Some of My Favorite Heroines

Through my many years of reading, I have encountered so many amazing characters that I truly adore and want to read again and again. I feel like every time I start a new book, I add new characters to my ever-growing list and it’s getting harder to choose who is my favorite. Most of my favorite characters are sarcastic, intelligent, and badass and this list of characters meet these traits to a capital T. 

Aelin Galathynius/Celaena Sardothien from the Throne of Glass series

by Sarah J. Maas

This is the coolest character that I’ve ever read. When I first meet her, she is a cold, broken, but determined girl that is just trying to survive. Throughout the long series of books in the Throne of Glass series, we see her many, MANY layers, which reveals she is so raw, kind, and selfless. Her dialogue is probably the best I’ve ever read and I’ve highlighted most of it. Her sarcasm speaks to me in a way that no other character’s has done and I laugh out loud every single time she has something to say. Aelin is also an amazing fighter and her action scenes are jaw dropping and leave me wishing I took self-defense classes before quarantine. In addition, Aelin’s schemes always keep me guessing and keep the plot moving like no other character in the series does. Lastly, her love of books and candy speaks to my soul and I want to be her best friend. 

Mia Corvere from the Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff 

Ms. Corvere is another amazing female character that I want to be when I grow up. First of all, she has a shadow cat named Mister Kindly that she partners with in her battles. I also really love their banter! Second of all, she is an amazing fighter and just an overall badass! However, the most important thing I really loved about Mia is that she is the kindest soul in the series. Yes, she cusses A LOT and has a tendency to be extremely blunt, but she loves with a fierceness anyone would be lucky to experience. Her ability to forgive characters that betrayed her and the compassion she shows her enemies deeply contrasts her tough and rebel exterior. She cares more about her friends and family than herself and it is stunningly obvious with each plan she carries out. 

Penellaphe/Poppy from the Blood and Ash series

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Well Poppy’s life sucks. She is the Maiden and she can’t do anything or else the gods will consider her to be seen as unworthy. However, underneath that veil, hides a curious rebel with a zest for life. I loved that Poppy would stop at nothing to experience life, but felt a duty to those who cared for her, even though it was all a lie. I loved her fierceness and I definitely wanted to own the really detailed knife she had. I also was obsessed with how blunt she was and how determined she was to be her own person, no matter what. Another badass female to add to the list. 

Feyre Archeron from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series

by Sarah J. Maas

I just love Feyre. She is the middle child of three sisters; however, when her family is destitute, she takes on the task of hunting for food and making sure her family has everything they need to survive. When she enters the world of the Fae, she meets the man of her dreams, but when he is captured she risks everything to save him. She will do anything for the people she loves and I just admire her so much for it. She also struggles to find the confidence in herself which is very easy to relate to. I loved reading about Feyre, but I wish I could see some or her paintings. 

Aislinn Foy by Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr 

I’ve always loved this series since I first read it in high school and Aislinn is the main reason why. She has the Sight which is the ability to see the Fae hiding amongst the living. However, she is taught from birth to never reveal her gift and to actually resent it. I really feel for Aislinn and am in awe of how she handles seeing the Fae everyday and how much of a burden it would be to keep it a series. In addition, when her life takes a drastic turn and she ends up becoming a part of the court of Fairies, she embraces her role. She of course struggles to fit into her role, with absolutely NO HELP from the other Fae, but she takes it with more style and grace than anybody ever could. I love Aislinn because she is a strong female character that fights for what she believes in and rises above her struggles. 

Mercy Thompson from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs 

Okay, this character is just awesome. She is a mechanic and can transform into a coyote. Mercy was raised by a werewolf pack because her mother was illequpped to handle raising a girl that transformed into a coyote. They feared what they did not understand, but she learned a lot from them and she became a strong and tough lady because of it. She learned how to be an automechanic from a Fae even though she had a degree in history. What I love about Mercy the most is that she is always willing to help anyone in need no matter how dangerous or diasterous. I also love how much of a prankster she is, especially to her neighbor, Adam. 

Jude Duarte from the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black 

I just love Jude. As a mortal living in the Fairie Realm, she faces a lot of challenges. She is weaker than all the fairies she lives amongst and she has to be smart to escape all the mind games they play. She not only does this, but she does it in a way that is awe inspiring where you almost want to give her a standing ovation. She never lets anyone or anything get her down and she continually manages to outsmart any mind games those tricky fairies play. She also has a heart of gold and loves deeper than any other character in the book. Her quick mind and her fierceness make her a wonderful heroine for the series and she makes you only want to read more. 

Juliette Ferrars from the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi 

If you thought that Poppy’s life sucked, Juliette’s life was so much worse. Juliette is born with a ability where her touch has the ability to kill. Therefore, Juliette is forced to live a life of solitiude and hates herself and her ability. However, throughout the Shatter Me series, Juliette accepts the power she has and grows into such an amazing woman. She always stands up for herself and anyone that is less fortunate than her. She also is given so many twists and turns and she manages to outdo all of them. 

These characters have all captured my heart in a special way and I hope other readers love them as much as I do.