Realm of the Elderlings is my favorite series of all time and its written by a woman, but every other book series ive read that ive liked has been written by a man. Not sure how to describe how most books I tried written by woman in the past felt other than the audience not feeling like me. Realm of the elderlings I never had this issue, I enjoyed following the female protoganists and the fool even if I dont identify with how they feel, so I think its not necessarily the main character being a male for half the series being why I like it.
I just typically dont like men written by woman like woman rightfully dont like woman written by most male authors, since it tends to be done poorlly. Looking for series/authors that do a good job of representing both genders and writing for them, not misrepresenting either or acting like its the only thing that defines them and all their actions.
I really like Diane Duane's books.
100% agree on this recommendation. Her Young Wizards / "So you want to be a wizard?" makes almost the exact opposite choices as the Harry Potter series does (magic is a choice not inherited at birth, Wizards feel responsible towards the rest of the world instead of wanting to ignore it completely, they learn on their own with their magic tome and some informal tutors instead of going to a school).
Everything about that sounds awesome wtf, reminds me of witch hat atelier, anyone can do magic if taught but they act like its rare and are picky, only pick kids so they can teach them not to misuse it (the main "villains" are against that and want to give magic to all)