Best 2024 Fantasy Romance Books with Badass Female Leads

Looking for fantasy romance books with badass female leads? We've got thrilling reads that charm with strong heroines and epic tales.
Throne of Glass coverGraceling coverA Court of Thorns and Roses cover

Are you looking for fantasy romance books with badass female leads? When we discover a book, we want strong, fearless heroines who enchant us with epic adventures and heart-pounding romance. From magical realms to dangerous battles, these leading ladies don’t just sit on the sidelines. Our chosen books offer thrilling tales where romance and fantasy collide, giving you an experience that is both captivating and inspiring.

On this list:

14 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 432

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We couldn’t put down this thrilling tale. Celaena Sardothien is the badass lead here, and she shows us how to wield a sword while juggling romance.

13 Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 471

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Katsa kicks serious butt in this fantasy world. Her skill in combat and her soft side make her a fantastic character to follow.

12 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 432

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Feyre Archeron, the protagonist, gets caught in a dangerous faerie world. We loved this series for its blend of romance, mystery, and thrilling plot.

11 Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 358

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Alina Starkov discovers her power and changes everything. The blend of fantasy and romance keeps you hooked from start to finish.

10 Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 418

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Karou’s double life draws us into a world of magic and mystery. Her story is filled with romance and a fierce spirit.

9 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The Bone Season cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 480

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Paige Mahoney navigates a dystopian world with her rare power. It’s a gripping mix of fantasy and romance that kept us turning pages.

8 Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 416

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Safi and Iseult’s friendship and power make this one a fantastic read. Romance simmers beneath their adventures, keeping us thoroughly entertained.

7 The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 384

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Jude Duarte’s determination in a world of faeries makes her one of our favorite badass leads. With romance and danger, this book is hard to resist.

6 The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The Darkest Part of the Forest cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 336

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Hazel and her swordface adventures with knights and faeries had us hooked! A thrilling romance with mischievous faeries makes for a compelling tale.

5 Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 499

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Seraphina’s battle with dragons is captivating. We loved her bravery and the romance that gives a twist to the fantasy world.

4 Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes

Seven Blades in Black cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 704

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Sal the Cacophony is a fierce and fun lead. Her adventures are packed with action and romance, making it a wild ride.

3 Frostblood by Elly Blake

Frostblood cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 385

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Ruby’s fiery spirit shines in this chilling world. We enjoyed her battle with her powers and the unexpected romance.

2 The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 448

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Kelsea fights for her kingdom and her heart in this thrilling story. The romance adds an intriguing layer to her brave journey.

1 Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 448

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This tops our list of fantasy romance books with badass female leads! Agnieszka’s magical journey captured us. She fights evil with stubborn courage and discovers romance unexpectedly. The world-building is rich, making every moment vivid and engaging. She grows from a reluctant heroine to commanding her destiny, a tale of strength that inspires. The romance with the Dragon, her mentor, adds sparks without overpowering the story. Humor and warmth seep through, lightening the intense battles. It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, proving Agnieszka as a true hero. A perfect blend of fantasy and romance with a lead deserving of applause.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!