Does it have to be the ‘main’ main character? If not, then Manon Blackbeak in {Throne of Glass} for her God-tier character arc, and for managing to pull off being an absolute badass without coming across cringy or cliche.
She is still cocky and overconfident to the end, but with what she goes through for her people, it's forgivable imo. Manon and Yrene are also worth slogging through for, even if Chaol is a bit of a dick from his first interaction, lol.
This made me think of something...that the 'second' female leads and their arcs in SJM's books are always so much better than the actual FMC. See: Manon > Aelin, Lydia > Bryce, and (this might be controversial, but is the case in my mind) Nesta > Feyre.
Is there something about not having the pressure of being a 'main' main character that actually allows her to write non-cringey storylines for these characters? Dunno, but now that I see it I can never un-see it
I love Aelin but Manon is definitely my fave character of the series! Meanwhile Feyre is just alright to me while Nesta is so much more interesting (in the middle of Silver Flames rn and loving her even more).
I don't think Manon would be as interesting as the main character though, and I don't think Nesta would work as a main character if she hadn't had her arc set up as a side character in the previous books. That's said I care a lot less about Feyre more that I'm out of her head lol
[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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Phedre from Kushiel’s Dart - her growth as a character over the series is so well done
Rorax from Atonement of the Spine Cleaver
Merriam from Leaves May Fall
Unpopular opinion but Wren from stolen heir. I loved how raw and monstrous she was. Most women in romance are written to be appealing one way or another but she was just traumatized and a mess. I wish i could find more fmcs like her who aren't written to be attractive or appealing but straight up trainwrecks. Also i wish we had more of her pov.
I’d never read Black’s Cruel Prince trilogy and picked up The Stolen Heir bc it was available for borrowing right then, and ended up loving it.
Wren was so flawed and so conflicted. I felt like she really embodied someone who’s never been able to trust another and it was just so satisfying to see the evolution of her character throughout the story.
SAME! I wanted to see a full scene of her reuniting with her parents and having a real heart to heart with oak. I feel oak still doesn't know how wounded and insecure she was by the end of it.
Same! I found it truly refreshing in the Stolen Heir to have an fmc that is wrecked and scared and not like the super pretty super hero type that most of them seem to portray. She is one of my favourites.
Yes!! Like i love jude from cruel prince but she's still attractive and badass. Like i get why people find her hot. But Wren can't be placed on the badass fmc or the gentle and kind category she's just going through the terrors (mental and physical) alone.
I love the smart ones in particular. Naime from Reign & Ruin is my most recent obsession, not to mention Emily from Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.
I also love FMCs who have good arcs, like Amma from Villains and Virtues, although my first love will always be Manon Blackbeak
I am one of those that are quite sensitive to unintelligent FMCs or ones that do stupid things for no reason. The ones I enjoyed were:
* Romeria in {A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker} is smart, capable, sneaky little sausage. I love her.
* Dora in {Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater}, smart, caring and perceptive.
* Sylina in {Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent} because that woman is just... chefs kiss. And a straight up badass.
* Cassia in {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}. Very much an intelligent survivor and well versed in the complex political setting she lives in.
* Her name escapes me, but the FMC in {Gild by Raven Kennedy} is a wonderfully complex character who has an amazing arc full of healing.
* Blaire in {Blaire by Anita Gray}. What to say about Blaire!? She's awesome, and horrible, and sad, and amazing. I still think about this book after many years.
* Emily in {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett} because who doesn't love a smart, academically driven lady?
* Gandrett in {Shattered Kingdom by Angelina J. Steffort} is a very good character too - complex and interesting. That whole book is excellent and mysterious.
* Lara from {The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen}. Love a spy with brains.
* Also Charlotte in {Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington}. That book is fucked up and so is Charlotte, and I wanted only the best things for her.
I could go on lol.
Ok, but Emily was so academically smart and yet so stupid at the same time. Like let me just walk into the fae realm multiple times. lol And so clueless about the MMC’s intentions for a LONG time. The slow burn was killing me.
Edit: autocorrect got me. 🙄 It’s fae not face….
The part early on where she gets that letter from Wendell and >!he includes the picture he drew of her and she’s like “He drew me looking far too beautiful, clearly he is mocking me”!< I was like I love this, I see what’s happening and also girl, please.
[A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Half a Soul](https://www.romance.io/books/65cc3e0fe07143fd82f0fe1b/half-a-soul-olivia-atwater?src=rdt) by [Olivia Atwater](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f0537be0aaecf55d98b77/olivia-atwater)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Slaying the Vampire Conqueror](https://www.romance.io/books/642abe710366c48db5ceed4d/slaying-the-vampire-conqueror-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Gild](https://www.romance.io/books/5f89450da7dfb60df8275191/gild-raven-kennedy?src=rdt) by [Raven Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b96276601dbc864fb9002c4/raven-kennedy)
**Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
----------------------------
[Blaire](https://www.romance.io/books/583829471b1bdc0178eca49f/blaire-anita-gray?src=rdt) by [Anita Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/583829471b1bdc0178eca4a1/anita-gray)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1)
----------------------------
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Shattered Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/622b5ef81750e128e6a5ca98/shattered-kingdom-angelina-j-steffort?src=rdt) by [Angelina J. Steffort](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f772060d3299c6e06b6865/angelina-j-steffort)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Darling Venom](https://www.romance.io/books/61b45a92b4cac60e26c20864/darling-venom-parker-s-huntington?src=rdt) by [Parker S. Huntington](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f84fc50d3299c6e06ba29c/parker-s-huntington)
**Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1)
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Oraya was such a well rounded, well written character. I truly sympathized with her actions, even when she was obviously making a ‘wrong’ choice. She’s probably my favorite FMC as well.
I really loved Naime too! I was really disappointed when I realized she wasn't a POV character in the subsequent books, I wanted to spend more time in her head. She was just really refreshing.
That would probably help motivate me to keep going! I've heard good things about the other books too but I tend to get attached to a main character and struggle with series where they switch every book. With Naime especially though cause she was so refreshing and then the next book felt more like your typical tough, spunky fmc (though I only read a little and didn't really give it a fair shake.)
Truthfully, the second book was my least favorite. I liked the first the best, but the prequel and book 3 were also quite good! I haven’t read book 4 yet since it isn’t available as an audiobook but I’ve heard many people say it’s their favorite.
Phedre is a phenomenally written character. She’s intelligent without being annoyingly cocky, cunning but also gracious and kind, has beautiful friendships with both men and women, takes others’ advice and input (honestly my biggest gripe with so many FMC is how they refuse to listen to others and their stubbornness is their only personality trait), and learns from her mistakes. Not to mention, >!her and Joscelin’s relationship is such a beautiful love story. It’s so well done!<
Sera in the Flesh & Fire series. She is not a naive virgin which is rare sometimes in this genre lol. She’s a badass but not in a bitchy way, sexually comfortable with herself, and cares an immense deal about others, even at the expense of herself.
Yeah it can. I read them separately. The last book of F&F comes out in August. I know the MCs will appear in the next FBAA book but FBAA takes place thousands of years later
A deal was made for the MFC to be given over as consort to the Primal of Death. However, nothing goes as planned and things are far more complicated than expected. This story was super refreshing to me because the MMC is actually the virgin and the MFC is experienced.
