Wed, August 1, 2012
Sarah J. Maas’ Favorite Fierce Females
Top 10 Fierce Females
Before I start, can I just say how much I ADORE this idea? Limiting myself to just 10 Fierce Females is going to be SO difficult (I’m just going to leave Katniss off this list, because we ALL KNOW how fierce she is, as well as Alanna from Tamora Pierce’s books). 
In no particular order…
1. Scarlett O’Hara (from Gone With the Wind)
Scarlett was actually one of the first heroines that I really identified with (…not sure what that says about me as a person). She might not be fierce in a kick-butt way, but she’s pretty badass when it comes to doing anything to survive (and ensure the survival of her loved ones). I love that she is a very, very flawed heroine, too—she’s selfish and vain and impulsive—and I think her faults actually add to her fierceness. She’s was a big influence on Celaena—and I think the two of them would get along fabulously (…if they didn’t kill each other first.).
2. Sabriel (from Sabriel by Garth Nix)
I first read Sabriel when I was 11/12, and instantly loved her. I loved that she wielded a sword and a bandolier of magic bells and actually got to FIGHT monsters and demons—and save the day. She’s still one of my favorite heroines of all time.
3. Eowyn (from Lord of the Rings)
Do I really need to go into detail? Let’s just say that I was practically convulsing with sobs when Eowyn faced the Witch King in Return of the King (it was one thing to read it, but to SEE IT…). I was so overwhelmed by how brilliant and badass that moment was, how deeply I felt her bravery and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her uncle… And the fact that she faced the Witch King when all other men had fled, that her love for her family member was more powerful than her fear…well, damn, I’m getting choked up just writing about it.
4. The Bride (from Kill Bill)
Kill Bill was a huge, huge influence on ToG wayyy back in 2002. It was one of the first films I ever saw that had a female lead who kicked MAJOR ass, and never once said sorry for it. She is relentless, and unyielding, and has some seriously epic moments.
5. Velma Kelly (from Chicago)
Oh, Velma. She might not have fighting skills, and she’s definitely something of an antagonist, too, but… She is Fierce (with a capital F!). Arrogant and cruel, yes, but also talented, driven, and a survivor.
6. Cleopatra VII (from…history)
I’ve had this lifelong fascination with Cleopatra, and I think it says a lot about her fierceness that thousands of years later, we’re still talking about her, and wondering about who she really was (beneath the legends).
7. Lyra (from The Golden Compass)
It’s weird to say, but my favorite thing about Lyra is that she is such a talented liar. And it’s her skill with lying that saves her again and again—and saves the lives of those she loves. It made her such an interesting and vibrant character.
8. Sorsha (from Willow)
I remember the first time I saw Willow (many, many years ago), I FLIPPED when Sorsha came marching onto screen in her general’s armor, because THAT was the kind of female character that I was interested in. She was still a woman beneath that armor, but being feminine didn’t cancel out her warrior’s training, either. Love her (and the movie)!
9. Mulan (from Mulan)
What I love about Mulan isn’t her fighting skills (though her showdown on the rooftop of the emperor’s palace is EPIC), but rather two things: her unconditional love for her family, AND the fact that it’s her wits that ultimately saves the day.
10. Buffy Summers (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Oh, Buffy. I could write a whole blog post (or book!) on what an influence Buffy was on me as a person and as a writer—the fact that she could be girly while also being totally badass, the many sacrifices she made, the horrible things that she endured (not to mention her many, many fabulous one-liners when facing villains). She is the perfect modern heroine.
About the book
Throne of Glass
By Sarah J. Maas
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her… but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead… quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
— Goodreads.com description
Sarah J. Maas lives in Southern California, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much coffee, and watches absolutely rubbish TV shows. When she’s not busy writing YA fantasy novels, she can be found exploring the California coastline.
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About Me
I read. A lot. Mostly whatever YA novels the library has on hold for me that week. Sometimes grown-up books if my book club makes me.
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OMGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anna @ Literary Exploration said:
Hahahahaha “Cleopatra from… HISTORY” good choice. She was pretty bad ass
Great list! Sarah definitely knows about some amazing ladies 
Anna @ Literary Exploration recently posted..Teaser Tuesday [45] – Rift by Andrea Cremer
[Reply]
Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Samantha @ Reading-AndCoffee said:
Mulan, Eowyn, Buffy… this is an awesome list! I love me a good assassin and cannot wait to read this book!
Samantha @ Reading-AndCoffee recently posted..Road Trip Wednesday: Best Of July
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Sarah @ Y.A. Love said:
I love her choices! Some are surprises (Scarlett O’Hara wouldn’t have been my first choice), but others are who I would chosen as well. I love that she has Buffy on her list.
[Reply]
Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books said:
I absolutely ADORE Buffy Summers. Period. Love her, think she’s awesome!
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books recently posted..Travel Tales + Birthday Giveaway!
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Mary @ My Sisters Bookshelf said:
As if I wasn’t already excited enough about this book – this list is fab!
Love Scarlett (I stayed up all night to read Gone With The Wind in fifth grade). Love Sabriel… Love them all.
And I can’t believe she referenced WILLOW. My boyfriend made me watch that last year as part of our dating education!
Mary @ My Sisters Bookshelf recently posted..Joint Book Review: Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway aka the coolest author EVER
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Janeal Falor said:
I love this list. These girls rock!
Janeal Falor recently posted..Home Alone and it’s Getting Dark Out
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Anjelica said:
This is an awesome list.
Has anyone else noticed how much the author looks like the cover model (or does the cover model look like the author)?
Anjelica recently posted..The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by: Tara Altebrando
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Julia Lane Reply:
August 1st, 2012 at 8:09 pm
I thought it was just me! It was the first thing I said to myself when I saw the author picture! (Then I privately wondered if she WAS the cover model with a little photos shop???)
[Reply]
Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Tahleen said:
Yes to Sabriel!! This is a great list!
Tahleen recently posted..Book Review: "The Boy on Cinnamon Street" by Phoebe Stone
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
Lisa said:
My heart is doing jumping jacks right now. FOR SERIOUS.
As if I wasn’t already debating throwing my TBR pile to the wind for this one, you show me the author loves Scarlet and Eowyn and THE BRIDE.
I just don’t know how you expect me to live my life, Anna.
[Reply]
Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012
April Books & Wine said:
Yeahhhhh buddy Sabriel!
April Books & Wine recently posted..Secret Society Girl Diana Peterfreund Book Review
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Posted on: Wed, August 1, 2012