Female Fantasy Literature

I'm a sucker for a good piece of science-fiction or fantasy literature. Such books may be easily dismissed by literati, but there is no doubt that these genres have produced classics over the years, which transcend genre boundaries and represent fine writing. I recently picked up two fantasy novels by female authors, "Magic Bites" by Ilona Andrews orientated around magical creatures such as werecreatures and vampires and "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Jennifer Rardin, set firmly in vampire territory.



I'm going to review both books together for several reasons including the fact that I read them in sequence and for the simple fact that both aroused the same emotions in me.

Firstly, both books are formulaic and derivative. Both feature a strong female lead character who holds a dark past. There is the obligatory strong dark male character who holds an irresistible attraction for the heroine. Yawn! The lead character from Magic Bites is unconcerned with her looks, and makes a point of it, yet this is all obviously intended to highlight what a stunner she really is. How very Mills&Boon.

Both books were highly disappointing. Their mere existence proves that there is demand for derivative, trite books to satisfy lonely housewives who dream of manly lustful vampires with mesmorising eyes and alpha-male characteristics.

The question still stands. When will there be a quality piece of science-fiction or fantasy written by a female?