King Arthur. In a tale that's traditionally told from the perspective of men, Mists of Avalon is pumped from the narrative of the traditionally maligned characters of Morgan and Guinevere.
It's an interesting and arguably brilliant choice on the part of Bradley and imparts a unique perspective on the traditional tale. There's a lot going on in the novel, such as the struggle of Christianity to become the dominant religion and push out the historic Celtic religion and its backers. This is a genuinely unique fantasy tale and a wholly riveting read -- for both men and women. An absolute classic in the genre and pretty much required reading for anyone who loves fantasy.
Don't let the fact that this book is almost 45 years old deter you from reading it; even in , this is a work that still stands very tall indeed; it's no hyperbole to say The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is one of the best stand-alone fantasy books every written. It's one of those unforgettable tale for all ages, a story with deep themes that make you feel like you've learned something good about what it means to be human at the end of the day. While it's a magical tale that keeps you turning the pages, it's the surprising depth that keep you coming back to re-read it, time and time again.
Don't skip on reading this absolute classic. It's a didactic tale, yes, but it's also a great story on it's own to boot -- one that won't let you go until the last page is turned. A powerful coming of age tale about a rejected half-goblin, half-elven prince who comes unexpectedly to power when an accident kills his father, the emperor, and half brothers. It's a tale about a young prince who finds the confidence to lead his people as emperor and perhaps that he's even good at the job. Addison's world is fascinating -- complex, richly drawn, with regal customs, regulations, and social orderings.
It's a strange foreign hierarchy bound by even stranger social norms, from rituals to language patterns. But it all works together to form a highly detailed setting that you just never want to leave. Unlike much of the other modern fantasy being released that's always grim and dark with unlikable amoral heroes, The Goblin Emperor returns to some of the older fantasy classic norms with good heroes you can really get behind and root for -- heroes who always take the high road, even though they have suffered through many injustices. It's thoroughly refreshing and sorely missed in a genre now mostly populated with unhappy.
This made our Top 25 Best Fantasy Books of list and we consider it one of the best fantasy books of This novel is the hallmark classic read of every upper level English class at universities around the world. It's also the defining Arthurian tale and a novel that you will either have a vast loathing for or an endearing love of. If you are a fan of Arthurian myth, you would be doing yourself a disfavor by avoiding what's pretty much considered the seminal work in the field. This novel folks is "the quintessential literary fantasy" novel.
I suspect that many of you "modern" fantasy readers who've been weaned on the likes of Raymond E. If you are the sort of person who enjoys reading real literature or you want to broaden your "fantasy horizons" quite substantially, or hey, you just want to read the "real" tale of King Arthur, read this book. Eddi McCandry sings rock and roll. But her boyfriend just dumped her, her band just broke up, and life could hardly be worse. Then, walking home through downtown Minneapolis on a dark night, she finds herself drafted into an invisible war between the faerie folk.
Now, more than her own survival is at risk and her own preferences, musical and personal, are very much beside the point. My recommendation for urban fantasy standalone's is War for the Oaks, a very clever story about a singer who gets caught up in a Faerie war.
Yes, we've all been inundated over and over with Faerie this and Faerie that, but War for the Oaks is something new. Or rather say, it's something old that's still better than a lot of the new stuff book was released in the late 80s. It's won a gaggle of fantasy awards over the years, in case you think I'm just blowing smoke over an "unknown" novel.
Even better, if you're a fan of rock and fantasy, this book is God's gift to you. For the rest of us, it's a damn swell story that's one of the best standalone books in its class. Robert Jackson Bennett is one of the most talented writers in the genre. His past string of books have all been compelling works with strong characters, imaginative settings, and deep themes about what it means to be human in the midst of the uncanny.
His newest book, City of Stairs made our Best Fantasy Books of list, debuting as number 2 on the list. While his recent book which looks to be part of a series now is his best effort so far, this does not take away from his very strong previous efforts. His second best book is American Elsewhere a novel about a 30's something woman who gets drawn into mysterious town where strange things are happening. It's a riveting read that combines to perfection all the qualities of a Jackson novel. It's not just a good read, it's a fantastic one -- a book that can appeal to ALL types of fantasy lovers.
