This Top Ten Tuesday we are supposed to talk about the books that we want Santa to leave under our tree. I feel like that’s going to spoil my year end Top Ten List a bit, so I decided to alter it. Have you ever noticed that when you ask people to name off famous science fiction and horror writers, they almost always name guys? Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, etc. Well, the science fiction and horror genres are indisputably male-dominated. So you have to wade in a bit to find the female authors who are making waves in the big boy’s ponds. But they are there, and they’re definitely worth searching for.
The following list is comprised of the best 10 science fiction & horror books written by women that I’ve read in 2016. Books that I want Santa to leave under my tree that I can shove in naysayer’s faces.
This list is in no particular order. You’ll find new writers nestled up against those with solidly established reputations. Science fiction writers will bump elbows with horror writers. There’ll be something for everyone, and at least one person reading this will be offended that I didn’t include their favorite writer on this list. (Feel free to add to the list in the comments below.)
Top Ten Tuesday is brought to you courtesy of Broke and Bookish.
(Pictures lead to Goodreads, Links go to Amazon.)
10 Science Fiction & Horror Books Written by Women
- Damocles by S.G. Redling – For when you need hope, and wonder, and a look at the stars that doesn’t end in violence, hatred, or disillusionment. Damocles by S.G. Redling is a shining example of what science fiction means to me.
- Through the Woods by Emily Carroll – This is the first graphic novel that I ever read and truly enjoyed. And even months later, the images stay with me. Emily Carroll did a fantastic job on this book, and in my opinion, it’s a must for any horror fan.
- The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin – If you haven’t read this book, you need to stop what you’re doing and rectify the situation. Immediately. The Lathe of Heaven was one of those books that blow you away. After you get done thinking deep thoughts, you’ll want to kneel at this lady’s feet.
- Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor – Can I say enough good things about the St. Mary’s Chronicles? I think not. Beautiful, wonderful, laugh-out-loud, and wanna-smack-someone. The Chronicles of St. Mary’s is a series that will warm your heart, excite your spirit, and make you want a family like St. Mary’s.
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Though I didn’t read the typical version of Frankenstein, I’m still in awe of Mary Shelley, and what she accomplished in Frankenstein. Everyone knows the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, even if they haven’t read the book. It’s a book that people are always going to know of, and that is an accomplishment in and of itself.
- Shadows of Tomorrow by Jessica Meats – Jessica Meats did a great job in presenting a world fighting back against an alien force. She gives us heroes we can root for, unexpected twists, and action that just keeps going.
- Fury by Joan De La Haye – If you’re looking for disturbing imagery, and a delicious tale of revenge, look no further than Fury. Joan De La Haye packs a ton of gory horror in a small package in Fury.
- The Spirit Chaser by Kat Mayor – The ending of this book. I love it because it’s a dark glimpse into possession and the damages that it wrecks on everyone. And because it’s an awesome ghost book. But mostly? It’s the ending that I can’t forget. Holy crap. That ending.
- The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers – It filled the Firefly-shaped hole in my heart. What can I say?
- Shutter by Courtney Alameda – Clean, young adult horror that isn’t afraid to be dark and disturbing. Courtney Alameda gives you an easy, creepy read that you’ll want to come back to for at least one more round of.
There you have it. Looking back, and I’m quite pleased with the science fiction and horror books I’ve read written by women in 2016. Don’t forget, ladies, you are fierce. No matter what some orange-skinned troll says.
Feel free to link me to your lists for Top Ten Tuesday.
Lilyn G is the founder of Sci-Fi & Scary, and leader of the Coolthulhu Crew. She does book and film reviews for both genres the site focuses on. Her tastes run towards creature features, hard science fiction, and lots and lots of action. She also has a soft spot for middle-grade fiction that rears its head frequently.
She is also a co-founder of Ladies of Horror Fiction, though she has stepped down to regular crew level.
Feel free to chat her up on Twitter as long as you aren’t hitting her up to review your book.
Have you read Monsters: The Curse of Frankenstein? It’s a biography of the Shelley’s and Byron and it’s really good. I’m not a big biography reader but I really enjoyed it.
Nah. Biographies scare me. Lol. In all seriousness , I read to escape and therefore don’t want to read about someone else’s (real) life.
Here’s a writer, whom I don’t think I’ve mentioned before here (but maybe forgot), whose collection of supernatural horror short stories can be found for free online: https://sillyverse.com/2014/06/23/a-mary-wilkins-freeman-twofer/
Cool! Thanks 🙂 I”ve bookmarked it to check it out later.
I’ve only read Frankenstein and damn if I didn’t despise that whiny doctor but I did feel for his poor creation. Another great horror writer is Caitlin Kiernan. Her book “The Red Tree” is one of my all time favorites.
I will try to check her out soon!
ooh great post- I *love* Frankenstein!! One of the best books ever written (in my opinion 😉 ) And I’ve been meaning to read through the woods too! And since we’re adding to the list, I think Illuminae was half written by a woman 🙂
I *almost* put Illuminae on the list, but decided to keep it strictly women, with no halfsies.
Thanks for the list. I’ll save it for future reference like when I’m looking for my next horror or sci-fi read, I don’t read those genres much. However I just borrowed the Stand from the library.
I don’t think I’ve ever made it all the way through The Stand. Good luck!
I don’t read much Sci-Fi or horror, but this list got me to add The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin to my TBR.
Also, I have read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It deserves its “classic” label.
Thanks for visiting my TTT list earlier today. I always appreciate when someone leaves a comment to let me know they were there.
Hope at least some of these books end up under your tree.
Oh, I bet you’ll love Lathe of Heaven!
Through the Woods is awesome and it’s because of your blog that I currently have “Just One Damn Thing After Another” out from the library. I’ve heard nothing but good things about “Shutter.” You know, it’s a shame there isn’t a female that stands out the way King does for the males. This list is a great place to start though!
I think Danielle DeVor has the ability once she’s had a few years to develop it. You can sense the potential in her.
Thanks for including me on this list. I’m honored
You earned it.
Through the Woods is such an entertaining and disturbing read, I’m SO glad I decided to ask for it for Christmas last year–one of the best decisions I made, I think.
Thank you so much for stopping by my TTT earlier this morning–it’s much appreciated! Have a great rest of your week, and happy holidays to you and yours!
I picked it up bc it was a horror challenge read and was genuinely surprised to find myself enjoying it.
Frightening that I’ve only read things by Ursula Le Guin and Becky Chambers. Then again, I don’t do Horror. Does Anne McCaffrey count as Scifi?
Claire McCague ‘Rosetta Man’ and Claire O’Beara’s ‘Dining out around the Solar System’ series are top of my list this year. Jennifer Ellis has an incredibly complex time-travel series with plenty of real science, and also does wonderful sci-fi short stories.
I’m embarrassed to admit the only one I’ve read is Fury – but you’ve got me really curious about Spirit Chaser. *off to Amazon*
Ooh, I hope you check it out. It really is a great paranormal horror book!
I second Spirit Chaser! I don’t normally read PR and I really loved it!