Empowering Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Reads
Dive into a selection of captivating stories that feature strong characters without the burden of trauma. These books celebrate resilience and adventure, showcasing women who thrive in their worlds without being defined by victimhood. Discover narratives that inspire and entertain, proving that strength comes in many forms.
Ancillary Justice
386 pages
The record-breaking debut novel that won every major science fiction award in 2014, Ancillary Justice is the story of a warship trapped in a human body and her search for revenge. Ann Leckie is the first author to win the Arthur C. Clarke, the Nebula and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in the same year. They made me kill thousands, but I only have one target now. The Radch are conquerors to be feared - resist and they'll turn you into a 'corpse soldier' - one of an army of dead prisoners animated by a warship's AI mind. Whole planets are conquered by their own people. The colossal warship called The Justice of Toren has been destroyed - but one ship-possessed soldier has escaped the devastation. Used to controlling thousands of hands, thousands of mouths, The Justice now has only two hands, and one mouth with which to tell her tale. But one fragile, human body might just be enough to take revenge against those who destroyed her. 'ENGAGING AND PROVOCATIVE' SFX Magazine 'UNEXPECTED, COMPELLING AND VERY COOL' John Scalzi 'HIGHLY RECOMMENDED' Independent on Sunday 'MIND-BLOWING' io9.com 'THRILLING, MOVING AND AWE-INSPIRING' Guardian 'UTTER PERFECTION' The Book Smugglers 'ASTOUNDINGLY ASSURED AND GRACEFUL' Strange Horizons 'ESTABLISHES LECKIE AS AN HEIR TO BANKS' Elizabeth Bear
Spinning Silver
443 pages
'I couldn’t put it down'– Katherine Arden, author of the Winternight trilogy Rumours have drawn unexpected attention – and now her life hangs in the balance. From the author of the award-winning Uprooted, Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver is a rich, original tale inspired by the folktale of Rumpelstiltskin. Will dark magic claim their home? Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is too kind-hearted to collect his debts. They face poverty, until Miryem hardens her own heart and takes up his work in their village. Her success creates a rumour that she can turn silver into gold, attracting the fairy king of winter himself. He sets her an impossible challenge – and if she fails, she will die. Yet if she triumphs, it may mean a fate worse than death. And, in her desperate efforts to succeed, Miryem unwittingly spins a web which draws in the unhappy daughter of a lord . . . Irina’s father schemes to wed her to the tsar – he will pay any price to achieve this goal. However, the dashing tsar is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of mortals and winter alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and Irina embark on a quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power and love. 'I loved this book so much' – Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series 'A gorgeous read. The sort of book one reads again and again' – Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library series
The Priory of the Orange Tree
849 pages
THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. 'Epic' Guardian 'Majestic' Daily Mail 'The new Game of Thrones' Stylist An enthralling, epic fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep...
Red Sister
498 pages
This book features a captivating world filled with strong, kickass women, making it a must-read for those who enjoy powerful female characters.
The First Discworld Novels
Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is a must-read for its brilliant satire and imaginative storytelling that will leave you both entertained and thoughtful.
The Three-Body Problem
365 pages
The Three Body Problem series is intriguing, though it does have some stalker elements. Despite my mixed feelings, I enjoyed it years ago and it left a lasting impression.
The Left Hand of Darkness
369 pages
50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION—WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY DAVID MITCHELL AND A NEW AFTERWORD BY CHARLIE JANE ANDERS Ursula K. Le Guin’s groundbreaking work of science fiction—winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards. A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants’ gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters... Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction.
Annihilation
209 pages
A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM ALEX GARLAND, STARRING NATALIE PORTMAN AND OSCAR ISAAC The Southern Reach Trilogy begins with Annihilation, the Nebula Award-winning novel that "reads as if Verne or Wellsian adventurers exploring a mysterious island had warped through into a Kafkaesque nightmare world" (Kim Stanley Robinson). Area X has been cut off from the rest of the continent for decades. Nature has reclaimed the last vestiges of human civilization. The first expedition returned with reports of a pristine, Edenic landscape; the second expedition ended in mass suicide; the third expedition in a hail of gunfire as its members turned on one another. The members of the eleventh expedition returned as shadows of their former selves, and within weeks, all had died of cancer. In Annihilation, the first volume of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy, we join the twelfth expedition. The group is made up of four women: an anthropologist; a surveyor; a psychologist, the de facto leader; and our narrator, a biologist. Their mission is to map the terrain, record all observations of their surroundings and of one another, and, above all, avoid being contaminated by Area X itself. They arrive expecting the unexpected, and Area X delivers—they discover a massive topographic anomaly and life forms that surpass understanding—but it's the surprises that came across the border with them and the secrets the expedition members are keeping from one another that change everything.
