Penryn Young is one of my favorite dystopian heroines. She's snarky, fierce--and it's even explained how she became that way--loyal, protective, kind, pretty much all the things you want your favorite heroines to be. She's also believable, sometimes berating herself for acting stupid (not that it stops her from doing so) and often doubting herself. Even though the world is falling apart around her, she finds a way not only to survive, but to lead her people.

Learn more about Penryn Young.

Better yet, try out Angelfall, the first book in the Penryn & the end of days trilogy. I read all three books in about two weeks (a record for me), and I loved them!