6 Recommended Fantasy Books For Women's Book Clubs and How to Pick More

Ever feel like finding the perfect fantasy read for your women’s book club is as daunting as navigating a labyrinth guarded by a grumpy dragon? I’m here to guide you in your quest.

Book clubs are a wonderful way to socialize for bookish people and talk about our favorite things in the world—books. I am part of an online book club with some amazing friends I’ve made on twitter.

I don’t know if there’s an official list of criteria that makes a book worthy of book club appeal, but I put together a short list of good reasons to add books to your reading list for your book club. Of course, I will also recommend some fantasy books that fit.

Thought-provoking themes

If the purpose of the book club is to discuss books, pick something praised for its thought-provoking themes. That will spark the conversation and will animate discussion. Check out books that tackle relevant social issues, complex relationships, or profound questions about life. The novels can cover women’s rights, characters facing tough choices, or themes of motherhood, friendship, or career challenges.

Compelling characters

Well-developed characters, especially strong female leads, are perfect for engaging discussions. This will give you plenty to talk about, analyze characters’ motivations, debate their actions, and connect with their journeys. A book with a diverse cast, each with their own voice and struggles, can be particularly rich for book club conversations.

Unclear endings or lingering questions

To be honest, I don’t like unclear endings. Sure, I can interpret them however I want, but I’ll always wander if I didn’t miss something. This can be frustrating for some, myself included. Another reason to discuss it. Expect a heated debate. A book with an ambiguous ending, unreliable narrator, or lingering questions can provide plenty of material for the club to dissect and analyze.

Awards Recognition

This isn’t the first time I mentioned this, but I usually avoid hyped up book while they’re still hot. This is a personal preference, but I feel that while every book blogger raves about it, I will have higher expectations than normal for it and be disappointed. So, I’d rather wait until it’s no longer talked about on social media and every book blog I follow before I dive in. 

But when it comes to book clubs, you might not want to wait. Everyone wants to read what’s hot right now. Consider books that have garnered awards or critical acclaim—these can add prestige to your recommendations. You can also debate if the book lived up to the hype.

Availability

Here’s something I noticed. Hyped up book are expensive and I’m not talking about limited editions or hardbacks with sprayed edges or signed copies. I mostly read on Kindle and I’ve seen bestsellers where ebooks cost almost as much as the paperback or hardback. Would you pay $17 or more for an ebook? So before you propose a book that just came out and its cover is on every magazine, make sure it’s affordable, or at least available in libraries, to avoid any hurdles for club members.

Bonus points for a Great Women’s Book Club Pick

• Diverse Voices: Look for books by female authors from underrepresented backgrounds, or stories that explore the lives of women from different cultures or ethnicities.
• Dual Perspectives: A book with interwoven narratives from multiple female characters can provide a richer discussion on perspectives and experiences.
• Contemporary stories that address current issues: Many women’s book clubs enjoy tackling relevant social issues. Look for books that touch on gender roles, relationships, or social justice movements.

Here are 6 fantasy book recommendations for your book club TBR

You want to pick a book that stirs discussion and stays with readers long after the final page. Since we’re on the topic of women’s book clubs, I picked books that feature strong female leads (except for one), take a feminist approach to historical periods, or discuss modern women’s issues.

“Uprooted” by Naomi Novik 

A perfect storm of captivating characters, a unique magic system, and a feminist twist on a classic fairy tale, this Nebula Award winner is not to be missed. Agnieszka, a young woman ostracized by her village, becomes entangled with the mysterious Dragon, a powerful sorcerer who guards the forest. The exploration of duty, sacrifice, and the complexities of societal expectations will leave your book club buzzing.

“The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow

With a mix of historical fantasy and a touch of mystery, this captivating novel keeps readers hooked. January, a young woman raised in a secluded mansion filled with magical doors, discovers a hidden world after her world crumbles. The narrative explores colonialism, family secrets, the power of stories, and the fight for self-discovery. Unraveling family secrets, challenging societal constraints, and the beautiful prose will spark discussions about identity, family history, and the power of storytelling.

“Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke

A hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking novel, “Piranesi” takes place entirely within a vast, labyrinthine House. The protagonist, Piranesi, navigates this world with childlike wonder, meticulously recording everything he sees. As the story unfolds, questions of reality, memory, and human connection take center stage. Piranesi is a mind-bender that will have your book club dissecting its meaning and symbolism long after the final page. Although this novel doesn’t have a female protagonist, Piranesi offers a unique perspective on mental health, isolation, and loneliness—themes that can resonate with women juggling various responsibilities.

“The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley

This classic retells the Arthurian legends from the perspectives of the women who shaped them. We see the familiar tales of Camelot, chivalry, and courtly love through the eyes of Morgan le Fay, Guinevere, and Igraine. This feminist masterpiece delves into themes of power, female agency, and the complexities of love and loyalty. Perfect choice for a book club that enjoys in-depth discussions about gender roles, historical settings, and the power of women’s voices.

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune

This heartwarming fantasy with a delightful LGBTQ+ romance is a breath of fresh air. Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youths, investigates a mysterious orphanage housing magical children. The discussions about prejudice, acceptance, and the importance of found family will leave your book club feeling warm and fuzzy. 

“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon

This epic fantasy boasts a sprawling world, rich history, and complex characters that will keep your book club enthralled. Ead, a talented young woman with a hidden past, and Sabran, a fierce queen battling both political intrigue and the return of devastating dragons, are just two of the strong female leads that drive the narrative. The intricate political landscape, the exploration of duty versus personal desires, and the complex relationship between humans and dragons provide ample material for lively debates. The book delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, the power of friendship, and the fight for a just society—ripe for engaging discussions. While a hefty tome, clocking in around 800 pages, “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is a captivating read that most book clubs can comfortably tackle within a reasonable timeframe. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the ideal book to read in a book club is one that sparks conversation afterwards. You may feel pressured to pick one of the classics, thinking you can’t go wrong with that. And I have nothing against the classics, but a book doesn’t have to be literary fiction to be a great book club choice. Look for books with a voice that grabs readers and keeps them turning the pages. While a hefty tome can feel substantial, consider the realities of busy lives. A book club pick ideally falls within the 250-400 page range (I know that “The Priory of the Orange Tree” fails to meet the criteria, but sometimes it’s okay to break the rules), allowing enough depth without feeling overwhelming. Make sure that club members can easily find the book you picked in bookstores or libraries.