Fantasy or historical novels about queens?

[Jabrosky]

Does anyone know a good fantasy (or historical) novel which has a ruling queen for a protagonist? She can be from any kind of culture (e.g. African, European, Middle Eastern, etc.) but should preferably be a warrior type in an action-packed story. I ask because I want to write about female royalty and would appreciate some model literature to study.

 

[CupofJoe]

From an historical PoV - it's probably my lack of education in the subject but I can't think of a queen that was a front-line warrior... Boudica [ wiki ] is about as close as I can get and I still think she stood on a chariot on the side of the battle. There is a pretty good radio programme to listen to, about her here.
Did just read this...

The Rig-Veda, an ancient sacred poem of India, written between 3500 and 1800 BC recounts the story of a warrior, Queen Vishpla, who lost her leg in battle, was fitted with an iron prosthesis, and returned to battle.

That is hardcore!!!

 

[Butterfly]

There is Phillipa Gregory's The White Queen set during the Wars of the Roses, is currently going through an adaptation on BBC at the moment. Not so much a warrior queen, but it might be something to look at, and might give you some inspiration.

And the series of the books is http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philippa-Gr...-2&keywords=the+red+queen+by+philippa+gregory

 

[Spider]

I'm not sure about novels, but as for a historical figure there was the Queen of Jhansi (which is in India). She was a warrior queen, and she fought and was killed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rani_Lakshmibai

There are some novels listed at the bottom of that link, but I don't know if they're any good.

 

[CupofJoe]

The Flashman Novels are a rollicking good read - or at least that is what my father says... and yes he used the word "rollicking"

 

[Alexandra]

I recommend the Boudicca Series, Dreaming the Eagle (2003), Dreaming the Bull (2004), Dreaming the Hound (2005), and Dreaming the Serpent Spear (2006), by Manda Scott. In a word—brilliant. Are the books fantasy or historic fiction? Read the books and come to your own conclusion.