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25+ of Your Favorite Books Where the Princess is the Hero

S. Zainab Williams

Executive Director, Content

S. Zainab would like to think she bleeds ink but the very idea makes her feel faint. She writes fantasy and horror, and is currently clutching a manuscript while groping in the dark. Find her on Twitter: @szainabwilliams.

This Riot Recommendation is sponsored by The Waking Land by Callie Bates. Learn more about the book here.

In the lush and magical tradition of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted comes this riveting debut from brilliant young writer Callie Bates—whose imagination places her among the finest authors of fantasy fiction, including Sarah J. Maas and Sabaa Tahir.

Lady Elanna is fiercely devoted to the king who raised her like a daughter. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Elanna is accused of his murder—and must flee for her life.

Returning to the homeland she has forsaken, Elanna is forced to reckon with her estranged father. Feeling a strange, deep connection to the natural world, she also must face the truth about the powers that suddenly stir within her.


Alright, Prince Charming, you go do you, but let the princesses save the kingdom. They got this. I will never stop loving princess tales, especially when said princess is here for the battle. We asked you to tell us your favorite books where the princess is the hero and you responded. Here are more than 25 of your favorites!

The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy by Jessica Day George

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

The Princess Academy Trilogy by Shannon Hale

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede

Stitching Snow by Rachel Christine Lewis

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Enchanted series by Alethea Kontis

Her Mother’s Daughter by Julianne Lee

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

The Kings Equal by Katherine Paterson

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke

Molly Whuppie by Errol LeCain

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope

NYC MECCA Series by Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone

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