When it comes to books and novels, it’s always exciting to see a strong and well-developed female character as the main protagonist. Whether it’s action, fantasy, drama, or romance, there are so many novels out there that feature amazing female leads.
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So, here’s a list of the Top 10 novels with female MCs or protagonists, in no particular order. This list mostly contains translated web novels.
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Table of Contents
Top 10 Novels with Female Protagonist
Under the Oak Tree
The “Under the Oak Tree” is a Korean web novel with a genre of adult drama, fantasy, josei, psychological romance, and smut. The story features a stuttering daughter of a duke who marries a knight of low status under her father’s coercion, and her husband departs after their first night. Three years later, he returns as a famous knight in the whole continent, and the story revolves around how Maximilian faces him on his return.
The characters are well-developed, but the relationship between them remains toxic until the end of the first arc. The novel is very well-written and has rich world-building and good storytelling. Despite some initial difficulties, the story is about character growth and the protagonist’s journey towards realizing that the knight truly adores her.
The novel has been well-received and is considered to be one of the most popular Korean novels. Despite some harsh and brutal moments, the journey is considered to be “painfully beautiful.”
There’s also manhwa adaptation available.
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Remarried Empress
The novel “Remarried Empress” is a well written, well translated and well-developed fantasy-romance genre Korean web novel with well fleshed out main characters and well-written supporting characters. The author portrays the sadness and internal conflict of the main character, Navier, as she becomes the queen of a rival country after her divorce from the Emperor.
The first several chapters of the novel may seem slow, but the climax of the divorce is worth it as the main character takes control of her own life and shocks everyone by introducing the king of the rival country as her new husband. The story starts to pick up after the divorce and is full of sweetness and romance with a mix of political struggles, schemes and more.
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The Girl Who Ate a Death God
This Japanese web novel features an action-packed, fantasy world with an evil and fearless protagonist who is on a quest to eat death itself. With elements of cannibalism, military strategy, and politics, this novel is not for the faint of heart. But with an interesting plot, awesome wars, and a unique protagonist, it’s definitely worth a read.
Common Sense of a Duke’s Daughter
This Japanese web novel is a mix of drama, fantasy, romance, and slice of life. The protagonist finds herself reincarnated as the bad guy in an otome game, and decides to use her knowledge to rebuild her life and become the true heroine. With well-written characters, a good plot, and a focus on kingdom building and politics, this novel is a great read for those who enjoy a slow-burning romance.
Read: Best Novels to Read With Smart Main Character
Unscentable
Piper Whitlock is the protagonist and main character of the novel Unscentable. She is a she-wolf who is unscented, causing her to face rejection and loneliness from other werewolves, including those in her pack. Despite this, she is a strong and determined individual who uses her fashion design skills to create gowns under a pen name, showing her creativity and resourcefulness. Through her relationship with her son Brandon, she also displays her love and protective nature as a mother.
Throughout the novel, we see Piper grow and evolve as she discovers more about herself and her abilities. She is brave and willing to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against her pack or facing rejection. She is also a complex character, struggling with her feelings for Alpha Bradley Drake and her own self-worth. Her journey of self-discovery is central to the novel and highlights the themes of bravery and individuality.
Read full review of this novel: Unscentable Review
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Beware of the Villainess!
This Korean web novel is a comedy-drama that is both hilarious and heart-warming. The protagonist is a villainess who is dropped into the world of a novel and plans to overthrow the original plot. With a super confident protagonist, funny side characters, and awesome humor, this is a must-read for those who love a good laugh.
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
This Chinese web novel is a historical, josei novel that features a complex family relationship and politics. The protagonist, Shen Miao, is the daughter of a military family who becomes the Empress after six years of assisting her husband.
With elements of betrayal, death, and tragedy, this novel is a great read for those who enjoy mature, slow-burning romances.
