From Circe to Carrie: 9 Literary Female Monsters You Don’t Want to Mess With

Rediscover Gothic Victorian literature in this witty and mesmerizing novel following Mary Jekyll as she searches for the truth about her mysterious father—and stumbles upon strange, monstrous women—vividly depicted in fresh and evocative prose in this unputdownable thriller.

The perfect read for anyone who misses the 80s, MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM is a whip-smart, heartfelt, and creepy exploration of the power of teenage friendship. When Abby’s best friend, Gretchen, starts acting oddly, Abby decides to do some digging into what could be causing the changes—and she’s horrified by what she discovers. A coming-of-age horror story unlike any other.

This beloved novel inspired a cult classic film and the new bestselling prequel, RULES OF MAGIC. this fairy tale for adults follows the two Owens sisters who are cursed to always lose their loved ones. Raised by their witchy aunts and shunned by their town, they must find a way to break the curse and finally find true happiness and love. But how can they when they’re up against magic?

The novel that launched Stephen King’s storied career, CARRIE is an icon of adolescent horror. When a group of popular students are punished for bullying outcast Carrie White, they retaliate at the prom, resulting in a shocking and unforgettable climax. With her telekinetic powers and thirst for revenge, Carrie may be pop culture’s most famous prom queen.

The first in the acclaimed iZombie graphic novel series, DEAD TO THE WORLD introduces us to Gwen—a twentysomething woman who happens to rely on human brains to survive. Dedicated to fulfilling the last wishes of those she must feed on, Gwen and her motley crew of the undead solve mysteries and help the living in this clever and utterly unique look at zombies.

A desolate and isolated house. Mysterious cries in the night. A spectral woman in black who appears right before the death of a child. For those who like their chills ghostly, THE WOMAN IN BLACK is an atmospheric and unnerving novel that haunts you long after you finish it.

Discover the fascinating and compelling mythology behind Anne Rice’s beloved Vampire Chronicles with THE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED. When the mother of all vampires is accidentally awakened by the vampire Lestat, she unleashes a dastardly and bloody plan to rule the world. An expansive and ambitious novel that is compulsively readable.

In this wickedly fun and snarky YA novel, a teenage girl is devastated by the deaths of her three friends. Armed with determination and a powerful spell, she brings her friends back to life and together, they must discover the truth behind their deaths. With plenty of suspense and charm, UNDEAD GIRL GANG is a darkly funny celebration of girl power.

In this smart, engaging, and breathlessly written retelling of the ODYSSEY, we get a brand-new perspective from Circe—the infamous witch. A spirited and suspenseful exploration of female strength, CIRCE is an unforgettable and magical modern classic about love, tragedy, and power.