20 SFF Books Written by Women on my TBR

March is considered as Women’s Month – a great month to remember and continue to empower and give recognition to women in all various fields, no matter huge or small. Before the month ends, I wanted to do feature wherein I showcase the fantasy and science fiction books currently in my TBR written by amazing female authors that I hope to read sometime in the near future (when my overflowing TBR lets me lol),

“It’s been so long, and still waiting” shelf

These are some SFF books I’ve had on my Goodreads TBR list for so many years now, but up until now, I still haven’t gotten yet to them. I’m just hoping that I may be able to change their shelf from “to-read” to “read” sometime this year, because I know these books will definitely blow my mind away.

The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin – The amount of well-deserved praise this book has gotten over the years has no right to be still in my TBR list. I actually started this book last January but only got to a few chapters in before stopping because I didn’t want to push it while I was in reading slump that might ruin the experience for me.
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg – I’m always game for any historical fantasy book set in my most favorite era. I don’t know much about it when I added this book in my tbr, but all I know that it was tons of magic and magical training, and of course, the height of the Victorian propriety and glamour.
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – I added this debut novel when it first came out on my list, but have never gotten to it. Now that I’ve read and somewhat enjoyed Mexican Gothic, I find myself checking out this book that might just be more up to my taste and preferences over Mexican Gothic.
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell – I recall the immense amount of hype this book received when it first came out, but as usual, I’ve put it aside in my tbr list. Even after these years, I still want to read this YA urban fantasy novel, and dive headfirst into it.

“Celebrate Filipina SFF Authors” shelf

I am always looking forward to reading any book written by an author from my country – especially Filipina authors. It’s definitely even more exciting for me if they are making huge waves within the SFF book community and putting a “I’m a proud Filipina” stamp on it.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco – I have heard about this book for years since its release, and was not yet aware that Rin Chupeco had a book signing tour many pre-COVID years ago. But I’m definitely hoping to read (and listen) to this book soon, and maybe even binge-read it since it’s already a completed series.
The Wolf of Oren-Yaro by K.S. Villoso – I first heard about this book when I came back to bookstagram last year, and a lot of Filipino bookstagrammers were promoting and raving about this. So imagine to my surprise that this is a self-published adult fantasy novel written by a Filipina and is deeply inspired by a lot of Filipino folklore!
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi – I’m familiar with Roshani Chokshi’s debut work from many years, but I find myself drawn more into starting with The Gilded Wolves. I had this book for years in my shelf, and I got drawn into it with the words: Parisian heist and found family. I was sold.
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles – this book has been in my 2020 anticipated releases just for the description of it being a mix of The Night Circus and The Phantom of the Opera – my most favorite musical ever. As usual, I’ve yet to read it, but I’m definitely excited to get on with it – hopefully soon.

“Highly recommended by friends” shelf

Aside from Goodreads, my most trusted recommendations platform (sort of) are my book friends, especially those who are SFF junkies like me. It’s a small-knit group of friends I have for many years, and we would always exchange book recommendations because we all share the same interest and tastes in our books. Hence, that’s why I trust their recommendations, and not once has it failed yet for me.

The Guild Codex series by Annette Marie – this is an urban fantasy/paranormal recommendation my friend highly recommends and couldn’t stop talking my ear out. So I’ll definitely indulge her in this one, and hopefully get to it soon, especially since I already have the first book on my Kindle.
The Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb – Within the adult fantasy book community, this is a very strong recommendation, and that recommendation was just solidified by a friend’s love for Robin Hobb’s works. I already have the entire trilogy on my bookshelf, and just now waiting for me.
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo – I’ve always heard of this book for years, since it appeals to my historical fantasy loving heart. A friend recommended this one to me when I was on the quest for more Asian-inspired high fantasy stories, and I was also surprised to see that this book has a tv adaptation!
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner – A friend told me this is one of her most favorite YA fantasy series, and a huge staple in the YA genre that needs more recognition. So, like the gullible person I am, I had to get myself a copy of this book.

“Recommended in the book community” shelf

I don’t normally take recommendations regularly from book social media, even though I myself am part of it – especially on my Bookstagram. Some titles I find don’t either suit my taste or the hype around them feels overhyped when I eventually get to them. But of course, there are a few exceptions.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong – This YA fantasy crime retelling of Romeo and Juliet has been really popular across all platforms. I only considered picking this one up after one of my fantasy-loving friends gave it a high rating and review afterwards.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna – This new book is actually one of my anticipated 2021 releases, and I feel like it wouldn’t be a disappointment, especially after seeing it receive a lot of great reviews.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn – I actually have this on my Kindle ever since its release last year, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’m pretty excited to read this soon since I also got the audiobook version earlier.
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart – Necromancy and zombies are something I don’t like in my books, hence I tend to avoid them at all costs. But the promising reviews and thoughts from other people got me considering to give this book a chance.

“Women of Science Fiction” shelf

I can’t remember the last time I devoted a chunk of my reading time to science fiction. While I enjoy them, I would always wait until the right mood strikes in me to pick something from this genre.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir – Again, reiterating my dispassion for zombies and necromancy, I also ignored this book but a good friend from my medical school told me that she loved this book a lot because it felt like an amazing review in our anatomy classes. Taking her word for it, I’ll definitely see this gets bumped up high in my tbr!
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells – I actually read the first book already (see my review here) before this post came live lol. But the rest of the books in this novella series is now part of my immediate tbr.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse – I do admit that sometimes I want to read a book because of its gorgeous cover – and this is an example. However, I feel like it would just be more than a beautiful cover.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler – I’ve always been meaning to read Octavia E. Butler’s books for a long time since they’re considered gold and classic staples, and I was recommended to check out first this book as an introduction to her works.