And of course it's a stand alone novel. One of those highly impacting books that stays with you years after you read it. Little, Big is not necessary an easy book to deal with -- it's a profound story of love, loss, heartbreak, and family. If you are looking for a casual easy fantasy read you can consume in a couple hours, Little, Big is not that book. But it's a book with serious power if you give yourself to the story.
Little, Big is a deep, complex story about the past, the present and the relationship on a family that shares it. A magnificent stand alone book and one of the best fantasy books of the decade -- it's one of those rare novels that straddles both the literary sphere and the fantasy genre sphere and accepted even claimed by both. Perhaps Little, Big is not a book for everyone, but it's certainly a book for those who love slow. A story that touches the heart and won't let go the whole way through.
It's a story with some fabulous characters, and multi-layered storytelling, packed with mythology from both Jewish and Arab sources. It's the heartwarming tale about two mythological characters who find themselves forcefully stuck together in a world that no longer wants them. Wow,what a strong story this one has and with such emotion! It's a children's book written for adults, and one that will speak to you on many different levels.
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If I could describe this, it would be as a "disenchanted fairy tale. His father's new wife gives birth and the child usurps the attention David feels is his due. The Book of Lost Things is a highly ambitious novel that tries to do new things in the fairy tale genre and mostly succeeds. The story has the skeleton appearance of a child's story, but the intended audience is adults.
Think of it as a darker version of a Grimm's fairy tale a bittersweet one at that. This is my ode to the classic coming-of-age fantasy tale. The Neverending story is often overlooked when it comes to all the new gritty fantasy that's trying to reinvent the fantasy genre. If you want to read a tale that will re-awaken and delight your inner child, The Neverending Story is as good as they come.
Feist and Janny Wurts, but it's pretty clear that Wurts wrote this all on her own -- the characters are a whole level better than Feist's regular work. The protagonist is a woman who controls her own destiny. The book could be classed as historical fiction, but the setting is that of an Asian fantasy world, one that is fascinating. Don't worry though, it's not all just historical fantasy -- there's plenty of fantastical elements that will keep hard core fantasy fans entertained. Here is the magical legend of King Arthur, vividly retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne.
A retelling of the classic Arthurian tale from a woman's perspective literally. Some outstanding female characters in this book and it's got everything most women would love. And yes, this one appeals to the guys too. This is a modern fantasy book with modern sensibilities for the modern woman. Its the story of a womans transformation from possessing brittle strength to becoming a woman of steely strength.
Its a novel that takes you on the journey that follows Katsa as she matures and evolves. Theres quite a bit of romance involved as well, but its handled so deftly that the whole process never comes off as ham-fisted. Magic is present in the story, but its tastefully done with never so much of it thrown at you that it gets overwhelming. For a book that doesnt flinch at addressing some of the social issues that woman currently face, a book that doesnt flinch at thumbing its nose at some of the conservative values society adheres to, and a book with a well-drawn female protagonist, a gripping plot and an interesting, fantastical world, you wont do any better than Graceling.
This is one of those complex, intelligent books that will stick with you long after you've finished turning the last page. Highly recommended by any woman whos tired of clichd fantasy plots and stereotypical female heroines. A young woman sentenced to die is given a second chance: She takes the job to buy some time to plot her escape.
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This is a fascinating and compelling novel that matches a resourceful, intelligent, and well developed protagonist with an equally interesting plot and setting. It makes for some great reading that will delight you. There are some well-trod paths here with the plot and character: A new series that's been getting a lot of great reviews. And with good reason. An interesting plot, lots of political maneuvering, and a very well done female protagonist This series is more intelligent than many of the other fantasy books out there.
So if you like SMART fantasy with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating fantasy world, pick this book up.