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Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a Japanese light novel set in a world reminiscent of ancient China. The story follows the main character, Maomao, who is a pharmacist from the pleasure district and is working as a maidservant in the imperial court. As she investigates the illnesses of the emperor’s children, she uncovers a series of royal intrigues and mysteries.
The story has a serious overtone, but provides enough lighthearted moments to balance it out. The characters are three-dimensional and well-developed, including Maomao who is intelligent, brave, and confident. Romance is present, but not the main focus of the story.
The novel is highly recommended for those who enjoy mystery and romance, with a fresh and unique setting.
At the Northern Fort
At the Northern Fort is a heartwarming and cute fantasy novel that transports the reader to a magical world filled with furry creatures and familial love. The protagonist, Milfiria, is a cute little fox cub who is reincarnated into this new world and must navigate it while watching her mother’s house. The novel is filled with heartwarming moments and a slow, relaxing pace that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
One of the standout features of this novel is its adorable and fluffy nature. The description of Milfiria, with her white fur, fluffiness around the neck, and bushy tail, perfectly captures the cute and adorable atmosphere of the novel.
Overall, “At the Northern Fort” is a delightful novel that is sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart. If you’re looking for a cute, heartwarming fantasy story, this is definitely one to check out!
Warning: Cuteness Overload! Don’t read this novel/manga, too Cute!!
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Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?
Baba Okina’s “Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” is a unique and unpredictable fantasy novel that follows the journey of a female protagonist who is reincarnated into a spider in a fantasy world. The world is filled with game elements, demon kings, heroes, and multiple reincarnated individuals, and the protagonist must use her strong willpower to adapt and survive.
One of the standout features of this novel is its lovable protagonist. The protagonist is a deep character who is determined to survive and adapt to her new life, no matter what. The story is also filled with schemes, conspiracies, and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, “Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” is a fantastic novel that will captivate you with its unique setting, lovable protagonist, and unpredictable plot. The manga and anime adaptations of this story are also worth checking out, especially once you reach chapter 250, where the story really starts to pick up.
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Falling in Love with One Night Stand
Anna has a one-night stand with a stranger and later finds out she is pregnant with twins. One of the twins is taken away, while the other is left with Anna. Years later, she meets the man she had the one-night stand with by chance, and he accuses her of stealing his daughter. The girl defends Anna and calls her “mommy.” The man also has a son who is confused about the situation.
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Doomsday Wonderland
A Badass and Thrilling Apocalypse Novel- “Doomsday Wonderland” is a thrilling and action-packed apocalypse novel that follows the journey of Lin Sanjiu, a confident and badass female protagonist. Lin must navigate multiple end-of-the-world scenarios and face off against super-powered crazies as she struggles to survive in a world that is quickly devolving into an apocalyptic hellhole.
One of the standout features of this novel is its strong and capable female protagonist. Lin is a badass who refuses to back down, even in the face of the apocalypse. The plot is also filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the subverted tropes and non-OP characters add an extra layer of excitement to the story.
Overall, “Doomsday Wonderland” is a fantastic apocalypse novel that will captivate you with its strong female protagonist, thrilling plot, and unique setting. The lack of romance in the story is also a refreshing change of pace, and the novel is sure to please any reader who is looking for a thrilling and action-packed adventure.
Kino no Tabi – The Beautiful World
Kino no Tabi – The Beautiful World is a light novel written by Sigsawa Keiichi. The story follows the journey of Kino, who travels around the world on the back of Hermes – an unusual, talking, anthropomorphic motorcycle. Kino only stays in each country for three days, during which they find happiness, sadness, pain, decadence, violence, beauty, and wisdom. But through it all, Kino never loses their sense of freedom.
One of the most notable features of this novel is the calm, fearless and loner protagonist. Kino’s journey is not just about traveling but also about self-discovery. The novel also features multiple protagonists, making the story more diverse and interesting. The storytelling is non-linear, which adds to the philosophical aspect of the novel. Kino is a pragmatic protagonist, who approaches each situation with a rational and thoughtful mind. They have a tomboyish female lead, who complements Kino’s character well.