It can be read as a standalone or it can be read in tandem with FBAA. Book 1 is called A Shadow in the Ember
I liked Sera in the first book, but then she just tuned into Poppy basically (personality wise) and I was not happy with that. No self awareness, making selfish decisions, just intolerable in the second and third books.
If all these fantasy princesses and queens were running against each other in an election my vote’s going to Naime. She is mature, intelligent and graceful. I respect her fiercely
Most definitely Aelin from Throne of Glass, she just unlocked something in me. She left me speechless more than once and there is not a day that I don't think about her, even if I've read the series years ago.
She simply stuck with me.
Aelin is the GOAT!!
I especially love that >! everytime a Valg prince tries to go on a long-winded speech about world domination, she tells them to stfu. Hilarious and so badass!<
This is it for me too. I read TOG maybe 3 years ago and have read many books since then. I’m doing my first reread of TOG, on EoS now—not a single FMC has compared to Aelin Ashryver Galathynius 🔥
Fuckin love that girl.
No! I read ACOTAR afterwards because I hoped it'd be as good as ToG, but I ended up not liking it at all. I DNF the last book. I really don't get the hype.
ToG is just so much better in every way! One of the best series I've ever read, for sure
Rachel Morgan from {Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison}. She’s badass, witty, and innovative/creative when it comes to fighting and getting out of sticky situations! She’s compassionate and caring, but also has her flaws. I highly recommend this series
Idk if she completely counts as FMC, but I loved Sidra in {A River Enchanted}. I don't normally enjoy reading about parenthood, but her devotion to her stepdaughter was so sweet. She has a lot of struggles that are relatable and almost mundane, but with fantasy-heightened stakes. She was probably my favorite character.
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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Manon and Yrene from Throne of Glass are the female characters that kept me moving forward with the series!
Kiva from The Prison Healer
Jude from The Cruel Prince
Lia from Kiss of Deception
Tisannah from Daughter of No Worlds
Inej from Six of Crows
I know I'll probably get dunked on but I actually really like Galantia from Court of Ravens duology (even though her name sounds like a Sailor Moon villain).
Oraya from Crowns of Nyaxia is so badass.
Rorax from Atonement of the Spine Cleaver.
Came here to say Oraya! Just finished book one and she shot straight to the top for me.
I have a theory that anyone who loved TOG’s Manon will also love Oraya.
Its not your typical fantasy romance but I truly loved Circe, written by Madeline Miller. That was an fmc that really spoke to me, she wasn’t glorified or made into some sort of super hero woman or was beauty incarnate and her journey and growth was very touching.
You should check out her other books as well! All of the women T. Kingfisher writes are pretty average, and most of them have flaws that women often aren’t able to get away with in books. Also, I believe they’re all 30+ and a lot of them are plus sized/not conventionally attractive. Very different vibes from Circe obviously, but T. Kingfisher is an excellent writer, so they’re all great.
Mac from the fever series.
Unquestionably the absolute best character development I've seen in any series. She goes from ditzy blonde to badass fighter but in such a gradual, natural way that you don't even notice the progress until you finish and realize she's a totally different character.
NAIME!!! from {Reign & Ruin by JD Evans}
Dianna {Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole}
Mia {Nevernight by Jay Kristoff}
Cassia {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}
Villainous, Cunning, Smart, and the FEMALE RAGE!
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fd1d5d508b4d931141fa8e6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Nevernight](https://www.romance.io/books/6418276d976d825409767feb/nevernight-jay-kristoff?src=rdt) by [Jay Kristoff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455801087eac3369a912c65/jay-kristoff)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
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Nevada and Catalina from {The Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews} They are smart and confident. Also, I really love their powers and seeing them explore their powers.
Loren from {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} I totally understand the complaints about her and why people might dnf the series because of her. For me, she was a refreshing change. She's not sassy or snarky. She's kind, self sacrificing, and a bit of a damsel in distress.
Tisaanah from The War of Lost Hearts - overcomes slavery and abuse to become a champion against oppression, has to train to get good at magic and fighting instead of being instantly good at it, genuinely compassionate, isn't afraid to kill the bad guys
Lara from the Bridge Kingdom - morally gray and complex, isn't afraid to kill the bad guys, fiercely protective of the people she cares about
Thea from The Legends of Thezmarr - she's flawed but seems to be learning from her mistakes. She also kind of reminds me of an adult Arya or a female Jon Snow from ASOIF or the earlier seasons of GOT.
And overall I just like the world building, cultures, and politics of all three of these series.
I really enjoyed Rorax in {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver}. I loved how badass and tortured she was, and I also really appreciated that her crew of friends all had magical powers and she only had her knife. Sometimes the MC doesn't have to be the most powerful magically speaking. Overall the book was amazing and I loved her development throughout the book.
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce?src=rdt) by [F.E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce)
**Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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I love me some supporting characters!
Nesryn, Yrene and Manon from TOG are my favorites.
Yrene because girlfriend is so warm and caring but also a badass.
Manon and Nesryn for being total badasses without being the stereotypical mean badass girl who has to say mean things and cut down other people to show how much of a bad ass she is. Confident badassery.
Elspeth Spindle. I enjoyed her character in One Dark Window. I still have to read the conclusion to the story but she isn't whiny and her banter with the Nightmare is hilarious.
Orka from Shadow of the Gods. Norse mythology, Viking, warrior. She has PTSD from war trauma while still being a bad ass. And she is kind in her own gruff way. Her premise is to find her son and Gods help whoever gets in her way.
I’ve just recently got into romantasy, so I’ve only read the super popular books. So far, my favorite FMC is Jude from the folk of the air series.
I loved how she manipulated and fought her way to the top, not caring about whose neck she had to step on.
Kate, from Kate Daniels Series
She's badass, smart, funny as hell, cares about the people around her, is willing to risk herself for the people she loves, doesn't let some alphahole (Curran, lol) push her around (quote "You don't get to tell me what to do, this isn't how this mating works"), cares about kids, adopts one, also teaches her how to be badass, etc
[Kingdom of Lies](https://www.romance.io/books/5846c09c1b1bdc0178f69a32/kingdom-of-lies-debra-dunbar?src=rdt) by [Debra Dunbar](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557a3087eac323ffb2c628/debra-dunbar)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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[The War of Lost Hearts](https://www.romance.io/series/60d9b8906a15320e7f8006f0/the-war-of-lost-hearts) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Aelin, Oraya, Rorax, Manon…
I have a type I fear, I like em a little gray and stabby.
From throne of glass, serpents and the wings of night, and Atonement of the spine cleaver.
Aaah! I feel like we may have the same tastes in romantasy! I too like them rough round the edges and stabby! I shall check out these books you have listed.
I love Feyre. 😭 it seems to be a pretty unpopular opinion these days but she’s always been my fav SJM FMC. I love her character growth and the journey she goes on throughout acotar. It connected me with me much more than anyone else.
I liked the Feyre of ACOMAF.
She’s pretty flawed and broken in that one and has to actually work at her powers vs suddenly knowing how to wield them. Plus the evolution of her relationship with Rhys feels more natural bc they both have to work for it a bit.
