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I feel all the heroines in the books I read are some form of kick-ass. I mean, they have to be, right?! Otherwise their stories would have no point. The thing is, there’s different kinds of kick-ass. Some are kick-ass from the beginning, others become kick-ass throughout the course of their books. And I don’t only mean these gals are physically kick-ass, I also mean the ones that overcome real issues in their lives and come out with better understanding of themselves. They are kick-ass too.
For this list of kick-ass heroines though, I’m turning to the ones that kick actual butt and do it well. It was difficult narrowing down the list, and it’s definitely not a complete list, but here are ten that I love. So lets get started!
1. Elena Michaels (Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong) – Honestly, all the women in this series are kick-ass, but Elena came first. In Bitten, the book that started it all, she overcomes and puts aside so many things to come and help out the werewolf pack she never wants to be around again. She’s incredibly intelligent and confident, and her being a werewolf gives her extraordinary strength.
2. Katsa (Graceling by Kristin Cashore) – Katsa should definitely be on everyone’s list. And if she isn’t, it must be because you have read her story. Katsa is independent and she can beat up any single person, male or female, around.
3. Calla Tor (Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer) – Calla might not have the best track record of getting on everyone’s good side, I know some people can’t stand her, but she can kick some butt. There’s no denying that.
4. Cat (Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost) – Sometimes the kick-ass heroines need a little polish in their kicking-ass ways, and Cat was definitely one of these…but Bones helped her become one of the best ones on this list. :)
5. June (Legend series by Marie Lu) – Duuuuude! June is kick-ass right out of the gates!! She’s a prodigy! She’s seriously impressive.
6. Aya (Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr) – Aya is kick-ass in that she wants to be more that the role she was born into. And ooooh, does she!! She’s such an incredible character that we have just scratched the surface of in this book.
7. Rose Hathaway (Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead) – It’s ROSE HATHAWAY! She was strong and incredible for six whole books! Sure, she had moments of doubt and weakness, but she was kick-ass even then.
8. Tris (Divergent series by Veronica Roth) – Tris was trained to be kick-ass, and I loved seeing her develop into it. I have lots of good feelings about Tris. :)
9. Elena Deveraux (Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh) – Another Elena makes the list! (Sidenote: I have a best friend whose name is Elena and she also happens to be kick-ass :)) Not only is Elena good at taking down vampires who are out of control, she is consort to THE Archangel of New York. It takes a kick-ass woman to handle that.
10. Yelena (Study series by Maria V. Snyder) – Yelena is the definition of strength of character. For serious. And then she learns to fight and kicks all kinds of ass. If you haven’t read this series, you’re missing out.
Fara @ Tumbling In Books
Got Calla, Rose & Tris on my list too. Great Top 10! :D
Here my Top 10
mobb
seems like most of the people love Katsa. i really love the choice of topic for this week.:D
Tanya Patrice
Awesome list – I didn’t participate this week, but Elena & Katsa would have made my list for sure. Also loved Yelena and June. I’ve still got to read Carnival of Souls.
Cynthia
I have Rose, Tris and Katsa on my list too. I need to read some of these books you have on here. Great list Jess!
Sarah @ Storybound Girl
Please excuse me while I go add a bunch of books to my TBR list.
Candice @ The Grown-Up YA
Yay! Great list! I haven’t seen some of these today but am glad you included them!
Mel@thedailyprophecy
I really need to read Graceling & Legend (and some other books on your list as well)
TTT @thedailyprophecy.
SaraO@TheLibrarianReads
Oh Aya from Carnival of Souls! That girl is def. a warrior. Also, Calla Tor. I’ll admit I didn’t always like her. But she was always willing to do what she had to in battle. I just wish she had been as decisive in her love life…
Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews
I love that you mentioned Cat, Rose, Tris, and June! I need to read the other books, but I am looking forward to it. I am especially intrigued by Graceling and Carnival of Souls.
Carrie from Stalking the Bookshelves
Great minds think alike! I have Rose, Katsa and Tris on my list as well. I still need to read Poison Study.
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
Man, I haven’t read any of the books mentioned in your list. But I do want to read some of them. I have been seeing Rose from VA a lot, and it is making me want to try that series. And I definitely want to read Graceling, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
dixie
most of these I don’t know, but Tris is one I should have added.
Micheline
Well, most of your list is on my ‘to-read’ shelf (#’s 1 through 7 and # 10 lol) I actually own Graceling I just haven’t had the time to read it yet! Absolutely dying to get into Kelley Armstrong’s adult series as well :) I love seeing Tris there though, she made my TTT as well. Thanks for sharing, new follower via Twitter & FB.
Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows
Jenni Elyse
Yay for Katsa! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who loves her! :D
Linda
I can’t believe I forgot Elena on my list. Great choices!
Shelver506
I haven’t read most of the books on this list, but I loved the reasons you gave. Very cool.
My TTT: http://shelversanon.blogspot.com/2012/10/top-10-tuesday-i-am-no-man.html