Seems like I am not the only one who has this discussion with friends. I recently came across another conversation where someone was adamantly asking for a longer list of good female fantasy authors (yea, Ursula Le Guin was mentioned as were others but three names can't make a big list). Thing is, there have been a number of really great female authors. Just because some of them might not be as popular as the Hickman/Weiss writing duo doesn't mean that the list is small. Alright, so I didn't step up and rattle off a number of authors (what kind of weirdo do you take me for, arguing with strangers on a train in a foreign city?) but the conversation did stay with me long afterwards. Furthermore, I was somewhat mortified that modern day lists might not even include the Earthsea author: I had this nagging suspicion any well-known list would include books containing characters that … sparkle. So, here's a small list of fantasy authors, putting together a group of folks whose works, in my opinion, stand out from the rest.

Andre Norton

Come on, she's famous. She's a bit of an icon in the Scifi-Fantasy genres. Why didn't she end up on that list? She was someone who pushed folks to venture out of their comfort zone. In this respect, a lot of the characters from her novels were almost always thrust into a situation where they must discover themselves. Or at least rise up a horrid circumstance. What was particularly noteworthy about her was her treatment of gender roles as well as the portrayal of various races. Some of the themes might appear mellow and out of date by modern standards … no wait, I take that back, I just had a flashback to all things sparkleness. Try out books in The Magic Sequence for a taste of her style.

Angela Carter

This is one of those times when the writer lives up to the themes and ideas depicted in her novels. I'm not saying that other writers don't do this but, admittedly, a number of modern writers do create a marketing persona in order to sell their books. Not this feisty lady. She was quite vocal, both in her fictional works as well as non-fiction contributions, about her stances. However I must mention that whilst her feminist views were more readily accepted, some of her takes on sexuality and gender relations were a bit out there for some readers. Check out the quirky Magic Toyshop for a glimpse of her ideas or, for something 6 degrees left of your comfort zone, try The Passions of New Eve.

Esther Friesner

She is a fantastic writer: the themes will make you think and her style will be quirky and grab your attention from the start. But it is her sense of humor that makes her truly stand out. Unfortunately, a lot of female writers who opt for the comedy genre don't get proper recognition. In fact, they must be fighting harder than all the others who are trying to make it to this elusive female fantasy author list. Admittedly, it is harder for some authors to break free of the gender-specific jokes when presenting a humorous situations. Thus, anyone who can pick up topics that can cater to different types of readers is … well, a genius! There are a number of her works out there but the one I have been seeking is Here Be Demons.

Gael Baudino

This is another fantasy writer who explores interesting themes in her books. None of the run-of-the-mill stuff here, I tell you. She is another author who questions social norms in her books which, in turn, encourages the readers to view their own worlds differently. What is also noteworthy about Baudino is her take on the darker side of humanity. A number of fantasy authors sometimes prefer painting a rosier, 'it will all work out' sort of view of the world. In this case, the author does create characters that overcome harsh adversities but she also makes a point of showing the nastier side of life in some of her books. If interested in Baudino's works, do Check out Strands of Sunlight series for as a starting point.