*Just a heads up that all the topics talked about are available in synopses of the books or are within the first few chapters. This article is not completely spoiler free.*
1. Hermione Granger from Harry Potterby J.K. Rowling
Before we start, for that one person who's going to say, "Harry Potter books are for children." I will fight you. Hermione Granger has been an inspiration for readers of all ages from when the first book was released in 1997. Her wit, charm, and dedication to her studies are just the surface reasons she's the strong female character that girls look up to. We empathize her journey through harassment due to being muggle-born and a "know-it-all". Take her experiences and become a force to be reckoned with.
2. Arya Dröttningu from the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Apologies for using the movie representation of the character. Sienna Guillory is gorgeous, but she looks nothing like how Arya is described in the books. Arya is a literary character who followed her heart and inspires other to do the same. She turned away from her royal birthright in order to follow the path less taken to protect what she holds dear, even if it means dying for it.
3. Princess Lia from The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Lia is very similar to Arya, where she also turns from her responsibilities as a royalty. Free spirited and caring, Lia doesn't wish to be married off to a foreign prince who does not love her. She musters up the bravery to run away and start a new life where she can make the decisions for her self. She shows female readers to be independent and to make your own destiny.
4. Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I cannot express my love for this book series and everything that Maas writes. It's hard to pick just one from this series because every female is a badass; so we'll stick to the protagonist. Celaena is one of the most real characters in any book series ever. After being forced into a life assassin from a young age, endured immense loss, being whipped, tortured, and was enslaved, she found ways to deal with her dark past. She inspires me to be strong through my rough patches.
5. Éowyn from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Èowyn is a BAMF. No arguments are viable. She fights for recognition in a world run by men and even pretends to be one in order to follow her dreams. Like Arya, she wishes to protect those she loves and pushes the boundaries to achieve it. *inserts bad ass movie quote* "I am no man!"
6. Feyre Archeron from A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Please refer to the Calaena Sardothien section of this article for my feelings about all things Sarah J. Maas. This author just has an insane talent for creating the most relatable characters. Feyre goes through a lot of shit and sacrifices even more to protect her family and the ones she loves. (The feels though D:) She puts herself last and reminds us that family and friends matter too.
7. Max from Maximum Ride by James Patterson
Though I though the plot took a questionable route, it doesn't change the fact that Max is number one! Her life has been one failed experiment after another and she fights for her life and the lives of her flock. She teaches readers the value of fair leadership, friendship, and loyalty. Did I mention she's only fourteen?
8. Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
When we first meet Rose, she's on a mission to do whatever it takes to protect her friend, Lissa. She would slander her name and put her life at risk to show the same dedication Lissa has shown her. Like Max, Rose shows us the importance of friendship and loyalty. She also illustrates that family isn't just blood.
9. Danica Shardae from Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
While I've been going on about independent women that spurn their birthright, carve their own path, and find family in their friends, those qualities do not necessarily define a strong female character. To be feminist in nature is to be comfortable with yourself and what makes you happy. Danica is a character who is brave enough to dream of peace and gives up her freedom by marrying her enemy. Such sacrifice takes selflessness and bravery. She teaches readers that sometimes its ok to protect what you care for first. Perhaps her happiness will follow?
