Kim Wilkins’ Daughters of the Storm or Blood and Gold
Books: Daughters of the Storm, Sisters of the Fire, Queens of the Sea
Bluebell, the warrior princess of these books, is such a great protagonist. She wouldn’t be out of place in one of the Game of Thrones or Wheel of Time books. I love that much of the story revolves around the relationship between Bluebell and her sisters Ash, Rose, Ivy, and Willow. Each sister makes different choices that affect the balance of power between Thrysland, Bluebell’s kingdom, and its neighbors. Highly recommended for anyone who likes swordplay, political intrigue, and magic. Annoyingly the third book of the series is difficult to find but it is on Audible now!
Patricia Kennealy-Morrison’s Keltiad
Books: The Copper Crown, The Throne of Scone, The Silver Branch
I read these for the first time in high school and still love them. Kennealy-Morrison combines the best of fantasy (magic) with sci-fi (outer space) by setting the books on a world populated by the descendants of ancient Celts. If you are at all familiar with Celtic mythology these books are extra fun, but there is no prior knowledge required. These are great for those who like both science fiction and fantasy and have no problems with swords and magic spells coexisting with starships and extraterrestrial life.
Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Books: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, A Conjuring of Light
Before V.E. Schwab produced The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (which is amazing, please read it as well!), she wrote this fantastic series of books about alternate worlds. A small number of magicians can pass between Red, White, Grey, and Black London, all of which have varying levels of magic. Kell, one of these magicians, accidentally brings an object from one world to another, setting off a chain of events that might destroy all the worlds. If you like historical fiction set in alternate timelines, knife-wielding heroines, and scary villains, this is a great series for you.
Liz Helfrich 