If you’re a fantasy fan like me, you’ve undoubtedly slogged through what feels like thousands of fantasy novels in which women are reduced to damsels in distress, the reward for the hero at the end of his quest, or any other tiresome cliche you can think of.
That’s why reading about women who can wield a sword, pack a punch, or use their wits to save the world, fight for justice, or simply do their best in the given circumstances was a real (and rare) treat back in the day.
Thankfully, the genre has evolved, and fantasy books featuring badass female characters have become more prevalent lately. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of these ladies who fight tooth and nail for what they want and deserve!
So if you’re looking to add more stories of brave, intelligent, powerful, or provocative ladies to your reading list, look no further than this list of badass female characters from fantasy books.
1. Brienne of Tarth, A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
This powerhouse from Tarth isn’t just another knight in shiny armor. Standing taller than most men, with a stubborn honor code to match her height, she’s slicing societal norms left, right, and center! Tossed into the chaotic, often treacherous world of Westeros, where being honorable is…a rarity, shall we say?
Brienne stays true to herself, shattering stereotypes with every swing of her sword. Because who said chivalry was dead, or just for the guys? Not on Brienne’s watch! She’s our bona fide knight in shining (sometimes blood-spattered) armor. How’s that for girl power, Westeros-style?
SEE ALSO: George R.R. Martin in Quotes: 150 Of The Best
2. Katniss, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Alright, we’re zipping over from Westeros to the dystopian hellscape of Panem to meet none other than Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games. This “girl on fire” is more than just a sharpshooter with a bow and arrow, folks. Katniss is the fiery ember of rebellion, a symbol of defiance against the oppressive Capitol.
Handpicked for a deadly reality show? Check. Spearheading a revolution? You bet! From trading squirrels in the Hob to toppling a government, Katniss never backs down. Survival is her game, and she’s winning! Forget reality TV stars, give me a girl who can spark a revolution any day.
3. Éowyn, The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
Éowyn of Rohan, talk about legendary! Trapped in the gilded cage of her societal role in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, she’s not the kind to just twiddle her thumbs and hum to the Shire’s tunes, oh no! With dreams bigger than the Misty Mountains and a spirit wilder than a Mûmakil charge, she disguises herself and hops onto the battlefield.
And guess what? The Witch-King of Angmar thought no man could end him. Enter Éowyn, stage left: “I am no man!” Mic drop. Sword drop? Whatever, you get the point! A shieldmaiden that truly embodies the phrase “Nevertheless, she persisted.” Can I get a “For Rohan!” anyone?
RELATED: Best Tolkien Quotes That Prove He Could Create Magic With Words
4. Katsa, Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore
Now onto Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm. There’s Katsa, a girl born with an extreme skill known as “Grace”. But it’s not a fun party trick like juggling knives, or spinning plates; Katsa’s Grace is killing. Though initially used as a living weapon, she breaks free from the chains of manipulation and intimidation to become a champion of justice.
From throttling oppressors to tackling societal expectations, Katsa refuses to be anyone’s puppet. She’s got it all—the strength, the independence, and the unwavering resolve to chart her own course. Talk about a fantasy feminist icon!
5. Alanna, Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
Alanna of Trebond is a fiery redhead who’s dead set on becoming a knight in a world that’s like, “Nah, ladies don’t do that!” What does our girl do? Swap places with her twin brother, of course, and takes on the world masquerading as a boy! This dame doesn’t just joust; she works magic (literally) and tackles gods and baddies.
Alanna’s journey? It’s less about disguises and more about smashing the glass ceiling with a warhammer. And the best part? She’s finding herself, proving gender norms obsolete, and stabbing the patriarchy one adventure at a time! Who needs Prince Charming when you’re the knight AND the sorceress?
6. Paks, Paksenarrion series by Elizabeth Moon
This former sheep farmer turned legendary paladin is basically the poster child for “started from the bottom, now we’re here!” From her humble beginnings tending sheep to donning armor and thrusting swords, Paks’ transformation is nothing short of epic.