This is a trilogy. Tears of a Heart marks the tale of a young man, Aeden, who unwittingly shapes the world. The writing is beautiful, layered, and timely. Chase Blackwood weaves an intricate tale that hints at so much more. And that may be its greatest challenge. Tears of a Heart, the first book in the series, was beautifully written, and interesting. It shows us an amazing world filled with detail and depth, but for a portion of it, just a touch slow. The writing, such beautiful writing, overshadows this, as does the ending. Tower of the Arkein , the next book in the series, is where the story truly begins to unfold, and where Chase Blackwood shines as an author.
It is fast paced, full of action, adventure, and love. A very strong entry in the fantasy genre, and if the next book is equally as good, expect it to make quite a splash. You can buy on Amazon now. Berg writes some of the best female heroines in the genre — all of them are carefully developed personalities with a lot of depth to them. The world is well drawn as is the wonderful cast of characters — the female protagonist especially stands out. Oh yes, this book is good. Abercrombie is a male writer, but the man is just so damn clever he's able to pull off some pretty good female characters.
But it's intelligent fantasy. Best Served Cold is the mother of all revenge tales about a woman betrayed. The protagonist is a woman and she's a woman you don't screw over. Melini Rawn is a great at writing realistic female characters. The description of the novel does not do it justice. This is a wholly character-driven book, with complex, deep characters and an enticing world. Unlike some of the other fantasy books for women mentioned above, the entire plot is not based on romance, but the strong female characters, well-developed world, and addicting plot make this a must read for the fairer sex.
In the year , with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight. Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.
A remarkable book written in a sort of Victorian-era flowery prose. The flowery prose my be off-putting at first, but the mesmerizing story soon sucks you right in. Romance is a definite and important element in this novel, but it is certainly not a romantic fantasy. However, the strong narrative, rich characters, and compelling story make this a novel that must be read. Women who love the Jane Austen style settings and prose will especially be delighted. Guided by the local oracle and the light emanating from the Kiss of the Gods a homing device in his wrist , he finds his Jovah-selected fiancee in a common Edori slave girl named Rachel.
The marriage proves, however, anything but romantic. Far from rejoicing in the sudden freedom that her marriage brings, Rachel quickly becomes a thorn in Gabriel's side, using her newfound influence to help her downtrodden Edori brethren. Displaying sure command of characterization and vividly imagined settings, Shinn absorbs us in the story of how Rachel and Gabriel eventually unite in true love and respect.
With place-names such as Gaza and Jordana, she tantalizingly hints at her Samaria's connection to an ancient Israeli past, and she tempers the angelic milieu with talk of her angels' technological heritage in an entertaining sf-fantasy blend that should please fans of both genres. This is Fantasy written just for women. With a strong love story and some interesting world-building, this SF-Fantasy hybrid is a heavenly success.
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The two protagonists loathe each other and it's interesting to see how their relationship evolves over the span of the novel. Those looking for a complicated love story, look no further than Archangel -- it's a fantasy book that will make women swoon! Highly recommended if you want a full-on epic fantasy in the vein of say, Jordan but with heroines who don't act like tweens. This is not your standard peasant boy becomes hero and beats up dark lord plot, however. It's epic fantasy on a grand scale with a cast of very strong female and male characters.
The romantic relationship between the male and female protagonists is the main focus of this novel, but the world-building is first class with an interesting magic system, lots of political tension, and a strong plot. For those girls who want a fantasy book with action and good romance, this is your book.
In a world outside reality, a young girl's spirit hovers between incarnations, knowing neither her past nor her future. In the temporal world lives Nevyn, who long ago vanquished the maiden's hand in marriage and forged a terrible bond between three souls. Now he must atone the wrong of his youth. The entire premise of the series is also pretty interesting: And who doesn't love a magical story about two lovers trapped in a cycle of rebirth — always destined to meet one another with each passing cycle?
Lots of romance, betrayal, redemption in this one. Great for those who like romance fantasy or even something a little different. Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him.
She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories. As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death—and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.
Some outstanding female characters in the Abhorsen trilogy. These books are epic fantasy with a darker edge. And they are somewhat scary as well. The three books all feature a strong female lead.