The Best Books Over 500 Pages By Female Authors, Ranked By Reviews

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While novellas are great, many readers would argue nothing compares to the satisfaction of finishing a book that requires several days or weeks to read. The problem is, of course, figuring out which books are worth that commitment. Because while finishing a long novel is a great feeling, having to DNF a title when you've already invested hours of time can feel defeating. We also know how difficult it can be to do the research only to be left disappointed by your latest read.

We know how hard it can be to sift through the millions of lengthy stories by talented authors to find the perfect one. But adding to your TBR list shouldn't feel stressful or overwhelming, which is why we've done the hard work of finding the best of the best. Though many recommendation lists feature notable tomes by male authors, for ours, we exclusively focused on books by women.

To curate our list, we considered every book over 500 pages by a female author featured on BookFilter's top books list, which ranks the top books using Goodreads and StoryGraph rating data. We then combined each release's score out of 5.0 on both websites at the time of writing and divided it by two to create a new average. Based on each book's new average score, we ranked them in descending order.

"The King's Men" from Nora Sakavic, the final book in the "All for the Game" series, has a 4.57 Goodreads score from more than 84,500 ratings. On StoryGraph, the 556-page young adult novel scored 4.49 from over 26,400 reviews for an overall 4.53 rating at the time of writing. The contemporary LGBTQ+ romance delves into protagonist Neil Josten's life and love story with Andrew Minyard ahead of his imminent death. But Neil isn't just dealing with time running out and a rollercoaster love life, because he's also promised to lead his Exy team to glory.

"'The King's Men' had everything and more: stunning characters and character development, thrill, suspense and excitement through a plot that exceeded expectations," one Goodreads user wrote in their five-star review, which commended the ending. "Heart wrenchingly, agonizingly beautiful. You won't know what it means to be happy and alive until you've read this series," commented another.

Francine Rivers' "A Voice in the Wind" is 520 pages of Christian fiction entwined with classic romance. The first of her "Mark of the Lion" books has an average Goodreads score of 4.57 from over 111,400 ratings at the time of writing. Combined with its 4.48 score on StoryGraph from more than 5,300 ratings, it has a 4.53 average. The book is set 70 years after the death of Jesus and follows a slave named Hadassah who moves from Rome from Jerusalem. There, she finds her faith under attack and falls in love with her owner's brother, Marcus. But can they be together despite the serious obstacles keeping them apart?

"The writing is beautiful and aids this story to life. There's truly so much depth and meaning to dive into, I couldn't help becoming inspired," one Goodreads user wrote in a five-star review, noting that the book's impressive length helped Rivers slowly build the characters. Another highlighted that the book delves into tough topics, but claimed it helped strengthen their Christian faith.

"Clockwork Princess" by Cassandra Clare is the last book from her "The Infernal Devices" collection. Its average overall score is 4.54, made up of a Goodreads average of 4.55 from over 484,400 ratings and StoryGraph score of 4.52 from 103,520 reviews, at the time of writing. The 567-pager sees Mortmain try to use his Infernal Devices to bring down the Shadowhunters. He kidnaps Tessa Gray in the hopes of using her brain for his gain, which leads Jem and Will (two points of her love triangle) to rush to her aid. But the only person that can truly save Tessa is herself, and she's facing her toughest challenge yet.

Goodreads users were highly complementary of the unexpected ending and Clare's writing style, while others highlighted the book's touching themes. "Here's to the book that defines the words 'love', 'friendship' and 'family' better than any dictionary in the world. A million, gazillion stars for this masterpiece," one review read.

Isabel Wilkerson's 640-page non-fiction release "The Warmth of Other Suns" has an average score of 4.55. That's from its 4.48 average on Goodreads (from over 121,000 ratings) and 4.63 on StoryGraph (from more than 15,000 ratings) at the time of writing. The book sheds a light on the millions of Black citizens who moved to the north from the south between World War I and 1970. It focuses on the stories of three remarkable people, Ida Mae Gladney, who left ed Mississippi for Chicago, George Starling, who moved to Harlem from Florida, and Robert Foster, who swapped Louisiana for California.

Goodreads users noted the book tackles difficult subjects surrounding racism, while another wrote, "The book is huge with detail. It can't be rushed, and those who read or listen to it regularly, recognizing it may take weeks to get to it all, may enjoy it best." A second claimed, "This is one of those rare history books that makes history as fresh and relevant as local headlines, and as gripping as a novel."

"A Court of Mist and Fury" is the second in Sarah J. Maas' much loved "A Court of Thorns and Roses" romantic fantasy series fans couldn't stop buying from Amazon. On Goodreads, the 626-page novel been reviewed an eye-watering 3.4 million times and has an average rating of 4.56 at the time of writing. On StoryGraph, it has a slightly lower score of 4.54 from 441,200 ratings for an overall average of 4.55. The main characters and plotlines from the series are back, including Feyre and her complicated love life. In the run up to her wedding with Tamlin, Feyre can't stop thinking about her past. But she needs to learn how to control her new powers to save those she loves amid her very complicated love life.