A Closed and Common Orbit
303 pages
Becky Chambers' books are excellent and offer a captivating reading experience.
Fecal Matters
129 pages
Fecal Matters is your definitive guide to the new global phenomenon of public poos. From the “Mystery Pooper” terrorizing Manhattan, to Japan’s “Mr. Poop,” to England’s “Party Pooper” (who you do not want to invite to your swim-rave), these crappy criminals can’t stop making headlines worldwide. Explore the stories behind their smelly sprees, and find out facts about feces you never figured. With special sections on poop in pop culture, you’ll be bewildered, befuddled, and bemused by all the crap the world puts up with.
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
321 pages
Experience the action-packed first book in #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson's laugh-out-loud middle-grade fantasy series like never before—now in paperback with all new covers! AN ANCIENT RIVALRY REAWAKENS. Everything I'd known about the world was a lie. On my thirteenth birthday, I, Alcatraz Smedry (yes, I got named after a prison, don’t ask) received my inheritance: a bag of sand. And then I accidentally destroyed my foster parents’ kitchen. It’s not my fault, things just break around me, I swear! I thought the sand was a joke until evil Librarians came to steal it. You’re probably thinking, “Librarians are nice people who recommend good books,” but that’s just what they want you to think! It turns out they’re actually a secret cult keeping the truth from you—a hidden world filled with magical eyeglasses, talking dinosaurs, and knights with crystal swords! Or so my Grandpa Smedry claimed when he suddenly showed up to rescue me. So now I have to go with him to invade the local library and get that sand back, before it's used to conquer the world. And Grandpa says how I keep breaking things is actually an amazing talent. There’s no way that can all be true, right? Will I ever make it back home alive? "An excellent choice to read aloud to the whole family. Funny, exciting, and briskly paced." —NPR At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Verity
295 pages
Whose truth is the lie? Stay up all night reading the sensational psychological thriller that has readers obsessed, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Too Late and It Ends With Us. #1 New York Times Bestseller · USA Today Bestseller · Globe and Mail Bestseller · Publishers Weekly Bestseller Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.
John Dies at the End
387 pages
This book offers a wild ride through absurdist horror that keeps you guessing and laughing.
Conquistador
528 pages
“In this luscious alternative universe, sidekicks quote the Lone Ranger and Right inevitably triumphs with panache. What more could adventure-loving readers ask for?”—Publishers Weekly Oakland, 1946. Ex-soldier John Rolfe, newly back from the Pacific, has made a fabulous discovery: A portal to an alternate America where Europeans have never set foot—and the only other humans in sight are a band of very curious Indians. Able to return at will to the modern world, Rolfe summons the only people with whom he is willing to share his discovery: his war buddies. And tells them to bring their families... Los Angeles, twenty-first century. Fish and Game warden Tom Christiansen is involved in the bust of a smuggling operation. What he turns up is something he never anticipated: a photo of authentic Aztec priests decked out in Grateful Dead T-shirts, and a live condor from a gene pool that doesn’t correspond to any known in captivity or the wild. It is a find that will lead him to a woman named Adrienne Rolfe—and a secret that’s been hidden for sixty years…
The Warrior's Apprentice
304 pages
After failing to pass the physicals for the Barrayaran Military Academy, the brittle-boned, dwarfish son of Cordelia and Aral Vorkosigan uses a clever touch of creativity to finance a shipment of munitions into a war zone. When this simple merchant expedition draws the attention of an unexpected enemy, Miles is forced to masquerade as commander of a fictional fleet of hired guns he names after the mountains near his home--the Dendarii Mercenaries. His original crew of misfits grows into a considerable force as enemies become allies, guided by the delicate political manoeuvrings Miles learned from his father. Miles' ability to think himself out of a tight spot makes him a natural - if unlikely - leader, but this adventure in deep space is just a warm-up. On his homeworld of Barrayar, a deadly plot has been hatched against his father, Aral. A carefully planned trap is being laid, and only the wiles of the empire's unlikeliest hero can thwart it…
Mistborn
676 pages
This trilogy features a strong female protagonist and thoughtfully addresses the potential dangers she faces, making it a compelling read.
