This list is for women who are anti-heroes, because we don’t have enough of those! Women deserve to be problematic and the heroes of their own story too. Yes she wants to save the world but maybe she’s also hurting innocents along the way? Maybe she’s a bit selfish in her motivations but her actions are ultimately a net positive? Hopefully you get the gist! This list was first inspired by Iron Widow.
created by vulpix
last updated July, 2026
Please recommend books with women who are selfishly helping the world or helping the world through questionable means. I especially welcome characters who are not white and cishet :)
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo!
The FMC murders men she thinks the world would be better off without. She believes she’s protecting other women


yes this is on the list already! and I need to read it now
Ops! I must have missed it my bad