A curated list of books featuring strong female protagonists who truly steal the spotlight. Whether it’s an epic fantasy, a twisty mystery, or a swoon-worthy romance, these stories are filled with powerful heroines you’ll love rooting for
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Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin, is released from prison to compete in a deadly tournament to win her freedom and become the King's Champion. As she fights against ruthless opponents, she uncovers dark secrets threatening the kingdom. Along the way, she forms unexpected alliances and discovers her own hidden destiny.
In a world where dragon riders are elite warriors, Violet Sorrengail is forced into the brutal war college despite her frail build and desire for a quieter life. To survive deadly trials, rivalries, and the fierce competition to bond with a dragon, she must rely on her intelligence and inner strength.
In a world where the elite Silvers wield supernatural powers, Mare Barrow, a common Red, discovers she has a unique ability. To hide the truth, the Silver royalty claims her as one of their own, thrusting her into a world of deception and rebellion. Caught between loyalty and survival, Mare must navigate court politics and a rising revolution.
Set in a brutal, militaristic empire inspired by ancient Rome. The story follows two protagonists: Laia, a scholar girl who goes undercover as a slave to save her brother from imprisonment, and Elias, a soldier who secretly despises the ruthless regime he serves. Laia seeks information to help the resistance, while Elias dreams of escaping his life as a deadly warrior. As their paths cross, they are drawn into a dangerous plot that could change the fate of the empire. The novel explores themes of oppression, courage, and the fight for freedom.
Lou, a runaway witch, is forced into an arranged marriage with Reid, a witch hunter who despises her kind. As tensions rise, they must navigate their enemies while uncovering a conspiracy threatening them both. With romance, magic, and fierce battles, this book is a gripping read.
Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered is determined to prove herself. She navigates the dangerous politics of the fae world. As she faces betrayal and power struggles, she must confront her ambitions and complex feelings for Cardan in a realm where trust is elusive.
Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae party girl, has her world shattered when a brutal murder strikes close to home. Teaming up with a fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, she embarks on a dangerous investigation into the city's darkest secrets. As they uncover shocking truths, Bryce must embrace her true power.
Set in a dystopian future where the United States has split into two warring nations. The story takes place in the Republic, a militaristic society where the wealthy live in luxury while the poor struggle to survive. The novel follows two main characters: June, a prodigy from an elite family, and Day, a notorious criminal born in the slums. When June's brother is murdered, Day is the prime suspect. As June hunts him down, their paths cross, and they uncover shocking truths about their society, leading them to question everything they've been taught. The novel explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Paedyn Gray, a powerless girl in a world ruled by people with supernatural abilities called Elites. To survive, Paedyn hides her true identity and is forced to compete in the deadly Purging Trials, where she must outwit powerful opponents. Along the way, she forms a complicated bond with Prince Kai Azer, and they both confront secrets that could shake the foundations of their world.
It follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, a high school student who takes on a challenging school project to re-examine a murder case from five years ago. Andie Bell was murdered, and her boyfriend Sal Singh was blamed, but the case was closed. As Pip investigates further, she uncovers new evidence and starts questioning the truth, putting herself in danger. With unexpected twists and a compelling mystery, this book offers a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
The series follows Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl with a deadly touch that can kill anyone she physically contacts. After being imprisoned for nearly a year for her dangerous abilities, Juliette is unexpectedly released and brought to a headquarters of the Reestablishment, a tyrannical regime that controls the devastated world. The regime sees Juliette as a weapon and wants to use her powers to their advantage. As she is thrust into a world of political intrigue and rebellion, Juliette grapple with her own identity and the morality of her power.
It follows Avery Grambs, a teenager who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from billionaire Tobias Hawthorne, despite not knowing him. To claim her inheritance, she must live in Hawthorne House with his grandsons, who are determined to uncover her secrets. As she navigates the family’s puzzles and dangerous games, Avery unravels mysteries that could change her life forever.
Set in a high school where five students walk into detention, but only four come out alive. When Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies under suspicious circumstances, his four classmates—Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper—become the prime suspects. Each of them has secrets Simon planned to expose, but who had the most to lose? As tensions rise and the investigation unfolds, the group must unravel the truth while facing their own personal demons.
It follows Jamie Watson, the great-great-grandson of Dr. Watson, who is sent to a Connecticut prep school where he meets Charlotte Holmes, the brilliant but troubled descendant of Sherlock Holmes. When a student is murdered in a way that mimics the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie and Charlotte become the prime suspects. To clear their names, they must unravel the mystery—while navigating their complicated dynamic and the dangers that come with it.
After her mother’s tragic death, Bree Matthews joins a secret society at UNC Chapel Hill, uncovering a hidden world of magic descended from King Arthur’s knights. As she learns about her own mysterious past, she realizes she may be more connected to the legends than she thought. Facing powerful enemies, she must embrace her destiny or risk losing everything.
Set in a future world where humanity has conquered death, disease, and aging, leading to overpopulation. To control the population, a group of individuals known as Scythes are tasked with "gleaning" or killing people permanently. The story follows two teens, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen as apprentices to a Scythe, despite neither wanting the job. As they learn the dark responsibilities of being a Scythe, they grapple with moral dilemmas, the corrupt nature of the Scythedom, and the implications of holding the power of life and death. The novel explores themes of morality, power, and the value of life.
Alosa, a cunning pirate princess, allows herself to be captured by enemy pirates to search for a hidden map. But with secrets to keep and a handsome first mate watching her closely, things get complicated. Full of sass, sword fights, and sea magic, it’s a wild ride.
Alessandra has a plan: woo the Shadow King, marry him, and kill him for his throne. But as she gets closer to him, she starts catching feelings—and uncovering dangerous secrets. In this dark, seductive tale, love and power are always a game.
Kazi, a legendary thief, is sent to capture a powerful outlaw king, but when circumstances force them to rely on each other, sparks fly. As they navigate danger, deception, and old grudges, trust becomes their most valuable weapon. Their bond is tested as kingdoms and hearts hang in the balance.
In Edwardian London, a new generation of Shadowhunters faces a deadly demon attack unlike anything before. Cordelia Carstairs, a skilled warrior, must navigate love, friendship, and dangerous family secrets. A thrilling historical fantasy full of action and romance.