The Ministry for the Future
579 pages
ONE OF BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR “The best science-fiction nonfiction novel I’ve ever read.” —Jonathan Lethem "If I could get policymakers, and citizens, everywhere to read just one book this year, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future." —Ezra Klein (Vox) The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us. Chosen by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of the year, this extraordinary novel from visionary science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson will change the way you think about the climate crisis. "One hopes that this book is read widely—that Robinson’s audience, already large, grows by an order of magnitude. Because the point of his books is to fire the imagination."―New York Review of Books "If there’s any book that hit me hard this year, it was Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future, a sweeping epic about climate change and humanity’s efforts to try and turn the tide before it’s too late." ―Polygon (Best of the Year) "Masterly." —New Yorker "[The Ministry for the Future] struck like a mallet hitting a gong, reverberating through the year ... it’s terrifying, unrelenting, but ultimately hopeful. Robinson is the SF writer of my lifetime, and this stands as some of his best work. It’s my book of the year." —Locus "Science-fiction visionary Kim Stanley Robinson makes the case for quantitative easing our way out of planetary doom." ―Bloomberg Green
Things
21 pages
Her writing thoughtfully explores complex themes without resorting to shock value, making it a profound read.
The Circle
404 pages
This book features a strong woman protagonist who breaks away from typical tropes, making it a refreshing read.
Transparent Minds in Science Fiction
148 pages
Transparent Minds explores the intersection between neuroscience and science fiction stories. Paul Matthews expertly analyses the narratives of humans and nonhumans from Mary Shelley to Kazuo Ishiguro across 200 years of the genre. In doing so he gives lucid insight into the meaning of existence and self-awareness. Rigorously researched and highly accessible, Matthews argues that psycho-emotional science fiction writers both imitate and inform alien and post-human consciousnesses through exploratory narratives and metaphor. Drawing from a diverse range of scholars and critics, Matthews explores topics such as psychonarration and neuroaesthetics, to create a thoughtful and cogent argument. By synthesising concepts from philosophy, neuroscience, and literary theory, Matthews posits the potential for science fiction to bridge the gap in understanding between AI and human minds. Given the recent advancements in AI technology, Matthews’ timely discussion enters the speculative realm of sentient technology and postcyborg ethics. The work constitutes a major contribution to cross-disciplinary perspectives on alien and posthuman psychology, that engages with future states of existence in both ourselves and the machines we create. Transparent Minds will be of interest to innovators, authors, and science fiction enthusiasts alike.
Midnight Blue-Light Special
370 pages
The second book in New York Times-bestselling Seanan McGuire's witty urban fantasy InCryptid series about a family of cryptozoologists who act as a buffer between humans and the magical creatures living in secret around us. "The only thing more fun than an October Daye book is an InCryptid book." —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Sookie Stackhouse series Normal, adjective: Conforming to the standard or common type. See also "ordinary." Abnormal, adjective: Deviating from the common type, such as playing monster-human on the rooftops of Manhattan. See also "Verity Price." The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity—and to protect humanity from them. Verity Price is just trying to do her job, keeping the native cryptid population of Manhattan from getting into trouble, and doing a little ballroom dancing on the side. Enter Dominic De Luca, an operative for the Covenant of St. George, and Verity's on-again, off-again boyfriend. When he tells her that the Covenant is sending a full team to assess how ready the city is for a purge, Verity finds herself between a rock and a hard place. Stay, and risk her almost-certain death, or flee, and leave the cryptids of New York with nothing between them and the Covenant. With allies and enemies on every side, and no safe way to turn, it's going to take some quickstepping for Verity to waltz out of this one. There's just one question on everyone's mind: Is this the last dance for Verity Price?
The Wee Free Men: The Beginning
583 pages
When Tiffany Aching sets out to become a witch, she faces ominous foes and gains unexpected allies. As she confronts the Queen of Fairies and battles an ancient, bodiless evil, she is aided (and most ably abetted) by the six-inch-high, fightin', stealin', drinkin' Wee Free Men! Laugh-out-loud humor and breathtaking action combine in the books that launched the unforgettable adventures of a determined young witch and her tiny but fierce blue friends.
Goldenhand
397 pages
These YA books feature strong female characters who focus on saving the world without their gender being a central issue, making them refreshing and enjoyable reads.
Reflections: On the Magic of Writing
400 pages
Diana Wynne Jones's YA novels are a delight, featuring complex plots and well-developed characters, all wrapped in an accessible writing style.
A Discovery of Witches (Movie Tie-In)
594 pages
This book is a captivating blend of fantasy elements that draws readers into a rich world without the heavy themes of sexual assault.
