Queens of Literature: Feyre

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

(amazing artistic rendering created by the talented Merwild on Deviantart)

Feyre (A Court of Mist and Fury) 

A human dragged into the world of faeries. Cursebreaker, fighter, and kindhearted.

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Who is she? 

Feyre, the heroine of Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series, is human who is brought to the realm of Fae in order to serve a punishment. She's iron-willed but somewhat broken, and as the series progresses, readers witness her transformation into a stunningly fierce warrior and friend. She learns to harness what power she has and it to use it to defend what good is left in her divided world. 

Why is she a queen? 

Feyre would strike anyone as royalty as soon as they learn about her. Her sense of honor and loyalty, as well as her desire to protect those around her, marks her as a queen. She is also strong on her own: she doesn't wish to be locked up or defended by men. She trains to protect herself and always makes her own choices. 

A quote from Karou:

“I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal.
I was a survivor, and I was strong.
I would not be weak, or helpless again
I would not, could not be broken. Tamed.” (A Court of Mist and Fury) 

Let's Talk About Feyre

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

The heroine of Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses. Artistic rendering done by Charlie-Bowater. 

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Who is she? 

In the beginning of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Feyre struck me as a bit of Katniss wannabe. She is pretty good with a bow and arrow, and she often spends hours out in the woods working to provide for her family. She rarely smiles, and she seems to be way too serious for a teenage girl. Sounds pretty familiar, right? However, she begins to change after she enters the world of the faeries... 

Description:  

She describes herself as mediocre looking, and she isn't concerned much with appearances. However, if you were to listen to the men in the story, they'd have a lot more to say about her beauty (as well as her strong attitude). 

Why is she a queen? 

At points, Feyre appears immature and even selfish. Having said that, part of the reason I love her is because she grows as a character. Readers witness her opinions change and her strength grow as she learns to trust herself and to make incredible sacrifices for those she loves. Her powerful love and urge to protect those around her wins her a spot as a YA queen. Feyre stands up for herself, as well as those who are important to her.

A quote from Feyre:

“Better to die with my chin held high than groveling like a cowering worm.” (The Wrath and the Dawn) 

Let's Talk About Shazi

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

(artistic rendering found online, not my own work)

The heroine of Renee Ahdieh's The Wrath and the Dawn

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Who is she? 

Shahrzad is not your normal damsel in distress. Although she becomes the bride of a wife-mudering king, she has a plan to extract revenge in the name of her dear friend. Her loyalty to those she loves is fierce, and her sharp tongue never fails to strike at those who are deserving. 

Description:  

Described as a skinny but beautiful woman, Shahrzad's appearance renders most men and women impressed. 

Why is she a queen? 

Ironically, Shahrzad is literally a queen (Calipha) of Rey in her tale, although her role is a result of a devious scheme to murder her king. However, this is not why I decided to award Shahrzad with the title. She's headstrong and immature at times, but her heart is true and strong. She never allows a man to walk all over her, and yet she still retains her femininity. Despite being surrounded by powerful men who wish to tame her unruly personality and confidence , Shahrzad's shine never dulls.  She's a ruler I would follow anywhere. 

A quote from Shahrzad:

“It's never been a question of who is going to let me behave a certain way; it's always been a question of who is going to stop me. I thank you for answering it.” (The Wrath and the Dawn) 

Queens of YA Literature: Annabeth Chase

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

(Artistic rendering done by viria13, an amazing artist who loves Percy Jackson)

Witty and daring daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom

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Who is she? 

For starters, Rick Riordan's Annabeth is a demigod (part human, part Greek goddess). Her intelligence and knack for strategy come as gifts from her immortal mother, Athena. With Percy Jackson and a motley cast of lovable characters, Annabeth embarks on countless adventures to protect the world from the very real dangers of mythology. 

Description:  

Gray-eyed (a trait shared by all of Athena's children) and blonde.Slender, but strong and skilled with weapons.

Why is she a queen? 

First of all, I cannot express my undying love for Rick Riordan's characters. Seriously, that man is a wizard when it comes to creating hilarious and incredible characters. Annabeth is no exception. In her debut, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Annabeth is twelve years old. Even then, she possesses admirable amounts of strength and will. As she ages throughout the rest of Riordan's books, her intelligence and confidence continue to blossom. She's the kind of girl you want to be, and the kind of girl you desperately don't want to be your enemy. 

A quote about Annabeth

“He had no idea where the stereotype of dumb giggly blondes came from. Ever since he'd met Annabeth at the Grand Canyon last winter,when she'd marched toward him with that Give me Percy Jackson or I’ll kill you expression, Leo had thought of blondes as much too smart and much too dangerous.” (The Mark of Athena) 

Queens of YA Literature: Linh Cinder

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

(Artistic rendering done by lostie815. 

Click here to see the awesome depictions of the rest of the Lunar Chronicle Cast!)

A futuristic cyborg with more to her than metal limbs and grease stains.

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Who is she? 