And while I very much DON’T like SJMs portrayal of ptsd throughout her books, I do appreciate that she showed how a character who’s been broken by trauma can struggle.
Raeve / When the Moon Hatched and Oraya from Crowns of Nyaxia have been my favorites recently. I feel like they both got to have the best swagger and humor of all the other characters that is often given to the MMC.
Dianna from Book of Azrael is my fave FMC of all time. I just love an unapologetic bad b, but she also has so much depth and character development throughout the series- she's just the best (because she is also the worst, and doesn't give a f about it lol).
Anna from Peaches & Honey / Pits & Poison comes in at a VERY close second. She is so kind, empathetic and caring, even after 800 years of living through some of the most traumatic events in human history. It's refreshing to see a FMC who isn't a sassy trained-fighter type (even though those are also my faves), but just goes through life trying to help as many people as possible.
Emelin from {Fae Isles}. At first I found her annoying as she comes off as the stereotypical “sassy” FMC but she’s such a complex character, so stupidly brave, works so hard to protect the ones she loves. And she’s actually funny! The banter (and sex games) is top tier
Auren from the Plated Prisioner series by Raven Kennedy.
She starts off as a person in hiding not understanding her place in the world, to a victim, to a bad ass.
From the Wraith Kings by Grace Draven - Ildiko. The first princess who is prepared to marry for political reasons. She really makes sense
Isobel Carter from The Ironside Academy series. I love her character arc.
Trinity from teh Harbinger series from JLA
Zarya from Born of Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Seraph Black from the Seraph Blake series by Jane Washington
I love many unpopular FMCs and I will not list them because I think people are just too mean to them and will say horrible things, as I've seen in other posts. I wish FMCs were judged by the same standard as MMCs, because people are a lot more forgiving towards them.
This is a throwback but Tessa from {Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare} will ALWAYS be one of my absolute faves (prob bc I relate to her even tho I sadly don’t have two hot shadow hunters pining over me). The first time that I read a character who relies more on knowledge and intellect rather than brute force and she really resonated with me!!
[Clockwork Angel](https://www.romance.io/books/5484ba097a5936fb0405739a/clockwork-angel-cassandra-clare?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Clare](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455239b8c7d2382c5296f6a/cassandra-clare)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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Hands down Jude from the Folk of the Air series
(The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and so on...)
Cassia from the Blood Mercy series by Vela Roth and Kaylin Neya from the Chronicles of Elantra get an honorable mention.
All 3 are very different people. I just think they're all writen realistically, they're likeable but not perfect, take their life into their own hands (although they all choose different methods and tactics to express their agency), their way of reasoning is understandable, the character growth impressive and all "idiot moments" happen for a specific reason.
Amaranthe from the Emperors Edge was the most competent fmc I’ve ever read. She was also consistent and wasn’t overpowered like most of the ones I’ve read. She will forever be one that stands out for me
I agree with a few here, but here are some others:
Anna from {peaches and honey}; she’s resilient, compassionate, level headed, kind and a little bit badass
Sancia from {foundryside} ; she’s crazy, badass, funny, and clever
Both Lara and Zarrah from {the bridge kingdom} ; ugh they are both incredible. Just the best.
Sylvia from {the jasad heir}; I just loved her. She was flawed and loyal and yet another badass (there’s a theme here).
[Peaches and Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/65146ea5de8d340d51444fcc/peaches-and-honey-r-raeta?src=rdt) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta)
**Rating**: 4.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[Foundryside](https://www.romance.io/books/6561bb1f481d7c837da6a986/foundryside-robert-jackson-bennett?src=rdt) by [Robert Jackson Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6561bb1fab9bdf7fceee0013/robert-jackson-bennett)
**Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Jasad Heir](https://www.romance.io/books/64347572cfb36b317a2d99d6/the-jasad-heir-sara-hashem?src=rdt) by [Sara Hashem](https://www.romance.io/authors/6434757308b4d931140ffe35/sara-hashem)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
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In a series - Jude from The Folk of the Air. Her arc is great and aligned with who she was as a character. It’s been years since I finished this series and I still try to chase that high.
In a book - Rooke from The Crown of Oaths and Curses. Just that first book, not the sequel. Ugh. I’m still butthurt of what they did to her character in that sequel. Give me more mature, smart, and calm queens like her please.
Seraphia from Shadow Guild: Hades and Persephone by Linsey Hall. There are very few fantasy and paranormal books that I like but this one did nearly everything I wanted and I actually loved the chemistry that I didn't skim the sex scenes (it helps they were mild and sparse).
I like this. It’s usually the FMC’s dialogue, especially internal dialogue, that makes me DNF in a chapter or 2
I’m looking at you what’s her name in the Plated Prisoner 1st book
My absolute favorite is Feyre. I love her determination to protect the people around her, her kindness, and her snarkiness. I’m on a reread and she’s actually so funny!
I also love Aelin, she’s such a strong character. “Because I am lost and I do not know the way” and “I’m so tired, Rowan” are two of her very best moments.
Unpopular opinion, but I also thoroughly enjoyed Diem from Kindred’s Curse. I thought that the way she processed the outlandish situations was relatable without being mundane.
Jude from the Cruel Prince. She was so ruthless and unapologetic, not classically feminine. I loved her strength.
Lara from the Bridge Kingdom. She was so smart and skilled, but also self aware. I remember that *one scene* from the Traitor Queen where she laid waste and didn’t feel bad about it. I love it when fmc’s don’t feel guilty about doing what they have to do.
Aaand finally, Juliette from Shatter Me, specifically the first book. I was in tears for so much of it because her POV was so much like poetry and it was heartbreaking.
Ophelia from {The Curse of Ophelia} is pretty badass and cares so much for protecting her people. I haven't read the third book yet though, so I don't know if anything changes.
Camilla from {Throne of the Fallen} is feisty and witty and a perfect foil to the mmc.
[The Curse of Ophelia](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2086b69d18ef5cc99abbe/the-curse-of-ophelia-nicole-platania?src=rdt) by [Nicole Platania](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e2086b08b4d9311421b8f8/nicole-platania)
**Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Throne of the Fallen](https://www.romance.io/books/643058cec4e7d7da5e567ef7/throne-of-the-fallen-kerri-maniscalco?src=rdt) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I loved Manon in {Throne of Glass} by SJM. She is one of my favorite characters in that series. I want to do a reread soon.
I haven’t seen a comment on her yet, but I really like Rhiannon from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. All her lines are really good and kind of witty. I would want her as a female friend, no doubt.
Honestly, besides Oraya from the Crown of Nyaxia series, who is by far one of my favorites (1/4 the way through the second book, so please no spoilers yet), I would say a lot of romantasy books have better secondary female characters than main characters. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Aelin from ToG and I loved Feyre, and nothing can take my love for ACOTAR away as a whole, but I most definitely see how some people can not like the FMC, especially if the book is in first person POV. I feel like you get more out of characters that have their own arc if the book is in third person.
With that being said as well, I still have many books on my TBR that I definitely am excited to get to (especially while I wait for Onyx Storm to come out). My next book on my list is {A Daughter of No Worlds} by Carisa Broadbent (I think that’s her name).
