2019 is coming to a close, and that means it’s time to reflect on the best books of the year. Specifically, we’re looking back on the most funny, powerful, intelligent, loyal and overall amazing female heroines in these books. There were no shortage of empowering female characters in these books so it was a challenge to choose just a few. However, these were my favorites across all the genres.
1. Woven in Moonlight‘s Ximena by Isabel Ibañez
There are countless reasons to love Ximena, one of them being that she has a sloth as a sidekick. Woven in Moonlight is based on Spanish mythology and culture, and it’s language is beautifully surreal. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic adventure stories. The imagery is breathtaking and Ximena is so fierce! She refuses to be tricked into an arranged marriage and instead stands up for herself.
2. The Starless Sea‘s Mirabel by Erin Morgenstern
If you loved The Night Circus, then you’ll love Morgenstern’s newest story. The book was moving slowly until I met the exciting, heroic character Mirabel. From her boldly-dyed hair to her innate understanding of literary references, I fell in love with this heroine right away. She’s proud of who she is and nothing ever changes that. Her honest nature is refreshing and lovely, just like her personality. Let’s not forget about her adorable Where the Wild Things Are costume!
3. The Last True Poets of the Sea‘s Liv by Julia Drake
If there was one couple of 2019 I shipped, it was Violet and Liv. Their friendship and slow romance is gorgeous and realistic. Few books depict teenage love this accurately. What’s more impressive is how Violet and Liv are loveable as a couple and as separate characters. Liv is my favorite just because we read the story through Violet’s perspective so we never really know what Liv is thinking. She’s more mysterious, but still adorkable. This book was advertised for young adults and even fourteen and fifteen year olds, but the themes are timeless and can be appreciated by adults as well. This underrated novel is perfect if you’re looking for lgbtq+ representation too.
4. The Evil Queen‘s Everly by Gena Showalter
All I can say after reading this book is that there better be a sequel! Everly is that flawed anti-hero everyone will love. She’s cunning and savvy and does try her best to be a hero. Her struggles, although they involve hiding magic powers, are relatable. She is trying to be a normal girl and a loyal sister. Her struggles become the reader’s and no doubt Everly is the best character in this book. If you love the shows Once Upon a Time and Jessica Jones, this book is a mash-up of the two.
5. The Wicked King‘s Jude by Holly Black
Jude continues to rock my world in this sequel of the The Folk of the Air trilogy. She was the only reason I enjoyed The Cruel Prince book, but believe it or not, she actually gets more incredible in The Wicked King. Her dynamic with Cardan improves, even though–don’t worry–they still argue. Her fighting skills improve and so does her wit. She becomes a master of courtroom politics and how to socialize with various Fae. After this book’s cliffhanger, I can’t wait for the final book! My preordered copy just arrived at home. Excuse me while I escape to the world of faerie love and powerful female spies.
Another reason to love all these books is that they are all authored by women. Hooray for diversity!
Some other recommendations:
The Girl the Sea Gave Back‘s Tova by Adrienne Young
The World That We Knew‘s Ava by Alice Hoffman
The Odd Sister‘s Circe by Serena Valentino