All About Fantasy & Sci-Fi Female Leads
It’s fair to say female leads have come a LONG way in the past 15-20 years. This is never more obvious in fantasy and sci-fi.
From romantasy to sci-fi – and everything in between – these female leads exemplify sacrifice, bravery, skill and fierce independence.
As a huge fan of both fantasy and sci-fi, I thought I’d put 6 of my fave modern protagonists from these genres under the microscope. Ready? Let’s go …
1) Bella Swann, The Twilight Saga
A fish out of water when she stays with her father Charlie in the town of Forks. While there, Bella finds herself drawn into the supernatural world when she meets Edward Cullen, a vampire.
Her journey is one of loyalty, self-sacrifice and choosing love despite immense danger. Arguably, Twilight is one of the very first books in the popular romantasy subgenre.
Bella is a deeply contentious female character, with some readers and viewers declaring her ‘bland’ and overly dependent on Edward. They also complain she is selfish, particularly towards Jacob and her father.
In the 2020 retelling of Twilight from Edward’s POV Midnight Sun, he claps back BIG TIME at such criticisms of Bella, which I really enjoyed. Read more about this on my LVH author site, HERE.
2) Triss Prior, The Divergent Series
In a storyworld where people are supposed to be only what they’re good at, Triss is a great character. She does not fit neatly into one box, which underscores that women, in particular, don’t have to be just one thing.
Starting first in the Abnegation faction that models self-sacrifice, Triss defects to the more physical faction, Dauntless. She is brave and selfless, helping to uncover a sinister conspiracy that puts everyone in danger. Her divergence allows her to challenge a rigid society and fight for truth and freedom.
3) Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games series
Katniss Everdeen is one of my favourite female leads of all time, regardless of genre. She is fiercely independent and volunteers as tribute to save her younger sister, Primrose. Unlike many characters who go ‘zero to hero’ via The Hero’s Journey, she has a flat arc.
Throughout the original Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss suffers from survivor’s guilt but ultimately becomes a symbol of the rebellion. Her strength lies not only in combat but in her compassion and moral defiance.
I love Suzanne Collins’ writing of Katniss, because she is heavily parentified, something many eldest daughters go through. But the resonant thematics don’t end there. Throughout the five books in this storyworld, Collins creates a rich and authentic world that encompasses not only gender but also commentary on race, LGBTQ, and disability themes.
MORE: 4 Ways The Hunger Games Subvert Expectations Sensitively
4) Violet Sorrengail, The Empyrean Series
Violet is forced into Basgaith’s dragon rider academy by her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail. During her time there, she must undergo a steep learning curve, moving from her previous intellectual pursuits in the Scribe Quadrant. Gifted academically, her intelligence and resilience – not just physical endurance – means she survives.
Violet is also disabled character who likely has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Although this is not named specifically in the text, author Rebecca Yarros reportedly deals with this herself. Yarros has expressed comfort in knowing readers with similar chronic illnesses feel represented by her characters.
Violet experiences chronic pain and frequent joint subluxations (partial dislocations), reflecting Yarros’s own life. This authenticity means The Empyrean series is an #OwnVoices story.
5) Feyre Archeron, A Court Of Thorns & Roses (ACOTAR)
A determined mortal huntress, Feyre is a determined huntress whose survival instincts lead her into the dangerous fae world.
When she kills a wolf who turns out to be the associate of a powerful fae king, Feyre finds herself carried off to his world. While there, she is forced to confront her prejudices against the fae. Over time, she grows into a powerful force, balancing love, trauma, and fierce independence.
6) Izzy Parker, Ashen Crown
A wild card here, but Ashen Crown has made a big splash since publishing as an Audible Original in late 2025!
Izzy starts off the story in our world, literally falling into a fae world of power, danger and political intrigue. Caught between a fae prince and his tyrannical mother, she uncovers her own strength.
She is a sharp-witted and determined heroine and must learn to navigate loyalty, betrayal, and the true costs of claiming her destiny. I loved it!
BONUS!
7) Maddy, Skyjack
Another wild card here … by me (as Lizzie Fry)!
Skyjack follows the fates of Maddy, one of the very last women and girls left alive after a pandemic called ‘The Fall’ has decimated the female population.
Maddy is trapped in a fortified enclave, supposedly safe … until a red parachute crashes into her world. The boy inside? Terrified, malnourished, and marked with the word that makes the Fort shiver: SKYJACK.
Ruthless airborne raiders are coming. Survival isn’t just about hiding – it’s about who you trust, and how far you’ll go to protect your world. If you love:
- Fierce female leads
- Post-apocalyptic tension
- Found-family stories under pressure
…you won’t put this novella down.
Skyjack is out tomorrow (Mar 17th) and you can pre-order it HERE, or hit the pic above or below.
Enjoy!
