We love a book where we’re not only rooting for the strong female character, but where we’re seriously holding ourselves back from screaming YAAAAAS while reading in a public place. These heroines come in all shapes and sizes, and appear in fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, you name it. We’ve rounded up our top 13 heroines who give us all the female empowerment vibes.

1. Amani from Rebel of the Sands

Why she’s #iconic: Being the best sharp shooter for miles, taming ancient beasts, never telling a lie, and finding a romance hotter than the desert sun.

2. Adelina from The Young Elites

Why she’s #iconic:: Unleashing her dark powers, changing the course of history for malfettos, and descending on a path to villainy.

3. Laia from An Ember in the Ashes

Why she’s #iconic: Spying on the most evil woman in the empire by pretending to be her slave, fighting with the Resistance to find her brother, and causing one of the top military students at Blackcliff academy to change his ways.

4. Shazi from The Wrath and the Dawn

Why she’s #iconic: Making it through the night as the wife of a ruler who weds a new bride each day only to have her executed the next morning.

5. Cassie from The 5th Wave

Why she’s #iconic: Showing us how survival is really done in the war against humanity.

6. Rose from Vampire Academy

Why she’s #iconic: Protecting her best friend from Strigoi by any means necessary, studying under the most badass guardian, and clapping back at anyone who crosses her.

7. Tina from City of Saints and Thieves

Why she’s #iconic: Working as a master thief in the city’s local gang, and seeking vengeance on her mother’s killer.

8. Fallon from The Valiant

Why she’s #iconic: Training in an elite school for female gladiators—owned by none other than Julius Caesar.

9. Rhee from Empress of a Thousand Skies

Why she’s #iconic: Rhee has been described as “Arya Stark in space.” Need we say more? Ok, fine. She’s also the lone survivor of her family, and she’s hell-bent on  on avenging them and claiming her rightful throne. (Told ya!)

10. Zahra from The Forbidden Wish

Why she’s #iconic: Being the most powerful female jinni of all time, falling in love with a human, and breaking the boundaries of her world.

11. Lady Helen from The Dark Days Club

Why she’s #iconic: Breaking her expectations to fight with a force dedicated to destroying the demons that have infiltrated London…and doing it in a dress.

12. Avery from The Conspiracy of Us

Why she’s #iconic: Keeping it together when she finds out the world is run by 12 secret and powerful families who think she’s the key to an ancient prophecy.

13. Harper Price from Rebel Belle

Why she’s #iconic: Balancing her duties as a debutante with her new job as one in an ancient line of guardians sent to protect her nemesis-turned-love interest.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out the books we can’t wait to read this spring!