The world travel aspect of the novel is one of its strong points. Each country that Kino visits is unique and has its own culture, beliefs, and issues. The novel explores the concept of freedom, showing how different people and countries view and pursue it. The theme of “The world is not beautiful, therefore it is” adds depth to the story and gives a unique perspective on the world.
In terms of likes, this novel is a beautiful journal of an adventurer’s journey. The character development and world-building are top-notch, making it a delight to read. The philosophical aspect adds depth to the story, and the calm and fearless protagonist is a refreshing change from the usual MCs in most novels.
However, some readers may find the non-linear storytelling to be confusing, and the plot can be slow at times. The philosophical aspect of the novel may not appeal to everyone, and some may find it too heavy for their liking. Additionally, the novel’s themes of freedom and the imperfections of the world may not resonate with everyone.
Overall, Kino no Tabi – The Beautiful World is a unique and thought-provoking novel that is worth a read. The stunning world-building and character development, combined with the philosophical aspect, make this novel a standout in the adventure and slice of life genres.
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Quick Transmigration: Cannon Fodder’s Record of Counterattacks
Quick Transmigration Cannon Fodder’s Record of Counterattacks is a Chinese web novel written by Hen Shi Jiao Qing. It is an adventure, comedy, fantasy, martial arts, sci-fi, and supernatural genre. It follows the story of Ning Shu, a task-taker in charge of counterattacking for pitiful cannon fodder. In one world after another, she takes all kinds of life roles and encounters all kinds of people, white lotus flowers, green tea btches, scheming btches, etc. The novel is noted for its cultivation, hard-working protagonist, hated protagonist, interdimensional travel, multiple realms, revenge, rpe, transmigration, weak to strong, and world-hopping themes.
While some may enjoy the smart and resourceful MC and the world-hopping adventure, others may find the slow plot and random plot armor to be a drawback. Overall, it is a novel with a unique premise and well-developed characters, but with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
My Disciple Died Yet Again
“My Disciple Died Yet Again” is a Chinese web novel written by Mrs. Ago. It is a xianxia genre with elements of comedy, drama, romance, and martial arts. The novel follows the story of Zhu Yao, who gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is in development and becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal named Yu Yan.
Throughout the story, Zhu Yao dies multiple times, and each time, Yu Yan gets a new disciple, but the same scenario repeats. This novel is well-written, with a lot of funny moments, well-developed side characters, and nice world-building. However, it contains some Xianxia cliches and sometimes the plot seems forced.
The Saga of Tanya the Evil
“Youjo Senki / The Saga of Tanya the Evil” is a Japanese light novel written by Carlo Zen. The genre of the novel is action, fantasy, gender-bender, and supernatural. The story is about a little girl named Tanya Degurechaff who commands the army on the front line of the war. In reality, she is one of Japan’s most elite salary men, reborn as a little girl after angering a mysterious being who calls himself “God.”
Tanya is an evil protagonist who prioritizes efficiency and her own career, and she becomes the most dangerous being amongst the sorcerers of the imperial army. The anime adaptation is highly recommended.
The things that are liked about this novel are the cruel and overpowered MC, the super antihero MC, the quite realistic plot, and the awesome description of wars. There are no dislikes about this novel.
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The Guild’s Cheat Receptionist
“The Guild’s Cheat Receptionist” is a light novel written by Natsuni Kotatsu. The genre of the novel is adventure, comedy, and fantasy. The story is about Tomoaki Akino, who is reincarnated as a female elf named Ilya, after his life was accidentally taken away due to God’s mistake. Ilya works as an intelligent and beautiful receptionist at the Luneville branch of the Guild Association.
The things that are liked about this novel are its funny plot, fluffy moments, and slow-paced nature. There’s a lack of proper world building in this novel.
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