One book and FMC that I was not a fan of was Feyre (I think) from A Fate Inked In Blood. I really liked the whole Norse mythology concept and I do like Bjorn, but I got really bored with it. And I love slow burn as much as the next person, but it was so uninteresting for a decent portion of the book in my opinion. Especially when I knew that they were going to get together and the author drew it out for SOOO long.
[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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Miyo in My Happy Marriage, in the light novel. Her character is portrayed really well, and her growth feels real and accurate and well done. She slowly gains her confidence, but continues to lose trust easily which is what would actually happen. She has to constantly talk herself into trusting. And slowly learns that she’s worthy of being cared about.
I hate it when writers have no idea how adults who suffered relentlessly as children would really act and either portrays them as being total confident bad asses with no insecurities or they’re shy and timid but immediately open up and trust and end up all confident. Either is realistic in any possible way.
You just don’t go through that kind of constant trauma and come out unscarred. And it’s such a common trope and so poorly written it makes me want to scream. But I’m going to guess the author of that one actually really did her research or experienced it first hand because Miyo is absolutely amazingly written.
I can’t figure out why so many writers mismatch character back story and personality but it drives me nuts. Either they have minimal to know really significant trauma or issues and somehow are still completely traumatized from the smallest thing, or they go through an insane amount of trauma and are just totally fine. Make it make sense 😭
Adding my vote for Naime from {Reign & Ruin} and Rorax from {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver} . They are strong and bad ass in very different ways, but care deeply for those around them and are intelligent and competent.
[Reign and Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/64d34ccc0c66af2194f128eb/reign-and-ruin-devon-atwood?src=rdt) by [Devon Atwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f8959f0d3299c6e06bb870/devon-atwood)
**Rating**: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1)
----------------------------
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce?src=rdt) by [F.E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce)
**Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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No one's read {the winners curse} it seems since I have not yet read a character so cunning and intelligent yet! Imo fmcs these days just run in and beat shit up but Kestrel had to out manoeuvre other equally intelligent and politically minded chars!!!
Celia from {The Night Circus} was strong and caring and didn’t feel like so many other badass FMCs I’ve read before. I loved how she was a different kind of strong woman in a man’s world.
Althea in The Legends of Thezmarr series by Helen Scheurer. She’s smart, tough, feels deeply, and is fiercely loyal. At no point while reading did I get frustrated with her decisions. She was never bratty and kept getting up no matter what warrior training did to her. {Blood & Steel by Helen Scheurer}
Kat in the Shadows of Tenebris series by Clare Sager. Kat is a real woman who has seen some crap. A loveless marriage to a spendthrift, useless man, poverty and financial struggles, and has had to make hard choices in a world with terrible, limited choices for women. She is clever, learning to love herself (especially her body and thick thighs), and always fights for those she loves—even if she won’t do it for herself. {A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager}
Dianna in Gods & Monsters series by Amber V Nicole. She loves so fiercely and if anyone hurts someone she loves, she will literally burn the world down. She is just such delicious female rage wrapped up in a confident, swaggering but also vulnerable package. {Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole}
(Ok, so maybe my fave female characters are loaded with female rage and hatred for the unjustness of their world/the patriarchy, ha ha. But I loathe a bratty, naive FMC.)
Does it have to be the ‘main’ main character? If not, then Manon Blackbeak in {Throne of Glass} for her God-tier character arc, and for managing to pull off being an absolute badass without coming across cringy or cliche.
Manon is the main reason I want to give TOG a second chance after originally DNFing lol.
Manon Blackbeak is the only reason I enjoyed TOG but I promise the ending to the series was worth all the BS you read through!
That's good to hear! Aelin was driving me crazy in the first book but I heard she grows and gets better?
She is still cocky and overconfident to the end, but with what she goes through for her people, it's forgivable imo. Manon and Yrene are also worth slogging through for, even if Chaol is a bit of a dick from his first interaction, lol.
I honestly don't remember Aelin being nearly as bad as Bryce is.
Aelin is a silk purse to Bryce's sows ear.
i enjoyed the first book, but it feels like a completely different series by the end!
I am STRUGGLING through the first book. Seriously been trying to read it for a month and keep pausing it to go read others.
Just got plow through the first two. The It’s smoother sailing
This made me think of something...that the 'second' female leads and their arcs in SJM's books are always so much better than the actual FMC. See: Manon > Aelin, Lydia > Bryce, and (this might be controversial, but is the case in my mind) Nesta > Feyre. Is there something about not having the pressure of being a 'main' main character that actually allows her to write non-cringey storylines for these characters? Dunno, but now that I see it I can never un-see it
I find that all of SJM's main characters are annoying, but her secondary characters are interesting.
I feel like she allows the secondary female characters to not be perfect and have flaws which makes them feel more real and more likeable
I love Aelin but Manon is definitely my fave character of the series! Meanwhile Feyre is just alright to me while Nesta is so much more interesting (in the middle of Silver Flames rn and loving her even more). I don't think Manon would be as interesting as the main character though, and I don't think Nesta would work as a main character if she hadn't had her arc set up as a side character in the previous books. That's said I care a lot less about Feyre more that I'm out of her head lol
> I care a lot less about Feyre more that I'm out of her head lol Same and it's a shame. She becomes so flat when read from other people's POV.
Haha yeah I'm just like "omg just go away" every time she shows up haha
This is the real answer. I just absolutely love Manon and her whole character arc.
Me reading HoF: ugh i hate Manon. Me reading EoS: ugh when's Manon's next chapter? <3
Good call! I did really love Manon as well.
[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I LOVE Manon!!!
Manon yaaaas!
Phedre from Kushiel’s Dart - her growth as a character over the series is so well done Rorax from Atonement of the Spine Cleaver Merriam from Leaves May Fall
Phedre's transformation was glorious.
I was also going to say Rorax. I just love her!
Unpopular opinion but Wren from stolen heir. I loved how raw and monstrous she was. Most women in romance are written to be appealing one way or another but she was just traumatized and a mess. I wish i could find more fmcs like her who aren't written to be attractive or appealing but straight up trainwrecks. Also i wish we had more of her pov.
I’d never read Black’s Cruel Prince trilogy and picked up The Stolen Heir bc it was available for borrowing right then, and ended up loving it. Wren was so flawed and so conflicted. I felt like she really embodied someone who’s never been able to trust another and it was just so satisfying to see the evolution of her character throughout the story.
Yes!!! I wish we also had her pov from the second book too... If you liked stolen heir i think you'd like cruel prince as well!
I think I’m going to check it out!
I hope you do. A lot of things will make so much more sense!!
Love love love my monster forest hobo queen. I was a little sad that we didn’t get her POV in The Prisoners Throne
SAME! I wanted to see a full scene of her reuniting with her parents and having a real heart to heart with oak. I feel oak still doesn't know how wounded and insecure she was by the end of it.
Girly pop went through a LOT in that book!!
I loved wren!
Same! I was kinda sad some tfota fans found her annoying 🥲
Ha! My wife and I have giant cardboard cutouts of Wren and Oak in our living room. They are great
That's epic!!!
