 | Finley of Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross In this steampunked novel inspired by Stevenson's The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, Finley Jayne is a girl with a dark side. When she becomes angry or fearful a dark, fierce personality takes hold of her body; a personality that does as she pleases regardless of what Finley desires. Finley, along with new- found friends, must discover how to tame the beast or risk losing herself forever. Full review here. Traits: Strong, Independent, Resourceful, Kind |
 | Eleanor of Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard With her brother is missing and a Necromancer raising an army of the Dead, Eleanor must break the rules to discover the whereabouts of her brother, the identity of the Necromancer and keep her mother oblivious to her activities. Full review here. Traits: Cunning, Loyal, Forward-Thinking, Progressive, Feisty |
 | Rhine of Wither by Lauren DeStefano As a result of a mysterious worldwide epidemic, females die at age 20, males at age 25. Without parents or elders of any kind, society has crumbled and the struggle to survive and ensure the continued existence of the human race has taken precedence. At age sixteen, Rhine only has four years left to live. Rhine is kidnapped and sold into marriage, but is determined to escape the gilded confines of her husband's compound and reunite with her brother. Traits: Independent, Kind, Stubborn, Hopeful |
 | Alianne of Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce Daughter of The Lioness, the first female knight in a century, Ali feels a lot of pressure to live up to the stereotype-challenging standard of her famous mother. The problem is that Ali couldn't be more different in temperament and skills! When Ali is kidnapped by slavers, she stumbles upon her true destiny. Traits: Wiley, Smart, Observant, Focused |
 | Karou of Daughter of Smoke & Bone and Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor Karou has no knowledge of her origins - she was raised by chimera who treated her as their own child. When the truth about Karou's past is revealed she begins to question everything she's ever known. Full review is here. Traits: Loyal, Artistic, Dogged, Stubborn, Intelligent |
Who would you add to the list of Kick-Ass Femmes in YA Lit?
