Reading a novel is a great way to kill time, whether you're reading fantasy, thriller, non-fiction, science fiction, mystery, or a riveting romance! As avid readers, we both think that there's nothing better than immersing yourself in some far-away fantasy world and relaxing for a few chapters. Even if reading's not for you, we can all agree that one thing that is essential for a good novel and a thrilling plot: the characters! With books, you get pages and pages of a character's true thoughts and feelings, making them even more lovable. Here are five of our favorite fictional characters!

1. Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo)

Kaz is one of the protagonists and main characters of Six of Crows, but we love him because he's not your stereotypical fantasy hero. He's a morally gray character who has questionable values, an obsession with money, and leads a band of criminals, but would go to the ends of the earth for his loved ones. He's almost scarily loyal, and his relationship with his team is definitely something special. Although he's a rather reserved person, seeing his thoughts on the page helps the reader to understand him and his devotion to his team better. He also has an intricately crafted backstory that is later revealed in the novel. Action-packed with diverse characters and full of suspense, Six of Crows is definitely worth the read.

A Kaz Brekker Quote: "And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, wed fight our way out together — knives drawn, pistols blazing."

2. Atlas Corrigan (It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover)

Atlas Corrigan is the childhood friend and first love of Lily Bloom, the main character in this novel. Atlas was a homeless 18 year old when he and Lily met. He comes into the book as an introvert, with a determined heart. Even though he had a very difficult upbringing, he still strived for what he wanted to be. 10 years later, he opened a restaurant in Boston: Bib's. He is truly a source of inspiration because he is the most loyal friend you will see in a book. He stuck by Lily's side even when she was married to Ryle, and genuinely wanted to help her without thinking about his own interests. It Ends With Us tells a heart wrenching story that delivers a valuable message, and is a brave and unforgettable book that everyone should read.

An Atlas Corrigan Quote: "When life gets you down, do you know what you've got to do?... Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."

3. Alosa Kalligan (Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller)

Alosa is the main character and protagonist of Daughter of the Pirate King, a fantasy and romance novel featuring pirates (we think she's the definition of a 'strong female protagonist'). Alosa is the captain of a ship called the Ava-Lee, which she runs with a ruthless hand. She backs her wild recklessness up with an arsenal of deadly weapons and a background in all types of combat. Being half siren and half human, she has a deadly voice that puts all men in the vicinity under her control, and she can swim and breathe underwater with ease. At the beginning of DOTPR, Alosa is "kidnapped" by a rival crew. What they don't know is that she's perfectly capable of escaping whenever she wants to, and is only on their ship to steal a map leading to an island full of treasure. The adventure and romance only escalate from there!

An Alosa Kalligan Quote: "Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want."

4. Maeve Rojas (One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus)

One of Us is Next is the sequel of the best selling mystery book One of Us is Lying. Maeve is one of the protagonists in One of Us Is Next, and she is also the sister of Bronwyn, one of the original Bayview four. Maeve is an intelligent and determined person who is excellent at finding a way to achieve her goals. Once she puts her mind to something, she doesn't give up. She pushes through a myriad of obstacles throughout the novel, and we get to see her use her courage and intelligence to solve the mystery. Maeve and her friends make it through every twist and turn in One of Us Is Next like professionals, and everything from the characters to the plot of this thrilling novel will keep you at the edge of your seat.

A Maeve Rojas Quote: "Holding on to resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

5. Evangeline Samos (The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard)

Evangeline Samos is a magnetron (she has the power to manipulate and control metal) of House Samos, and the younger sister of Ptolemus Samos. She was originally described in the book as Mare's (the protagonist) biggest enemy. Evangeline is perceived as a cold and sharp-tongued person who never fails to speak her mind. She is also incredibly smart and good at strategizing. Evangeline is also ruthless, and does not like showing her emotions.

While expressing herself does not come naturally to her, she is ridiculously loyal to those she holds dear, Ptolemus and Elane (her lover). Ptolemus does the same for Evangeline. He only married Elane so that his sister could stay close to her, despite Evangeline being engaged to King Maven.

An Evangeline Samos Quote: "I am different from what my world demands I be. And I am not worse for it."