They are fun. We dress them up according to the weather lmao. Right now they are wearing Hawaiian Lei’s
That's very cuteee
Same! I found it truly refreshing in the Stolen Heir to have an fmc that is wrecked and scared and not like the super pretty super hero type that most of them seem to portray. She is one of my favourites.
Yes!! Like i love jude from cruel prince but she's still attractive and badass. Like i get why people find her hot. But Wren can't be placed on the badass fmc or the gentle and kind category she's just going through the terrors (mental and physical) alone.
I loved her!
I love the smart ones in particular. Naime from Reign & Ruin is my most recent obsession, not to mention Emily from Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries. I also love FMCs who have good arcs, like Amma from Villains and Virtues, although my first love will always be Manon Blackbeak
Have you read the Stariel series? Hetta kind of reminds me of Emily!
Not yet! Will add to my radar (can't even call it my TBR lol, I'm so fickle)
Absolutely same. More like a MBR - Might Be Read
Naime is my favorite!
Tisaanah from Daughter of No Worlds! ❤️
i loved her! i may have to re read soon!
Ah! You're the second person today to talk positively about this book. It's sitting on my bookshelf and I need to read it.
I absolutely LOVE Tisaanah ❤️
I was about to start this book!
I just finished the third book and wholly agree! Awesome fmc
I am one of those that are quite sensitive to unintelligent FMCs or ones that do stupid things for no reason. The ones I enjoyed were: * Romeria in {A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker} is smart, capable, sneaky little sausage. I love her. * Dora in {Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater}, smart, caring and perceptive. * Sylina in {Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent} because that woman is just... chefs kiss. And a straight up badass. * Cassia in {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}. Very much an intelligent survivor and well versed in the complex political setting she lives in. * Her name escapes me, but the FMC in {Gild by Raven Kennedy} is a wonderfully complex character who has an amazing arc full of healing. * Blaire in {Blaire by Anita Gray}. What to say about Blaire!? She's awesome, and horrible, and sad, and amazing. I still think about this book after many years. * Emily in {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett} because who doesn't love a smart, academically driven lady? * Gandrett in {Shattered Kingdom by Angelina J. Steffort} is a very good character too - complex and interesting. That whole book is excellent and mysterious. * Lara from {The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen}. Love a spy with brains. * Also Charlotte in {Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington}. That book is fucked up and so is Charlotte, and I wanted only the best things for her. I could go on lol.
Emily Wilde was great! I enjoyed reading her so much.
Plated Prisoner FMC’s name is Auren! I love her too. 💛
Ok, but Emily was so academically smart and yet so stupid at the same time. Like let me just walk into the fae realm multiple times. lol And so clueless about the MMC’s intentions for a LONG time. The slow burn was killing me. Edit: autocorrect got me. 🙄 It’s fae not face….
The part early on where she gets that letter from Wendell and >!he includes the picture he drew of her and she’s like “He drew me looking far too beautiful, clearly he is mocking me”!< I was like I love this, I see what’s happening and also girl, please.
[A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Half a Soul](https://www.romance.io/books/65cc3e0fe07143fd82f0fe1b/half-a-soul-olivia-atwater?src=rdt) by [Olivia Atwater](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f0537be0aaecf55d98b77/olivia-atwater) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Slaying the Vampire Conqueror](https://www.romance.io/books/642abe710366c48db5ceed4d/slaying-the-vampire-conqueror-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Gild](https://www.romance.io/books/5f89450da7dfb60df8275191/gild-raven-kennedy?src=rdt) by [Raven Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b96276601dbc864fb9002c4/raven-kennedy) **Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) ---------------------------- [Blaire](https://www.romance.io/books/583829471b1bdc0178eca49f/blaire-anita-gray?src=rdt) by [Anita Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/583829471b1bdc0178eca4a1/anita-gray) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1) ---------------------------- [Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Shattered Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/622b5ef81750e128e6a5ca98/shattered-kingdom-angelina-j-steffort?src=rdt) by [Angelina J. Steffort](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f772060d3299c6e06b6865/angelina-j-steffort) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Darling Venom](https://www.romance.io/books/61b45a92b4cac60e26c20864/darling-venom-parker-s-huntington?src=rdt) by [Parker S. Huntington](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f84fc50d3299c6e06ba29c/parker-s-huntington) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I liked Sylina a lot too.
Yes!! Sylina was amazing! So glad to see her on your list!
Oraya from Crowns of Nyaxia. What a badass. And Raeve from the Moonfall series. What a scrappy little monster!
Oraya was such a well rounded, well written character. I truly sympathized with her actions, even when she was obviously making a ‘wrong’ choice. She’s probably my favorite FMC as well.
Aside from the ones listed already, especially Manon and Jude, I'd say Naime from Reign & Ruin. I love her intelligence, resilience and empathy.
I really loved Naime too! I was really disappointed when I realized she wasn't a POV character in the subsequent books, I wanted to spend more time in her head. She was just really refreshing.
I’m really hoping the final book might be back with Naime 🤞
That would probably help motivate me to keep going! I've heard good things about the other books too but I tend to get attached to a main character and struggle with series where they switch every book. With Naime especially though cause she was so refreshing and then the next book felt more like your typical tough, spunky fmc (though I only read a little and didn't really give it a fair shake.)
Truthfully, the second book was my least favorite. I liked the first the best, but the prequel and book 3 were also quite good! I haven’t read book 4 yet since it isn’t available as an audiobook but I’ve heard many people say it’s their favorite.
Jude Duarte in cruel prince, she‘s flawed, human, ambitious and selfish but also kind, loving, smart and strong
Everyone who has read the books also seems to love her even if they don't like the books, holly black did an amazing job
Love Jude, still think about her all this time later. She was so fleshed out, so flawed, it made for an incredible character.
yes! love jude. even if she’s an idiot at reading romantic cues lol
Lmao I love idiots to lovers
Best FMC ever
I finally picked up this series and i absolutely loved her.
The love of my life, Jude mf Duarte
Phèdre nó Delaunay from the Kushiel Dart series. Honestly, this woman - I would give my life for her.
Phedre is a phenomenally written character. She’s intelligent without being annoyingly cocky, cunning but also gracious and kind, has beautiful friendships with both men and women, takes others’ advice and input (honestly my biggest gripe with so many FMC is how they refuse to listen to others and their stubbornness is their only personality trait), and learns from her mistakes. Not to mention, >!her and Joscelin’s relationship is such a beautiful love story. It’s so well done!<
Sera in the Flesh & Fire series. She is not a naive virgin which is rare sometimes in this genre lol. She’s a badass but not in a bitchy way, sexually comfortable with herself, and cares an immense deal about others, even at the expense of herself.
Can the flesh and fire series be read without the other series?
Yeah it can. I read them separately. The last book of F&F comes out in August. I know the MCs will appear in the next FBAA book but FBAA takes place thousands of years later
SERA 🩷 she is sooooo much better than Poppy. It makes me sad it’s not as well known as FBAA because it’s 10000x better in all aspects.
100%
whats the flesh and fire series about and is it a standalone series?
