From dynamic young females to powerful warriors, vampires, magicians, or women that broke the mould, we’ve compiled a list of the best stories with strong female leads. Covering all genres, from mystery to fantasy and both classic and contemporary fiction, these audiobooks feature strong women and prominent female lead characters. Discover your next favourite listen as you dive into these incredible tales about impressive females.
When thinking of strong female book characters that stand for their beliefs, regardless of anyone else’s opinion, one of the first characters that comes to mind is Katniss Everdeen. The lead character of the The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, Katniss is immediately portrayed as an independent woman who thinks for herself and provides for her family. She makes the brave decision to take her sister’s place in the bloody battle that is the Hunger Games, and from there goes on to fight for her life.
Throughout the series Katniss embodies what it means to be a strong woman - never shying away from a challenge, always standing up for her beliefs - and those she cares about no matter what hardships she has to face. She is a role model for others, and an iconic female warrior in all installments of the series, focusing not on romance, but on survival, in an epic adventure and display of female strength.
Another example of a badass female character - also from the young adult genre, is Tris, aka Beatrice Prior from Divergent. She displays strength, bravery, courage, and a warrior spirit that takes her journey from quiet village life, to an all-out action-packed fight against the oppressors. She is fierce, determined, and part of the aptly named dauntless faction.
Tris is an amazing female character because she holds a position of leadership, fights battles alongside allies, but also maintains a sense of vulnerability and femininity which can sometimes be lost in these powerful characters. Divergent - and the other titles in the series - are exciting tales for both young girls and boys to dive into, and offer a range of great role models.
Throne of Glass is a high fantasy series and YA novel that features Celaena Sardothien, a female teenage assassin. Celaena fights against a corrupt kingdom and horrible ruler King of Adarlan, seeking a better life for herself and her people. This epic series by Sarah J. Maas quickly became a global number one best-selling phenomenon, spawning several titles in the series. The tales are hugely popular with listeners who fell in love with the dynamic plot and spunky character of Celaena - a hero that has captured the hearts of young audiences everywhere.
This character is brought to life by the strong female voice of Elizabeth Evans, whose tone and style fit perfectly with the themes of the plot, and with the strong female messages in the story.
Author Richelle Mead brings another female literary character to the spotlight in Vampire Academy. This international number one best-selling series has been a huge hit with audiences, and listeners have become immediately attached to main character Rose Hathaway. Rose and her bodyguard best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess are both complex, exciting, and dynamic female characters that make for an impressive story and offer a great example of female empowerment. This female centered adventure story is ideally suited to the young teenage girl target market, and has become an instant favourite with many.
Author Laini Taylor delivers another strong female character in Karou, of the best-selling trilogy Daughter of Smoke and Bone. This fantasy series covers everything a young girl could want in a story - an epic battle, star-crossed lovers, secrets, mystery, adventure, and above all a determined and strong heroine to stand behind. This paranormal love story is a must-add to any female-centric audiobook list.
Gripping, exciting, and full of girl power, it has quickly become a popular series with younger female audiences, offering all aspects of the perfect adventure tale. This epic series continues on in several more audiobooks, so you don’t have to worry about binging it too quickly.
Another otherworldly fantasy series that has swept the YA audiences and left a strong positive impression is the Immortal Instruments series. This twisting, turning and exciting tale follows Clary Fray, the would-be normal 15-year-old girl, except that she is suddenly starting to see things she can’t understand. This epic series by Cassandra Clare is a knockout for a first-time author, and delivers an amazing heroine in Clary. She is fierce, unswayed, loyal, and passionate, and is a perfect example of a powerful female character.
The Golden Compass is another trilogy led by a female character. In this case, the lead is only a girl but a remarkable and impassioned young girl. Lyra is a tomboy who rejects the expectations of her gender, in many ways, wanting to play fight and wrestle with her best friends (both boys) and be as rough and tumble a child as possible. But when she meets the mesmerizing Lady Coulter, she is intrigued by the possibility of a new life.
From Lyra to Mrs. Coulter, to Mary and Ma Costa, Philip Pullman uses many strong female characters to tell his outstanding trilogy. This story embassies not only Lyra, but her feminine nature, as well as the role of the other woman around her in a calculated and careful way in order to both follow literary tropes and break the mould of what women are expected to be. A phenomenal listen, it is both an epic fantastical adventure, and a political commentary.
Outlander shorts away from the young adult genre and lies in the circle of historical fiction. The lead female is Claire Randall, a nurse torn between her current life and one she stumbles upon in the past. This series by Diana Gabaldon plays with gender roles - exploring a woman’s choice to go back into a more simple time, where roles and gender norms were stricter - yet at the same time maintains this character as a heroic strong woman. A must-listen for lovers of history and adventure, this epic tale will take you on a true journey through time, experiencing a full roller coaster of emotions.
Is there any better example of women in literature than the classic novel Little Women? Louisa May Alcott’s timeless story follows the tale of four sisters in a coming-of-age masterpiece. Characters like Jo March iconic go against the social norms of the time, as she seeks to be an independent woman, rather than someone who fixates her life on being someone’s wife. This audiobook adaptation of the classic is voiced by an array of powerful women, including Emily Bauer, Laura Dern, Lauren Fortgang, Allison Hiroto, Carly Robins, and Suzanne Toren. Together they bring these strong female characters to life for an all encompassing audio experience.