But what makes her an absolute legend in a world teeming with heroes? Grit. Determination. And a heart of pure gold. Facing gods, goblins, and some seriously murky moral mazes, she’s that unwavering beacon of hope we all wish we had in our corner. Who said heroes need a Y chromosome, huh? Sheepfarmer to savior—only Paks can pull that off!
7. Vin, Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson
If you’ve never read Sanderson’s Mistborn series, let me introduce you to Vin—a skaa street urchin turned savior in the world of ashfalls and Allomancy. She’s not just picking pockets anymore, folks; she’s shattering the oppressive Final Empire from within. And how, you ask? Vin’s playing in the big leagues of the Mistborn, juggling all Allomantic metals like a maestro!
From a life in the shadows, she stepped into the misty night, embodying trust, love, and rebellion. She’s more than just Mistborn; she’s the storm in the Final Empire’s calm, a beacon of hope for the oppressed. Talk about metallic mettle!
RELATED: The Ultimate List Of Best Brandon Sanderson Quotes
8. Mara, Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist & Janny Wurts
Dive into the twisting, treacherous world of Kelewan, and there’s our girl, Mara of the Acoma. Think politics is a rough game today? Try playing it where every move might end with an assassin in your chamber. But Mara? She’s the ultimate player. A young woman thrust into a game of deadly courts and vengeful lords, she redefines the rules.
With a razor-sharp wit and a mind that’s ten steps ahead, she dances through a web of intrigue like nobody’s business. From trading and treaties to strategic marriages, she maneuvers with unparalleled grace. And the best part? All the naysayers waiting for her to falter just fuel her fire. Oh, Kelewan, you didn’t see Mara coming, did you? Game on, world. Game on!
9. Sabriel, Abhorsen series by Garth Nix
Sabriel from Garth Nix’s Abhorsen is a fearless teen, ringing her bells (and not just any bells, but necromancer bells, mind you!) to put the Dead to rest. Spooky? Epic? Both?! While most of us were just trying to ace our high school tests, Sabriel was out there navigating the thin line between life and death, battling malevolent spirits, and saving her dad.
You thought your teen years were complicated? Try adding ‘fending off the Dead’ to that mix. Who needs regular teenage angst when you’ve got the responsibility of the Abhorsen-in-waiting? With a sword, some bells, and a sassy cat by her side, Sabriel’s making her mark as the queen of cool in the land of the Dead.
10. Monza, The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie
Ever heard the saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold?” Well, Monza takes that to a WHOLE new level. Once the darling general of Styria, things take a sharp turn (quite literally off a mountain). Left for dead? Check. Burning desire for vengeance? Oh, you betcha.
Monza’s not sipping tea; she’s collecting heads and settling scores. In a world that’s all fifty shades of gray (morally, not that other book), she carves her path with both strategy and steel. You want a masterclass in payback? Monza’s your girl. But be warned: Cross her, and you might just end up on that infamous list.
11. Zélie, Legacy of Orïsha series by Tomi Adeyemi
Ever heard of Zélie? If not, it’s high time you did. From Tomi Adeyemi’s spellbinding novel, Children of Blood and Bone, Zélie Adebola is the fierce maji heroine we didn’t know we needed but are utterly thankful for! This girl isn’t just tossing around magic spells; she’s on a mission to ignite a revolution and restore magic to her oppressed people.
With a giant lionaire (think lion, but way cooler!) by her side, and a world full of danger ahead, she takes on tyranny with pure grit and heart. I mean, challenging a brutal monarchy, defying gods, and handling forbidden romances? All in a day’s work for Zélie. Talk about being legendary!
12. Pyrre, Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series by Brian Staveley
Alright, off to the Annurian Empire, where we meet Pyrre, the skull-singing devotee of Ananshael from Staveley’s Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne. Pyrre isn’t your typical blushing maiden in love. Nah, she’s a badass acolyte of the God of Death! This means her love ballads are more…stabby, let’s say. Her final trial to become a priestess? Just a minor task – to kill someone she loves.
Cue the daunting self-reflection and journey back home. Twisted? Absolutely. Intriguing? You bet. As she navigates the labyrinth of her past and contemplates the very nature of love, Pyrre slices and dices her way through the challenge with deadly grace. Talk about a complicated relationship with love, eh?
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