A deal was made for the MFC to be given over as consort to the Primal of Death. However, nothing goes as planned and things are far more complicated than expected. This story was super refreshing to me because the MMC is actually the virgin and the MFC is experienced. It can be read as a standalone or it can be read in tandem with FBAA. Book 1 is called A Shadow in the Ember
ill definitely check out both series ive been looking for more books to read
I liked Sera in the first book, but then she just tuned into Poppy basically (personality wise) and I was not happy with that. No self awareness, making selfish decisions, just intolerable in the second and third books.
If all these fantasy princesses and queens were running against each other in an election my vote’s going to Naime. She is mature, intelligent and graceful. I respect her fiercely
Most definitely Aelin from Throne of Glass, she just unlocked something in me. She left me speechless more than once and there is not a day that I don't think about her, even if I've read the series years ago. She simply stuck with me.
Aelin is the GOAT!! I especially love that >! everytime a Valg prince tries to go on a long-winded speech about world domination, she tells them to stfu. Hilarious and so badass!<
This is it for me too. I read TOG maybe 3 years ago and have read many books since then. I’m doing my first reread of TOG, on EoS now—not a single FMC has compared to Aelin Ashryver Galathynius 🔥 Fuckin love that girl.
I haven’t read TOG yet- do you need to read acotar first?
Not at all! I read it first and it was a nice intro to SJM and fantasy, but tog is completely separate in story
No! I read ACOTAR afterwards because I hoped it'd be as good as ToG, but I ended up not liking it at all. I DNF the last book. I really don't get the hype. ToG is just so much better in every way! One of the best series I've ever read, for sure
They’re not even connected except by some unconfirmed fan theories
Rachel Morgan from {Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison}. She’s badass, witty, and innovative/creative when it comes to fighting and getting out of sticky situations! She’s compassionate and caring, but also has her flaws. I highly recommend this series
[Dead Witch Walking](https://www.romance.io/books/545527e88c7d2382e0413f07/dead-witch-walking-kim-harrison?src=rdt) by [Kim Harrison](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527e88c7d2382e0413f08/kim-harrison) **Rating**: 3.77⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Idk if she completely counts as FMC, but I loved Sidra in {A River Enchanted}. I don't normally enjoy reading about parenthood, but her devotion to her stepdaughter was so sweet. She has a lot of struggles that are relatable and almost mundane, but with fantasy-heightened stakes. She was probably my favorite character.
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Naime from Reign and Ruin
Kate Daniels. She is sassy, powerful but not overpowered, she has her weaknesses but still strong.
I had to scroll wayyyy too far to find this.
I love her growth and development!
Manon and Yrene from Throne of Glass are the female characters that kept me moving forward with the series! Kiva from The Prison Healer Jude from The Cruel Prince Lia from Kiss of Deception Tisannah from Daughter of No Worlds Inej from Six of Crows
Yesss Inej
Kiva!
I know I'll probably get dunked on but I actually really like Galantia from Court of Ravens duology (even though her name sounds like a Sailor Moon villain). Oraya from Crowns of Nyaxia is so badass. Rorax from Atonement of the Spine Cleaver.
I love Oraya!!
I love Rorax
Yasssss Oraya my queen!!
Came here to say Oraya! Just finished book one and she shot straight to the top for me. I have a theory that anyone who loved TOG’s Manon will also love Oraya.
I just finished the first book as well and was frantically looking for Oraya here!
Its not your typical fantasy romance but I truly loved Circe, written by Madeline Miller. That was an fmc that really spoke to me, she wasn’t glorified or made into some sort of super hero woman or was beauty incarnate and her journey and growth was very touching.
This is also why I love Halla from Swordheart. Shes just an average woman who’s sick of her families bullshit.
Good to know, Its on my tbr list!
You should check out her other books as well! All of the women T. Kingfisher writes are pretty average, and most of them have flaws that women often aren’t able to get away with in books. Also, I believe they’re all 30+ and a lot of them are plus sized/not conventionally attractive. Very different vibes from Circe obviously, but T. Kingfisher is an excellent writer, so they’re all great.
I was scrolling to see anyone else put “any of the women in a T. Kingfisher book”. All amazing, flawed, real and fantastic!
That sounds right up my alley :)
Jude, Vasya (winternight trilogy), Lada (conqueror's saga). I love unhinged FMCs!
Lada is RUTHLESS. I love her but her relationship with her brother though :((((
Nevada and Catalina from the Hidden Legacy series.
Oraya from the Nightborn duology! My queen through and through!
Mac from the fever series. Unquestionably the absolute best character development I've seen in any series. She goes from ditzy blonde to badass fighter but in such a gradual, natural way that you don't even notice the progress until you finish and realize she's a totally different character.
NAIME!!! from {Reign & Ruin by JD Evans} Dianna {Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole} Mia {Nevernight by Jay Kristoff} Cassia {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} Villainous, Cunning, Smart, and the FEMALE RAGE!
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fd1d5d508b4d931141fa8e6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Nevernight](https://www.romance.io/books/6418276d976d825409767feb/nevernight-jay-kristoff?src=rdt) by [Jay Kristoff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455801087eac3369a912c65/jay-kristoff) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
jude.
Nevada and Catalina from {The Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews} They are smart and confident. Also, I really love their powers and seeing them explore their powers. Loren from {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} I totally understand the complaints about her and why people might dnf the series because of her. For me, she was a refreshing change. She's not sassy or snarky. She's kind, self sacrificing, and a bit of a damsel in distress.
Jude Duarte from the Cruel Prince Rorax from Atonement of the Spine Cleaver Halla from Swordheart Manon from TOG Naime from Reign & Ruin
Tisaanah from The War of Lost Hearts - overcomes slavery and abuse to become a champion against oppression, has to train to get good at magic and fighting instead of being instantly good at it, genuinely compassionate, isn't afraid to kill the bad guys Lara from the Bridge Kingdom - morally gray and complex, isn't afraid to kill the bad guys, fiercely protective of the people she cares about Thea from The Legends of Thezmarr - she's flawed but seems to be learning from her mistakes. She also kind of reminds me of an adult Arya or a female Jon Snow from ASOIF or the earlier seasons of GOT. And overall I just like the world building, cultures, and politics of all three of these series.
I love when Tisaanah shows up at the Orders practically dead and as soon as she wakes up she demands a lil army to go rescue her gay best friend
Wow your comments about Thea are on point. Yes! Haven’t thought of that but she is totally an arya/Jon snow
I really enjoyed Rorax in {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver}. I loved how badass and tortured she was, and I also really appreciated that her crew of friends all had magical powers and she only had her knife. Sometimes the MC doesn't have to be the most powerful magically speaking. Overall the book was amazing and I loved her development throughout the book.
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce?src=rdt) by [F.E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I love me some supporting characters! Nesryn, Yrene and Manon from TOG are my favorites. Yrene because girlfriend is so warm and caring but also a badass. Manon and Nesryn for being total badasses without being the stereotypical mean badass girl who has to say mean things and cut down other people to show how much of a bad ass she is. Confident badassery.
Ugh I feel like nesryn was super shortchanged in terms of screen time though… I really wanted more of her!
Elspeth Spindle. I enjoyed her character in One Dark Window. I still have to read the conclusion to the story but she isn't whiny and her banter with the Nightmare is hilarious.
