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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 Save Save Save