When I think about fantasy, I often think of Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkien. Which if you look at closely, does not have that many strong female characters that play a substantial role in the over arching plot.
What next jumps to mind? I would say C.S. Lewis and his Narnia books, at least both genders were equally portrayed, except for the fact that the female children often came in supporting roles while the male children challenged the main villains forthrightly.
I hope to compose a list of all the books that I have enjoyed that had great female characters that were beyond the 1 dimensional characters that can arise.
I have never gotten around to reading the McKillip series but I was able to learn more about thebooks by Faith Hunter.
Her new book just came out this month, the latest in the skinwalker series.