This blogging prompt is hosted by the Goodreads Top 5 Wednesday group
Today’s T5W prompt is Books Written by Women
Happy International Women’s Day! To honor today’s holiday, here are five books that were written by female authors!
1. Merchants of Knowledge and Magic by Erika McCorkle
Epic Fantasy, LGBT+
Content Warning: On-page: Death, Rape and sexual assault, Slavery, including sexual slavery and enslaved children, Torture, Sexism, Transphobia, Interphobia, Suicidal ideation, Graphic violence, Adult language, Forced drug use. Alluded to: Incest, Physical abuse of children, Child abduction. 18+
I just read this book to judge for WriteHive’s Indie Ink Awards 2022. And it was so cool! The world and its characters are incredibly diverse and complicated, and I love it for that. It is 100% for readers 18+, and check the content warnings above, as this can be a bit of a difficult read. Especially once you get to the last half–it gets pretty dark, so be prepared.
Calinthe, a Merchant of Knowledge, travels through various planes with her companion Zakuro, collecting ignorance for the Demon of Ignorance while simultaneously completing missions for said Demon. All Calinthe wants is to be able to retire and live the rest of her life comfortably with Zakuro. And as soon as she collects enough secrets to buy that retirement from the Demon of Ignorance, she can.
2. Bloody Spade (The Cardplay Duology, #1) by Brittany M. Willows
YA Urban Fantasy, LGBT+
I also read this to judge for WriteHive’s Indie Ink Awards 2022. It has an amazingly unique magic system, and takes place in a world eerily similar to ours, but just different enough to make you a bit uncomfortable.
Powerful teens and siblings Ellen and Alex work together on their foster father’s magic force–Cardplay–to protect the citizens from the evil aspects of the new magic. However, they have very different ideas of what this “protection” looks like. They butt heads attempting toward the same goal, eventually allowing a rogue force–BlackJack–to sneak in and steal something priceless from them.
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Classic, Gothic Horror, Sci-Fi
I had to put this one in, as Shelley was one of the first famous horror writers among women! If I’m not mistaken, she began writing this story when she was 18–quite a feat for a young woman in the 1800s. One day, I’ll publish my own story, which is STILL a feat in 2023! (at least that’s what I tell myself).
You all know the gist; a scientist named Victor Frankenstein creates an intelligent “monster” through his science experiments and ends up awakening him. Said monster lives out the beginning of his life in the wilderness, meets some people, and realizes how horrible he looks. Every human he meets is scared of him and tries to hurt him, as they mistakenly believe he is trying to hurt them. The poor creature then goes out to try and find his creator. Great story. Tugs at all the heartstrings.
4. Swan Lake (Swan Series, #1) by L.B. Alexander
Romance, Erotic Fiction
Content Warning: Mental health struggles, medication, BDSM, mature content. 18+
A spicy contemporary romance with a hint of the famous ballet, Swan Lake. If you’re intrigued by darkness and can get on board with an accurately-portrayed BDSM dynamic, then this is the book for you. Overall, amazing story. It will have you squirming in your seat as you turn page after page. Compelling characters, sexy romance, and dark mysteries to keep you entertained throughout.
One man, one woman. William Wolfe – rich, handsome CEO of his own company. April Ekdahl – former ballerina, struggling with mental illness, his new assistant. Darkness swirls in both of them, and LB Alexander draws it out in the sexiest way possible.
5. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Contemporary Literature
So, I haven’t read this book yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things! Apparently, its two main characters are World World II veterans who become friends, despite their many differences – in ideals, race, etc. You know what? Amazon can do better than me, considering I haven’t read it yet, so here’s the beginning of the blurb on Amazon to pique your interest:
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Set against London’s racial and cultural tapestry, venturing across the former empire and into the past as it barrels toward the future, White Teeth revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations, and embracing the comedy of daily existence.
The Book Dragon 
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