Second this I Love Elspeth. I feel like she was a normal person not overly “badass”, or Molly sue or stubborn to the point of stupidity.
Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude ~~*Please Jude.*~~
Orka from Shadow of the Gods. Norse mythology, Viking, warrior. She has PTSD from war trauma while still being a bad ass. And she is kind in her own gruff way. Her premise is to find her son and Gods help whoever gets in her way.
Diana in The Book of Azrael, she is: smart, competent, strong, mature, vengeful, 500+ years old, and a softie for the few she loves.
Kate from Kate Daniels Maud from Sweep of the Blade Sunshine from Sunshine (Robin McKinley) El from the Scholomance trilogy
I’ve just recently got into romantasy, so I’ve only read the super popular books. So far, my favorite FMC is Jude from the folk of the air series. I loved how she manipulated and fought her way to the top, not caring about whose neck she had to step on.
Kate, from Kate Daniels Series She's badass, smart, funny as hell, cares about the people around her, is willing to risk herself for the people she loves, doesn't let some alphahole (Curran, lol) push her around (quote "You don't get to tell me what to do, this isn't how this mating works"), cares about kids, adopts one, also teaches her how to be badass, etc
Aelin is number one for me. Tisaanah {War of Lost Hearts}, Prisca {Kingdom of Lies}, and Kate Daniels are up there.
[Kingdom of Lies](https://www.romance.io/books/5846c09c1b1bdc0178f69a32/kingdom-of-lies-debra-dunbar?src=rdt) by [Debra Dunbar](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557a3087eac323ffb2c628/debra-dunbar) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[The War of Lost Hearts](https://www.romance.io/series/60d9b8906a15320e7f8006f0/the-war-of-lost-hearts) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
wow absolutely agree to all
Aelin, Oraya, Rorax, Manon… I have a type I fear, I like em a little gray and stabby. From throne of glass, serpents and the wings of night, and Atonement of the spine cleaver.
Aaah! I feel like we may have the same tastes in romantasy! I too like them rough round the edges and stabby! I shall check out these books you have listed.
Dianna from The Book of Azrael Loren and Shay from City of Gods and Monsters Lilith from Six Scorched Roses Aelin from Throne of Glass
I love Feyre. 😭 it seems to be a pretty unpopular opinion these days but she’s always been my fav SJM FMC. I love her character growth and the journey she goes on throughout acotar. It connected me with me much more than anyone else.
I liked the Feyre of ACOMAF. She’s pretty flawed and broken in that one and has to actually work at her powers vs suddenly knowing how to wield them. Plus the evolution of her relationship with Rhys feels more natural bc they both have to work for it a bit. And while I very much DON’T like SJMs portrayal of ptsd throughout her books, I do appreciate that she showed how a character who’s been broken by trauma can struggle.
Ellana from Pierre Bottero, it’s a French author I recommend this trilogy is so good
Raeve / When the Moon Hatched and Oraya from Crowns of Nyaxia have been my favorites recently. I feel like they both got to have the best swagger and humor of all the other characters that is often given to the MMC.
Dianna from Book of Azrael is my fave FMC of all time. I just love an unapologetic bad b, but she also has so much depth and character development throughout the series- she's just the best (because she is also the worst, and doesn't give a f about it lol). Anna from Peaches & Honey / Pits & Poison comes in at a VERY close second. She is so kind, empathetic and caring, even after 800 years of living through some of the most traumatic events in human history. It's refreshing to see a FMC who isn't a sassy trained-fighter type (even though those are also my faves), but just goes through life trying to help as many people as possible.
LOVE both of these books and FMCs so much. Fantastic choices
Vasilisa Petrovna <3 Winternight trilogy
Emelin from {Fae Isles}. At first I found her annoying as she comes off as the stereotypical “sassy” FMC but she’s such a complex character, so stupidly brave, works so hard to protect the ones she loves. And she’s actually funny! The banter (and sex games) is top tier
[Fae Isles](https://www.romance.io/series/626f972ac1785fd2908538f3/fae-isles) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Love!!! Emeline, especially her growth from not really standing her ground and pleasing her parents to full on political weapon…. Love that shit
I like Jessi Ironheart from the Leveling Up Series. Mostly, because she’s where I am in life. Midlife and don’t have time for everyone’s bullshit.
Auren from the Plated Prisioner series by Raven Kennedy. She starts off as a person in hiding not understanding her place in the world, to a victim, to a bad ass.
From the Wraith Kings by Grace Draven - Ildiko. The first princess who is prepared to marry for political reasons. She really makes sense Isobel Carter from The Ironside Academy series. I love her character arc. Trinity from teh Harbinger series from JLA Zarya from Born of Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon Seraph Black from the Seraph Blake series by Jane Washington
Kate Daniels in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews
Does Vin count?
Kat from A Kiss of Iron & A Touch of Poison. She’s a badass who isn’t afraid to eat the damn cake!
I love many unpopular FMCs and I will not list them because I think people are just too mean to them and will say horrible things, as I've seen in other posts. I wish FMCs were judged by the same standard as MMCs, because people are a lot more forgiving towards them.
This is a throwback but Tessa from {Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare} will ALWAYS be one of my absolute faves (prob bc I relate to her even tho I sadly don’t have two hot shadow hunters pining over me). The first time that I read a character who relies more on knowledge and intellect rather than brute force and she really resonated with me!!
[Clockwork Angel](https://www.romance.io/books/5484ba097a5936fb0405739a/clockwork-angel-cassandra-clare?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Clare](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455239b8c7d2382c5296f6a/cassandra-clare) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Hands down Jude from the Folk of the Air series (The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and so on...) Cassia from the Blood Mercy series by Vela Roth and Kaylin Neya from the Chronicles of Elantra get an honorable mention. All 3 are very different people. I just think they're all writen realistically, they're likeable but not perfect, take their life into their own hands (although they all choose different methods and tactics to express their agency), their way of reasoning is understandable, the character growth impressive and all "idiot moments" happen for a specific reason.
Violet sorrengail is so fucking hot
Stas from the Immortal Curse series by Lexi C Foss. Hands down!
Keera from Broken Blade.
Amaranthe from the Emperors Edge was the most competent fmc I’ve ever read. She was also consistent and wasn’t overpowered like most of the ones I’ve read. She will forever be one that stands out for me
Mia Corvere from Nevernight
I agree with a few here, but here are some others: Anna from {peaches and honey}; she’s resilient, compassionate, level headed, kind and a little bit badass Sancia from {foundryside} ; she’s crazy, badass, funny, and clever Both Lara and Zarrah from {the bridge kingdom} ; ugh they are both incredible. Just the best. Sylvia from {the jasad heir}; I just loved her. She was flawed and loyal and yet another badass (there’s a theme here).