At sixteen years old, Cinder (from the novel of the same name by Marissa Meyer) has more than your regular heap of adolescent issues. Raised by a step-family that despises her, she finds solace in her talent with machines. Cinder is the primary heroine of The Lunar Chronicles, and her life changes drastically as she unearths secrets about her past. 

Description:  

Fairly tall, with dark eyes and tanned skin. Her hair is described as "mousy," and although she claims she is nothing special, many describe her as beautiful or striking. Of course, this could be a result of her sexy metal thigh. 

Why is she a queen? 

I think the quote I included below is a pretty powerful example of why Cinder is a YA queen. She's smart, hardworking, and kind, but she also embodies a sense of female-empowerment that I think we need to see more of in literature. Her character might stem from the classic image of Cinderella, but she's no helpless princess. 

Queens of YA Literature: Karou

Over the past decade, Western society has made enormous strides towards gender equality. However, we all know that the media and other aspects of our world occasionally fail to portray women in the best light. Video games, movies, and even books sometimes portray as weak-willed and second rate. 

Fortunately, many authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight some of these characters with this meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

(artistic rendering created by BlackBirdInk)

Karou (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) 

An unearthly, seventeen year-old human girl with a history that spans a lifetime of war.

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Who is she? 

Karou, the heroine of Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, is a blue-haired art student with a secret life. By day, she sketches with her best friend and plays the part of a normal teenager. By night, she runs errands for mysterious creatures that lie hidden from the human eye. She's skilled in martial arts and languages, both of which she uses to accomplish the tasks set for her by the monsters she refers to as family. 

Description:  

Although she is of average height and build, Karou is by no means normal looking. Something about her reminds people of an ethereal dancer, someone who is not of this world (and they aren't entirely wrong).

Why is she a queen? 

Almost every decision Karou makes stems from her love for her friends and family. She is constantly making sacrifices for the good of others, and her bravery knows no bounds.  

A quote from Karou:

“Be your own place of safety, she told herself, straightening. No crossbar in the world could protect her from what lay ahead, and neither could a tiny knife ticked in her boot - though there her tiny knife would most certainly remain - and neither could a man, not even Akiva. She had to be her own strength, complete unto herself.” (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) 

Queens of Literature (4)

In today's society, it is nearly impossible for teens to find a role model among the emaciated models and unrealistic characters of reality television shows and movies. Fortunately, authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight one of these characters every week in my newest meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

Isaboe of Lumatere

  “It’s against the rules of humanity to believe there is nothing we can do.”   

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*WARNING: There are spoilers from The Lumatere Chronicles*

Who is she? 

Isaboe, formerly known as Evanjalin of the Monts, is the literal queen of the kingdom of Lumatere in The Lumatere Chronicles. After witnessing and escaping the horrific slaughter of her royal family as a little girl, Isaboe took on the identity of an orphaned Mont and survived on her own for ten years. During that decade, Isaboe grew into a determined, brilliant, and inspirational leader. With the help of Finnkin of the Rock and her other followers, Isaboe reclaims her kingdom for the clutches of an evil tyrant. 

Description:  

The photo I used is not actually Isaboe. It is a piece of fanwork I found on deviantart.com, and all credit goes to the artist. However, that is almost exactly how I picture Isaboe. She's even wearing a purple dress that matches the description below!

“Isaboe was dressed more for comfort than for style, but still she managed to take Froi's breath away. When he had first laid eyes on her in that Sarnak alleyway, her head had been bare. Now her hair was thick and black and fell down her back, contrasting with the deep purple of her simple dress that fell loosely, from her shoulders. ”

"What is she like? Evanjalin of the Monts?" he asked.

Finnikin thought for a moment. "Strong. In here," he said, thumping his chest twice. "Humbling. Ruthless. Cunning. She can love people with a fierceness that I have not seen before." He smiled when he realized he was talking too much. "And she looks like a Mont woman, so of course she is very beautiful."

Why She Is a Queen: 
1. She is an awe inspiring leader who shows little fear in the face of danger.

"You remember her, don't you, Lord Freychinet? The queen? Tallish. Dark hair. Not the type to say things twice, so when she speaks the words, 'Tell them that if they have a problem with my decision, I may be forced to look into the crimes against my people that took place while my lords turned their backs,' I tend to take them to heart."

2. Despite her royal status, Isaboe behaves as if she is no better than anyone else and is always willing to lend a hand. 

"Trevanion saw the queen the instant he arrived. She was dressed in peasant clothing like those around her and she was hacking at the earth with the same determination."

3. Isaboe encourages those around her to become better people through example and words of inspiration. A wonderful example of this behavior is how she saves Froi from a life of depravity and starvation by simply believing in him.

"Froi remembered nothing about Lumatere. All he had known was life on the streets in another kingdom, where a chance meeting with Finnikin and the queen changed his life. In a secret part of him, Froi reveled in what he had gained from Lumatere's curse. He never looked back, because if he did, he would have to think of the shame and the baseness of who he had once been without his bond. He would do anything to prove his worth to the queen." 

