If you’re anything like me, a good cast of characters can be hard to come by at times. The story and writing can suck but if the characters are so interesting and fleshed out, I can let silly things like good writing and story slip.

(1) The Fault in Our Stars (2012) by John Green

The story is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl with thyroid cancer that has affected her lungs, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group where she subsequently meets and falls in love with 17-year-old Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player, amputee, and survivor of osteosarcoma.

(2) A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R.R. Martin

Following the POV of several characters, the story centers on the growing conflict for control of Westeros, an exiled princess Daenerys Targaryen seeking to reclaim her father’s throne, and the growing threat of the supernatural Others from the north.

(3) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997) by J.K. Rowling

The story follows Harry Potter, young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday, and his acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

(4) Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor (2001) by Carrie Bebris

The novel is about a group of four adventurers as they explore the ruins of Myth Drannor and face the Cult of the Dragon headed by a powerful sorceress Kya Mordrayn and, her partner, the dracolich Pelendralaar.

(5) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2005) by Stieg Larsson

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for 40 years by young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander.

(6) Ghost on Black Mountain (2011) by Ann Hite

Told from five different women’s perspective, Ghost on Black Mountain tells the story of Hobbs Pritchard and how his life and actions affected each one of them.

(7) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1977) by Mildred D. Taylor

Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, the story follows Cassie Logan and her family as their struggles in sharecropping during Jim Crow.

(8) Hatchet (1986) by Gary Paulsen

Brian Robeson becomes lost in the wilderness after surviving a plane crash and must struggle to survive the harsh elements, wild animals, and dwindling supplies.

(9) The Bad Beginning (1999) by Lemony Snicket

The novel tells the story of three children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, who become orphans following a fire and are sent to live with Count Olaf, who attempts to steal their inheritance.

(10) The Highland Fling (2021) by Meghan Quinn

Bonnie St. James moves to take a job in the Scottish Highlands after recently being fired. Rowan MacGregor, the local handyman who’s battling demons of his own. Bonnie and Rowan’s paths inevitably cross and sparks fly.

Thanks for checking out the post and in the comments let us know your books with really awesome characters.