Some Goodreads reviews highlighted that the book has highly sensual themes that may not be for everyone, while others praised the ending. "It's the kind of emotional high that leaves you somewhere between wide-eyed horror and smiling gleefully," one fan wrote. "Heartbreakingly beautiful. Powerful. Amazing. Breathtaking. Brilliant. Mesmerizing. Swoon worthy. Sexy. Angsty. Action packed. Basically perfect," said another.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is the first J.K. Rowling book in our ranking. The fourth release in the iconic fantasy book series that Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie are both fans of. It has a hefty 752 pages and an average score of 4.55. That's from 4.57 on Goodreads, from a massive over 4.31 million ratings, plus a StoryGraph score of 4.54, from 403,200 ratings, at the time of writing. We catch up with protagonist Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts as they prepare for the Triwizard Tournament. Despite not being old enough, top Quidditch player Harry finds himself in the competition. But he soon realizes he's in more danger than just potentially falling off his broom. Harry's lifelong battle with the evilest wizard of all, Lord Voldermort, continues to rear its dark head.

"This [book] is certainly more interesting with so much happening, while introducing a whole new set of interesting characters. And the occasional humor complements nicely without distracting the reader too much," wrote on Goodreads user. Another noted the fantasy novel, which became part of the hugely popular movie series, was darker than the previous instalments. "The writing style is fun as always, comparing to book one, it has improved a lot, now it's graceful & rich," they said.

The second entry from Isabel Wilkerson is the non-fiction historical book "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents," one of Oprah's best book club picks of the 2020s. It has 544 pages and, at the time of writing, has a 4.56 average score. Its Goodreads rating of 4.52 is from over 166,600 ratings and it has a slightly higher StoryGraph rating of 4.61 from around 31,500 reviews. Wilkerson shines a light on the silent caste system in the U.S. and explains her belief it shaped the country we know today.

"This is an astonishing book with a bold premise—that race in America is a caste system like those in India and Nazi Germany. Well-written, well argued and provocative," read one five-star review. "For me it was eye-opening and mind-blowing at times, a reading experience that greatly appreciated," shared another reviewer, while a third shared how enlightened yet horrified they felt over Wilkerson's important work highlighting past injustices.

"Crooked Kingdom" by Leigh Bardugo is the second "Six of Crows" story and has a 4.57 Goodreads score from over 798,700 ratings and a 4.59 score from more than 193,800 StoryGraph ratings at the time of writing. It's overall average? 4.57. The young adult fantasy novel from the "Shadow and Bone" author (one of Raegan Revord's favorite books) is all about the life and romance of protagonist Kaz Brekker as he and his fellow down-on-their-luck outcasts battle to survive. But things are only getting worse for the gang as war breaks out over the release of a new drug called jurda parem. As such, Brekker and his crew must work together to protect themselves and others from total destruction.

In one five-star review, a Goodreads user shared, "I love the twisty and creative plot, I love the morally grey characters, I love the group dynamics and banter, I love the engaging writing, I love all three of the romance plots." Another wrote of the 561-page novel, "The character development was exquisite. Leigh Bardugo took her time exploring the characters and making the readers feel beyond invested."

J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the fourth Harry Potter book, has a 4.58 Goodreads rating and 4.56 StoryGraph rating to create an average score of 4.57 at the time of writing. That's from more than 3.47 million Goodreads ratings and over 350,100 StoryGraph ratings. This instalment of the young adult series introduces us to the mysterious Half-Blood Prince, who's determined to help Harry Potter take down Lord Voldermort. Harry will need all the help he can get as he continues to find himself entwined with immense force of evil. Thankfully, he also gains some guidance from Hogwarts' wise headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

One Goodreads user claimed the book was one of the series' darkest, while another pointed out the ending was no happy go lucky positive conclusion. "An abundant use of dialogue propels the story forward, and Rowling magnificently crafts backstories for the characters in HP, not too much where the reader is overwhelmed but not too little as to render the characters forgettable," another shared.

Sarah J. Maas' fourth "Throne of Glass" release, "Queen of Shadows," has a 4.58 score at the time of writing from 4.62 on Goodreads (from over 1.55 million ratings) and 4.55 on StoryGraph (from over 222,100 ratings). We're re-introduced to Aelin Galathynius as she embraces her new role as Queen of Terrasen. Her ascent to the throne isn't without serious complications though, as her kingdom is under slave rule and everything she loves is at risk. But this queen is ready to fight.