The Stormlight Archive, Books 1-3
3829 pages
The Stormlight Archive features a powerful speech that challenges traditional views on women's roles in society, making it a thought-provoking read.
Chaos Walking Movie Tie-in Edition: The Knife of Never Letting Go
This trilogy is a captivating blend of fantasy and sci-fi, exploring dark themes and psychological horror, making it a mature yet accessible read.
A Wizard of Earthsea
267 pages
Originally published in 1968, Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea marks the first of the six now beloved Earthsea titles. Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance.
Siege and Storm
354 pages
This series is known for its strong female characters and immersive world-building, making it a must-read for fantasy fans.
The Martian
It's a fantastic read that combines science fiction with dark comedy, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Diviners
393 pages
This series is highly recommended for its intriguing plot and strong female leads, perfect for those who enjoy YA fantasy.
The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, Book 4)
426 pages
This series is a great choice for YA fantasy lovers, featuring strong female characters and an engaging storyline.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone: The Complete Gift Set
1024 pages
This book offers a unique and enchanting story, making it a great addition to any fantasy lover's reading list.
His Dark Materials
1140 pages
This fantasy series is perfect for those who enjoy younger protagonists and offers a captivating adventure.
NOS4A2
530 pages
This horror novel features a strong and well-written female lead, making it a compelling read without the typical major sexual trauma or abuse, and it delivers a pretty creepy experience.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
229 pages
This book presents a strong female lead who remains resilient, even when faced with challenging situations, making it a worthwhile read.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
320 pages
A frightening suspense novel about nine-year-old Trisha, who becomes lost in the woods as night falls.
Uprooted
449 pages
A truly exceptional book where both the hero and villains are women, making it a refreshing read.
The Baklava Club
289 pages
Despite a challenging theme at the start, this book showcases an incredibly interesting world and a strong lead, making it a favorite recommendation.
The Invisible Library
354 pages
The series features a brave heroine who devises creative plans to rescue herself and her friends from various wild situations, making for a fun and unpredictable read.
The Bear and the Nightingale
330 pages
This novel offers a unique take on fantasy with a strong female lead that readers will root for.
Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles Book 2)
382 pages
The second book in The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. This is not the fairytale you remember. But it's one you won't forget. SCARLET BENOIT'S grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other. Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive - when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levana. As Scarlet and Wolf expose one mystery, they encounter Cinder and a new one unravels. Together they must challenge the evil queen, who will stop at nothing to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner . . . ***Red Riding Hood-meets-Percy Jackson in a thrilling new spin on Grimm by Marissa Meyer, the author of Cinder.***
Sabriel (adult)
324 pages
The Abhorsen trilogy features strong female leads who are compelling and independent, set in one of the most fascinating worlds you'll encounter.
Uncompromising Honor
1098 pages
Despite some controversial themes, the series offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
Uglies
432 pages
It's a YA book that offers a captivating story within the Sci-Fi genre, making it a great read for fans of both.
The Lost Fleet: Fearless
306 pages
As the first book in the Lost Fleet series, it promises an exciting journey through space battles and strategic warfare.
385 pages
This series is a captivating blend of science fiction and historical elements, making it a must-read for fans of the genre!
Leviathan Wakes
411 pages
This book kicks off The Expanse series, which has been adapted into a thrilling TV show, making it a must-read for fans of sci-fi.
The Lord Of The Rings
1267 pages
Immerse yourself in Middle-earth with J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic masterpieces behind the films... This special 50th anniversary edition includes three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King), along with an extensive new index—a must-own tome for old and new Tolkien readers alike. One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. From Sauron's fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, his power spread far and wide. Sauron gathered all the Great Rings to him, but always he searched for the One Ring that would complete his dominion. When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf the Wizard; the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider. J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), beloved throughout the world as the creator of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, a fellow of Pembroke College, and a fellow of Merton College until his retirement in 1959. His chief interest was the linguistic aspects of the early English written tradition, but while he studied classic works of the past, he was creating a set of his own.
The Child Thief
500 pages
This book presents a darker interpretation of Peter Pan and Neverland, providing a unique twist that adds depth to the classic tale.
Wyrd Sisters - Playtext
178 pages
The Granny Weatherwax books showcase powerful female characters and provide an engaging narrative that avoids heavy-handed messages.
The Last Unicorn
321 pages
This wonderful book features a female unicorn on a quest to find her kind, showcasing her strength and defiance against the damsel-in-distress trope.