4. She isn't afraid to pick up a weapon and protect herself and those around her. 

"Before he knew it, Finnikin's sword was kicked toward him as she grabbed the man's sword at his hip and plunged it into his thigh. Finnikin was stunned, but the sight of Evanjalin fighting one of the theives was all he needed to act." 

5. She does what needs to be done, even when others don't have the courage or faith to do so.

"Do not despair in the darkness, Finnikin. It will be my despair you sense, but I have never allowed it to overtake me, so do not let yourself be consumed."

I only wish I could be as strong as Queen Isaboe. Her inner and outer beauty has distinguished her as an exemplary heroine. If you haven't looked into The Lumatere Chronicles, I strongly suggest you do! They are amazing, filled with deep characters like this queen.

Queens of Literature (3)

 In today's society, it is nearly impossible for teens to find a role model among the emaciated models and unrealistic characters of reality television shows and movies. Fortunately, authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight one of these characters every week in my newest meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

This week's Queen is...

From The Host by Stephenie Meyer

What Makes Melanie a Queen: 

Melanie is truly an incredible character. Her personality consists of pure fire and a fierce loyalty to those she loves. No matter the danger her world faces, Melanie puts her life on the line to protect her friends and family. Self-sacrifice is no stranger to this Queen. Determined to guard her secrets from the enemy, Melanie would cross deadly deserts and hostile camps, risking her life. Her temper and volatile emotions bring out these strengths, along with the weaknesses she battles throughout the novel. Melanie Stryder is one of the most passionate Queens out there.

Quotes from Melanie: 

‎"'You can't know how much time we'll have. You don't know if we should be counting in months or days or hours.'"

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"'Listen up, Wanda. I know exactly what you don’t want to be. But we’re human, and we’re selfish, and we don’t always do the right thing. We aren’t going to let you go. Deal with it.'"

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“I am so hungry. There is another need that is stronger- another hungry stomach hidden safely far away in the darkness, waiting alone in the rough cave that is our temporary home. A cramped place, jagged with volcanic rock. What will he do if I don't come back? All the pressure of motherhood with none of the knowledge or experience. I feel so hideously helpless. Jamie is hungry."

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"'Do it,' I spit through my teeth. 'Just do it. I don't want to be a fifthly parasite!'

I wait for the knife. My heart is aching. "

Queens of Literature (2)

 In today's society, it is nearly impossible for teens to find a role model among the emaciated models and unrealistic characters of reality television shows and movies. Fortunately, authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight one of these characters every week in my newest meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

This week's Queen is...

From the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

What Makes Katniss a Queen: 

You would be very, very hard pushed to find a tougher heroine than Katniss. She is emotionally and physically strong in a way that rivals even the most hardened of men. Having spent most of her childhood caring for her sister and mother after her father's death, Katniss is accustomed to sacrifice. Then, when Katniss is forced to compete in the cruel, brutal Hunger Games, her skills come into play more than ever. No matter how dangerous or heart-breaking things may be, Katniss pushes on with a fiery determination. She defends those she loves with all that she has, and she never backs down. Then, when the time comes, Katniss becomes the leader that the rebel forces need, even though she is terrified. She overlooks her doubts and insecurities to do what must be done. What a Queen.

Quotes from Katniss: 

"At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead.The hard thing is finding the courage to do it." 

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"I can feel Peeta press his forehead into my temple and he asks, “So now that you’ve got me, what are you going to do with me?”

I turn in to him. “Put you somewhere you can’t get hurt.” And when he kisses me, people in the room actually sigh." 

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“What they want is for me to truly take on the role they designed for me. The symbol of revolution. The Mockingjay.”

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"You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers.
"Real," I answer. "Because that's what you and I do, protect each other."

Queens of Literature (1)

 In today's society, it is nearly impossible for teens to find a role model among the emaciated models and unrealistic characters of reality television shows and movies. Fortunately, authors of the twenty-first century are conjuring up female characters worthy of discussion and admiration. I've decided to highlight one of these characters every week in my newest meme, Queens of Literature. Each post will focus on a fictional heroine from a book I have read who possesses the qualities of a truly incredible woman.

This week's Queen is...

From the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

What Makes Hermione a Queen: 

Hermione Granger is beautiful, inside and out. While she might be considered a know-it all, she puts her vast knowledge of magic to use by protecting those she loves. Surprisingly brave and fiercely loyal, Hermione accompanies her best friend Harry on countless numbers of terrifying adventures. As the Harry Potter series progressed and grew, so did Hermione. Millions of readers watched her transform from an awkward nerd to a determined, brilliant witch. No spell is too complicated and no mystery is too intimidating for this Queen to tackle. Whether her mission is defending helpless house elfs or battling the evil Lord Voldemort, Hermione's determination never wavers.

Quotes from Hermione: 

"Harry--you're a great wizard, you know."
"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let him go.
"Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things--friendship and bravery and--oh Harry--be careful!" 

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"You said to us once before," said Hermione quietly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we?"

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"Mudblood, and proud of it!"

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"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent."