Here at Penguin Teen, we are constantly inspired by all of the badass ladies that we love to read about. From the deserts of Miraji to the arenas of ancient Rome; the streets of futuristic America to the skies of outer space, we have a whole host of fierce women to choose from when we want to feel inspired, empowered, and ready to tackle whatever’s ahead of us. Read on for some of our faves!

Shazi from The Wrath and the Dawn

When the young Caliph of her land has Shazi’s best friend executed, she’ll stop at nothing to seek revenge – but she’s also capable of opening her heart when things aren’t what they seem. Basically, don’t cross this lady.

Laia from An Ember in the Ashes

In a brutal world where a step out of line could mean the end of your life, Laia doesn’t hesitate to risk everything to save her family. And she doesn’t stop there.

Amani from Rebel of the Sands

Amani comes from a history of oppression, but the fire in her heart will lead her to join causes much bigger than herself in the desert nation of Miraji. This lady is the best kind of fierce.

Cassie from The 5th Wave

Even when most of the earth has been destroyed by five waves of destruction from aliens, Cassie will fight to find her brother. Basically: never underestimate the sister.

Adelina from The Young Elites

Though her methods might sometimes be questionable, Adelina is one of the most fascinating heroines we’ve ever met. Her passion and her fury have no bounds.

Caledonia from Seafire

This book is full of strong women–and not just that, but strong women looking out for one another. Squad goals don’t even begin to describe this epic sisterhood, or what Caledonia Styx will do to keep them safe.

Rhee from Empress of a Thousand Skies

The lone survivor of her family, Rhee is hell-bent on avenging them and claiming her rightful throne. As it turns out, there are some kickass ladies running around space too.

Fallon from The Triumphant

Okay, so Fallon from The Valiant Trilogy takes this whole ultimate warrior thing to a whole new, very literal level. By book three, Fallon isn’t just a warrior. She’s leading a gang of warriors. In The Triumphant, Fallon and her warrior sisters embark on an epic journey from the corrupt Roman Republic to the wonder of the ancient world: Alexandria, Egypt. Things get pretty epic from there.

June from Legend

Living in dystopian America, June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles, seeking vengeance for her brother’s death.

Ooooh guys, just WAIT until you meet June. We love June.

Lady Helen from The Dark Days Club series

When one of Lady Helen’s housemaid’s disappears, she takes it upon herself to delve deep into the shadows of Regency London. Between the demons that linger there and the infamous Lord Carlston, it’s going to take a great deal of grit to succeed. Lady Helen is the classiest of fierce warriors.

Poe from The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe

Who do you become when you have nothing left to lose? There is something Poe Blythe, the seventeen-year-old captain of the Outpost’s last mining ship, wants far more than the gold they tear from the Serpentine River. Revenge. Poe’s unforgettable journey through both the Serpentine River and her own grief and finding her strength will leave you IN. TEARS.

Keralie from Four Dead Queens

Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington may seem harmless, but she’s, in fact, one of Quadara’s most skilled thieves and a liar. Keralie’s epic fight for truth amongst a royal conspiracy and overcoming her dark past have claimed her a place amongst our favorite fierce heroines of 2019!

Looking for more recommendations? Check out these real women to inspire you on International Women’s Day!