Like Little Women, Jane Eyre reflects the story of a woman who goes against the expectations set out for her. Homely, plain, and ordinary Jane seems like the typical woman of the times until she becomes the lover interest of the story. It is in that scenario that we see Jane accepting her own thoughts and ideas, which then, would have seemed rather forward and unexpected.
There is a reason this story by Charlotte Bronte has withstood the test of time and continued to be a beloved title by young girls generation after generation, and that is because it is so easy to connect with Jane. Her ordinariness makes her easily relatable, and yet her strong will and sharp mind offer inspiration to listeners everywhere.
Similarly, Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice examines a variety of female characters and the different ways they view and exist in their world. From the flirty and flighty to the removed and stubborn, Pride and Prejudice offers a full range of female characters, making it a great addition to this list. From Lizzie to Mary, and all the other sisters besides, the story offers a look at a variety of ways to be a woman, and gives listeners the chance to choose which way they themselves would want to be. A classic that has stood the test of time, Pride and Prejudice is a classic example of strong females in literature.
Anne of Green Gables is a much-loved Canadian classic that features the unforgettable and absolutely lovable Anne Shirley. Anne will immediately capture the hearts of listeners, and sweep them away on an adventure full of history, wonder and heartwarming tales. The stories follow Anne from her childhood into her growth into a young woman, building a lasting bond with audiences along the way. Anne is quirky, sweet, kind-hearted, and witty, and Lucy Maud Montgomery creates her unique personality with ease. The audiobook adaptation is narrated by Canadian sweetheart Rachel McAdams who captures the charm of Anne perfectly.
Sue Monk Kidd brings a beautiful story about divine female power, and the way in which these female relationships and the love between them can shape a young girl. This story is a heartwarming display of women's bonds, and showcases the strength and passion inherent in women. The Secret Life of Bees is an intergenerational story that can be passed from one strong woman to another.
The audiobook adaptation is engaging, gripping, and entertaining, making for an excellent listening experience. Almost unpausable, this story will have you fully immersed in the world Kidd has created right up until the very end.
The Book Thief highlights a different kind of female character. Liesel Meminger is a foster child thrown into a new family, and disoriented from having to restart her life. The past follows her and her best friend through one of the darkest times in history - World War II in Germany.
Though heavy, and decidedly dark at times, Zuszak manages to cut through this darkness with the unusual but headstrong Leisel, who although not quite an optimist, is a shining light of quiet hope in the otherwise difficult story of death, despair, and human brutality.
Conspiracies, repression and fighting power are all strong themes in The Handmaid’s Tale. The story is often thought of as a feminist tale, and was one of the first novels - written by Canadian icon Margaret Atwood - to take on such strong feminist tones.
It has continued to be relevant and groundbreaking decades later, spawning a television show and this latest audiobook adaptation narrated by a full cast of voice actors including Claire Danes and Margaret Atwood herself.
Strong female characters aren’t always strong in a physical sense. They aren’t always battling dragons or demons, or leading armies. Sometimes the bravest of heroines are those simply battling for their life. In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel is an amazing and inspiring female character for young listeners. She is strong, but does not hide her emotions away, either as she learns to love those around her.
This novel addresses difficult subjects, but offers a warm loving character in Hazel, who is a shining example for any young girl going through the same or similar difficulties she experiences.
All My Puny Sorrows is a stunning and heartbreaking story created by one of Canada’s best female authors - Miriam Toews. Toews often writes female-centric stories that explore the roles of Amish girls and women as they navigate the restraints of their culture, and this audiobook, too, expresses that. It is also an overwhelmingly beautiful story of sisterhood, love, sadness, and the difficulties two sisters face and must try to overcome - some together, some separate. A gorgeous story of women’s resilience and strength, as well as vulnerability and shortcomings, this is a masterful must-listen.
Similarly, Toews digs into the place of a woman in a family - especially an Amish family. The story is told through the eyes of a young teenage girl, who is both rebellious and loves her family deeply. The story expresses openly and honestly what it is like to be a female, and especially one in such a traditional religious community. Perfect for anyone born into certain rules and sets of standards, Toews produces a masterpiece yet again.
Amy Tam’s novel The Joy Luck Club is a wonderful example of womanhood. It follows four Chinese women, how they came together, and their lives before they all met in San Francisco. The story explores the relationships between female friends, as well as those between mother and daughters. Each female character shows a different version of strength, which together paints a picture of both sisterhood and women’s strength. It is the perfect listen for anyone looking for a generational story of women, love, and the bonds that shape and keep us. A must-add to any listener library.
Rounding out our list of female-centered stories is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This is the first title in the series and won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Olive Kitteridge allows listeners to see a new perspective on life, and see the complex and intriguing way in which this strong female lead sees the world around her. Listeners have fallen in love with Olive, and her view of love and life lessons will open your eyes to a new way of being.