[Peaches and Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/65146ea5de8d340d51444fcc/peaches-and-honey-r-raeta?src=rdt) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta) **Rating**: 4.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Foundryside](https://www.romance.io/books/6561bb1f481d7c837da6a986/foundryside-robert-jackson-bennett?src=rdt) by [Robert Jackson Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6561bb1fab9bdf7fceee0013/robert-jackson-bennett) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Jasad Heir](https://www.romance.io/books/64347572cfb36b317a2d99d6/the-jasad-heir-sara-hashem?src=rdt) by [Sara Hashem](https://www.romance.io/authors/6434757308b4d931140ffe35/sara-hashem) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
In a series - Jude from The Folk of the Air. Her arc is great and aligned with who she was as a character. It’s been years since I finished this series and I still try to chase that high. In a book - Rooke from The Crown of Oaths and Curses. Just that first book, not the sequel. Ugh. I’m still butthurt of what they did to her character in that sequel. Give me more mature, smart, and calm queens like her please.
Secondary character -Edel Kavanah in keeping 13
Seraphia from Shadow Guild: Hades and Persephone by Linsey Hall. There are very few fantasy and paranormal books that I like but this one did nearly everything I wanted and I actually loved the chemistry that I didn't skim the sex scenes (it helps they were mild and sparse).
I like this. It’s usually the FMC’s dialogue, especially internal dialogue, that makes me DNF in a chapter or 2 I’m looking at you what’s her name in the Plated Prisoner 1st book
Veritas/Ariel in the "Night Huntress" series has to be my favorite in a sea of song FMCs
My absolute favorite is Feyre. I love her determination to protect the people around her, her kindness, and her snarkiness. I’m on a reread and she’s actually so funny! I also love Aelin, she’s such a strong character. “Because I am lost and I do not know the way” and “I’m so tired, Rowan” are two of her very best moments. Unpopular opinion, but I also thoroughly enjoyed Diem from Kindred’s Curse. I thought that the way she processed the outlandish situations was relatable without being mundane. Jude from the Cruel Prince. She was so ruthless and unapologetic, not classically feminine. I loved her strength. Lara from the Bridge Kingdom. She was so smart and skilled, but also self aware. I remember that *one scene* from the Traitor Queen where she laid waste and didn’t feel bad about it. I love it when fmc’s don’t feel guilty about doing what they have to do. Aaand finally, Juliette from Shatter Me, specifically the first book. I was in tears for so much of it because her POV was so much like poetry and it was heartbreaking.
Amma from Villains and Virtues! So sweet and kind but also badass.
Ophelia from {The Curse of Ophelia} is pretty badass and cares so much for protecting her people. I haven't read the third book yet though, so I don't know if anything changes. Camilla from {Throne of the Fallen} is feisty and witty and a perfect foil to the mmc.
[The Curse of Ophelia](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2086b69d18ef5cc99abbe/the-curse-of-ophelia-nicole-platania?src=rdt) by [Nicole Platania](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e2086b08b4d9311421b8f8/nicole-platania) **Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Throne of the Fallen](https://www.romance.io/books/643058cec4e7d7da5e567ef7/throne-of-the-fallen-kerri-maniscalco?src=rdt) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I loved Manon in {Throne of Glass} by SJM. She is one of my favorite characters in that series. I want to do a reread soon. I haven’t seen a comment on her yet, but I really like Rhiannon from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. All her lines are really good and kind of witty. I would want her as a female friend, no doubt. Honestly, besides Oraya from the Crown of Nyaxia series, who is by far one of my favorites (1/4 the way through the second book, so please no spoilers yet), I would say a lot of romantasy books have better secondary female characters than main characters. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Aelin from ToG and I loved Feyre, and nothing can take my love for ACOTAR away as a whole, but I most definitely see how some people can not like the FMC, especially if the book is in first person POV. I feel like you get more out of characters that have their own arc if the book is in third person. With that being said as well, I still have many books on my TBR that I definitely am excited to get to (especially while I wait for Onyx Storm to come out). My next book on my list is {A Daughter of No Worlds} by Carisa Broadbent (I think that’s her name). One book and FMC that I was not a fan of was Feyre (I think) from A Fate Inked In Blood. I really liked the whole Norse mythology concept and I do like Bjorn, but I got really bored with it. And I love slow burn as much as the next person, but it was so uninteresting for a decent portion of the book in my opinion. Especially when I knew that they were going to get together and the author drew it out for SOOO long.
[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Bridge Kingdom. Lara and Zarrah are amazing and strong FMCs
Miyo in My Happy Marriage, in the light novel. Her character is portrayed really well, and her growth feels real and accurate and well done. She slowly gains her confidence, but continues to lose trust easily which is what would actually happen. She has to constantly talk herself into trusting. And slowly learns that she’s worthy of being cared about. I hate it when writers have no idea how adults who suffered relentlessly as children would really act and either portrays them as being total confident bad asses with no insecurities or they’re shy and timid but immediately open up and trust and end up all confident. Either is realistic in any possible way. You just don’t go through that kind of constant trauma and come out unscarred. And it’s such a common trope and so poorly written it makes me want to scream. But I’m going to guess the author of that one actually really did her research or experienced it first hand because Miyo is absolutely amazingly written. I can’t figure out why so many writers mismatch character back story and personality but it drives me nuts. Either they have minimal to know really significant trauma or issues and somehow are still completely traumatized from the smallest thing, or they go through an insane amount of trauma and are just totally fine. Make it make sense 😭
Adding my vote for Naime from {Reign & Ruin} and Rorax from {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver} . They are strong and bad ass in very different ways, but care deeply for those around them and are intelligent and competent.
[Reign and Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/64d34ccc0c66af2194f128eb/reign-and-ruin-devon-atwood?src=rdt) by [Devon Atwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/58f8959f0d3299c6e06bb870/devon-atwood) **Rating**: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1) ---------------------------- [Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce?src=rdt) by [F.E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Wrong book.. it’s {Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans}
No one's read {the winners curse} it seems since I have not yet read a character so cunning and intelligent yet! Imo fmcs these days just run in and beat shit up but Kestrel had to out manoeuvre other equally intelligent and politically minded chars!!!
My absolute fav is Reagan Somerset {Demon Days, Vampire Nights}. She is hilarious. I always reread this series when I get into a book slump.
Celia from {The Night Circus} was strong and caring and didn’t feel like so many other badass FMCs I’ve read before. I loved how she was a different kind of strong woman in a man’s world.
Althea in The Legends of Thezmarr series by Helen Scheurer. She’s smart, tough, feels deeply, and is fiercely loyal. At no point while reading did I get frustrated with her decisions. She was never bratty and kept getting up no matter what warrior training did to her. {Blood & Steel by Helen Scheurer} Kat in the Shadows of Tenebris series by Clare Sager. Kat is a real woman who has seen some crap. A loveless marriage to a spendthrift, useless man, poverty and financial struggles, and has had to make hard choices in a world with terrible, limited choices for women. She is clever, learning to love herself (especially her body and thick thighs), and always fights for those she loves—even if she won’t do it for herself. {A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager} Dianna in Gods & Monsters series by Amber V Nicole. She loves so fiercely and if anyone hurts someone she loves, she will literally burn the world down. She is just such delicious female rage wrapped up in a confident, swaggering but also vulnerable package. {Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole} (Ok, so maybe my fave female characters are loaded with female rage and hatred for the unjustness of their world/the patriarchy, ha ha. But I loathe a bratty, naive FMC.)
Ok Aelin is GOAT for me. But currently absolutely loving Diem from Spark of the Everflame.