Goodreads users shared how much they enjoyed the romance elements of the popular fantasy novel and, although some felt the 689 pages were excessive, reviews were overwhelmingly positive. "The world and the characters get bigger and bigger and better. More expansive, richer. That ending bordered on poetic," wrote one fan. "Considering it leans towards epic fantasy, this book ticks off every point that truly marks it as epic and grand," said another.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling, the third Harry Potter book, further cements the magic book turned movie series' popularity. It has a 4.58 overall Goodreads score at the time of writing from 4.99 million ratings and over 424,800 on StoryGraph, where it also has a 4.58 score. That makes its overall score 4.58. It has 547 pages and packs plenty in, as it focuses on Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts. A serial killer is causing terror and havoc at the magic school, so much so the creepy death eaters have been called in to keep the students safe. But Harry being Harry, it's not long until he finds himself tangled up in serious danger.

Goodreads reviews were full of praise for the thought-provoking ending, with one writing, "The climax of this book has revealed how precious time is and to take advantage of what time we do have in order to live life to the fullest." Others pointed out how much Rowling's writing style had positively progressed throughout the book. "This is by far the best written by Rowling. It has a meritable adventure, full of suspense," one noted.

Narrowly missing out on the top three is Sarah J. Maas' "Empire of Storms." The fifth "Throne of Glass" book is 733 pages of gripping fantasy with a 4.63 Goodreads rating and 4.56 on StoryGraph for a 4.59 overall average at the time of writing. Our heroine Aelin Galathynius is preparing for war against the dark forces looking to destroy everything — and everyone — she loves. The brave protagonist undertakes a daring adventure and experiences plenty of romance at the same time.

Though one reviewer claimed the book is longer than needed, they praised it's exciting plot. Another shared that the book outshone Maas' other novel, "Queen of Shadows," writing, "The level of planning and cunning in this story and the way it was told is on another level." They added, "Every time a secret plan was revealed, i could not help but admire SJM and her sly writing."

"Redeeming 6" by Chloe Walsh is the fourth "Boys of Tommen" book. The sports romance, made up of 766 pages, racked up an impressive overall score at the time of writing of 4.61 thanks to 4.64 rating on Goodreads (from over 303,600 ratings) and 4.59 on StoryGraph (where it's been rated over 23,800 times). The book focuses on Joey Lynch amid his struggle with addiction as he tries to turn his life around. He has his love Aoife Molloy fighting his corner, but as Joey slips deeper and deeper into his troubled world, their relationship only becomes more fractured.

Some Goodreads users claimed the book was longer than necessary, but another noted it was worth it since Walsh packed in plenty of humor and emotionality. Others highlighted how well Walsh portrayed the concept of addiction, with one stating, "I love that nothing in this book is romanticised and we see that love, no matter how powerful, is not enough to cure addiction or depression."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, the seventh and final Harry Potter book (excluding the later two "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" books), narrowly missed out on the top spot with a 4.62 rating on Goodreads from over 4.2 million reviews at the time of writing. The magical, fictional tale has the same score on StoryGraph from more than 372,800 ratings for an overall average of 4.62, making it the most rated book on our ranking. The 784-page series finale sees the boy wizard on the run with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in one final attempt to take down Lord Voldemort. And there are plenty of fireworks when the two finally take one another on.

Multiple Goodreads reviews complimented Rowling for how she expertly wrapped up such an intense, creative series. "Rowling's farewell to the Boy Who Lived is an incredibly gripping page-turner that will leave all Potter lovers immensely satisfied," one stated. "Rowling surpasses her own standards to bring us the most adventurous book of the entire series, to conclude everything is a most dramatic way," another wrote.

"Kingdom of Ash," the seventh and final book in Sarah J. Maas' "Throne of Ash" books, takes the top spot. The 985-page fantasy novel has an average Goodreads score of 4.71 from 1.3 million ratings and 4.66 on StoryGraph from over 180,200 ratings at the time of writing. We dive back into Aelin Galathynius's world one last time as she takes on the Queen of the Fae to protect her people. Aelin is captured and tortured though, which means getting justice won't be easy. She has to dig deep and find immense strength to get out of her latest difficult situation — or Erilea could be no more.

Though some pay find such a gargantuan story intimidating, many readers agree the book earns its nearly 1000-page length. Goodreads users praised the epic finale, as well as Maas' writing style. "The story is awesome. The character development and use are unreal. Every characters' moderation and reasoning is spot on," shared one reviewer. Others even claimed the conclusion of the series that boasts including Spotify's most streamed audiobook of all time brought them to tears. "Wow. NEVER have I cried like this while reading a book. Such a testament to how SJM brings her characters to life and how connected I became to them," read one review.

For our list, we considered both fiction and nonfiction titles featured on BookFilter's list of top books based on Goodreads and StoryGraph ratings as of February 2026. Each selection needed be written by a woman, be at least 500 pages long (according to Goodreads), and have over 50,000 ratings across both sites. To accurately determine popularity, we combined each book's reader-given score on both platforms and divided it by two for a new overall average score out of 5.0. When multiple books had the same rating, the release with more ratings was given the higher position. We did not include books written by women under a male pseudonym.