Hello all, and welcome to another Sovereign Soul blog! This is the third time I’ve decided to share the women in the Sovereign Soul series for a monumental day. I missed last year’s date unfortunately – grinding to get Embers of Orden ready for release! But today, with Ruinbound slated for a Summer 2025 release, I wanted to take the chance and delve into more of the amazing women that make up the Sovereign Soul world – this time, mostly geared toward the coming book!
Again, I wanted to clarify that I’m a male author. While I consider myself an ally, it’s hard to speak on the subject of women and their rights with authority and understanding. I’ve gotten to know many strong women over the years, and when I think of strong female narratives, they still come to mind. That being said, I always hope that my female readers can find strength in and relate to my characters. Many of them have been inspirational to me, too.
The last few years, I’ve featured banners with art drawn of the female cast in my books. Preexisting art exists here on my website – but soon, we’ll be seeing new, fancy art of both Lusari and Sira at the hands of the tremendously talented @Rowansora!
This year, I’m going to feature 4 new characters from Ruinbound, revisit 3 characters from previous entries… and feature an all-new character from the draft of Book Four!
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1. Raven Valethorn: Fantastical Daughter of the Swordmaster
“Dancing under the lanterns, sweet treats at every stall—oh, Ryoku, it will be magical!” – Raven Valethorn, RUINBOUND: Act 6, Scene 5
Raven is the daughter of Nocrier, a legendary swordsmaster from Laia, and she carries herself as though she were a character from a fairytale. Her strength comes from her unyielding hope, her belief in love, and her refusal to let hardship tarnish the wonder she sees in life. Despite everything she’s endured, she keeps her heart open. She views the world through the lens of a romantic story, where knights and princesses, heroes and grand destinies, still exist. She sees Ryoku as her ‘knight,’ not just in a literal sense but in her steadfast, undying belief. Despite her fanciful love and flowery personality, she’s also a superb acrobat and remarkable swordstress.
Raven is whimsical, poetic, and dramatic, yet there is a sincerity to her that makes her impossible to ignore. She speaks in grand, flowery language, as though every moment of her life is part of an unyielding epic. She spins her own story, shaping reality to fit the narrative she wants to live in, which at times can make her seem naive – but in truth, Raven is far from foolish.
Her strength lies in her emotional resilience and her refusal to give up on those she cares about. While other characters in Ruinbound have been hardened by their experiences, Raven wields her softness as armor. She doesn’t let her pain turn her bitter. She’s unshakable in her convictions, standing firm in the belief that the world can be beautiful and that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for. She also possesses a charm that disarms even the most jaded individuals, and there’s a hidden intelligence in the way she navigates difficult situations. While she doesn’t readily jump into battle, Raven can talk her way out of – or into – just about anything. She is observant in ways others underestimate, often perceiving emotions and truths that others try to bury.
Now, why is she a key woman to honor on International Women’s Day? Because strength isn’t just about wielding weapons or surviving through force. While Raven’s capable of it, she chooses kindness in a cruel world. She retains her hope far beyond where others think it foolish. Raven represents a different kind of feminine strength, one that is often overlooked but is just as vital. She refuses to conform to expectations. She never gives up on the people she loves. She redefines heroism. And in a dark, suffering world, she brings an unseen light into the darkness.
Raven is a dreamer in a world that tells her to stop dreaming. She is a woman who chooses love and hope, even when life gives her every reason to stop believing in them. While many women in Ruinbound are battle-hardened warriors or pragmatic survivors, Raven represents the strength of unwavering faith, the courage to be soft in a harsh world, and the defiance of refusing to let pain turn her bitter.
I want Raven to be relatable for women who believe in love even when it has hurt them before. Women who’ve been told they’re too emotional or too idealistic, who’ve been through pain but still choose to be kind and hopeful. I want women who’ve been hurt before to be inspired by Raven’s approach to life and find strength in her strength, like I do.
2. Sariah Leusasie: Norok’s Healer and Unapologetic Firebrand
“If you keep dragging your feet, there’s still time—I can totally stuff you in a potato sack and carry you off into the woods.” – Sariah Leusasie, RUINBOUND: Act 4, Scene 6
Sariah is introduced early in Ruinbound as a quirky village healer in Norok, a land deeply connected to Ryoku’s heritage. Though she isn’t a full-blooded Dragontalen, she carries part of the legacy. Sariah Leusasie is the kind of woman who walks into a room and immediately takes up space – not physically, but with her sharp wit, relentless teasing, and unshakable presence. She’s not physically imposing, but she’s practically fearless when it comes to taking someone down a peg or two. She speaks her mind, never backs down from confrontation, and has an innate ability to get under people’s skin in a way that forces them to deal with truths they’d rather ignore.
Sariah thrives in chaos. She can verbally spar with anyone, giving as good as she gets and then some. She has a bold, playful nature that makes it easy to underestimate her, but underneath that is a sharp mind and a deeper emotional intelligence than she lets on.
Sariah doesn’t sugarcoat things. If she sees someone running from their emotions or avoiding a problem, she will force them to confront it. In her interactions with Ryoku, she sees right through his avoidance tactics. Having grown up in Norok, she’s had to fight for her place in a male-dominated culture. She holds her own, whether in a conversation or a fight, proving she can navigate the world on her terms. She never abandons the people she cares about, even when she disagrees with them, and does what needs to be done.
She’s also shamelessly flirtatious. Unlike Raven, whose romanticism is sincere and theatrical, Sariah’s flirting is a weapon–a way to catch people off guard, to throw them off balance and keep control of a situation.
Why is Sariah a key woman to honor on International Women’s Day? On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women who stand strong, who refuse to conform, and who push back against the expectations placed on them. She’s the truth-teller, even when it hurts. She’s a protector, even when she pretends she doesn’t care. She’s a force that keeps people moving forward, even when they’d rather wallow. She’s a reminder that strength isn’t about being gentle – it’s about never backing down.
Sariah is the embodiment of resilience, fire, and blunt honesty. She doesn’t allow herself to be reduced to a side character or a love interest – she demands attention and takes up space. And that’s something that absolutely deserves to be celebrated.
I hope Sariah is a beacon for readers who’ve ever been labeled as ‘too much’ or ‘too blunt’ for speaking their mind. For those who’ve used their humor to mask pain, who tease people to keep them from sinking. For every complicated relationship where they knew they cared, but struggled to show it conventionally.
3. Sabrina Gallagher: Orden’s Genius and Shadowheart Expert
“I can compile what we learn about the Dragontalen clan, scour our knowledge for secrets that could link you to Ricker. I can even build things, given the time and materials. I’m resistant to magic, too, so I don’t think you have to worry about me as much.” – Sabrina Gallagher, RUINBOUND: Act One, Scene Four
Sabrina is one of the most unconventional, yet vital, heroines in Ruinbound. Unlike the fighters and mages who surround her, Sabrina doesn’t wield a sword, cast magic, or train for battle – yet her contributions to the group are just as crucial. She’s a scientist, a strategist, a thinker, and most importantly, a supporter. She fights with knowledge, ingenuity, and the dedication to helping those around her.
Sabrina is a former scientist from Orden. She was part of the research division leading up to the Battle of Orden, developing nanotechnology and gathering intelligence on figures like Ryoku. However, the things she discovered led her to defecting, risking everything to join the rebellion. She’s become surprisingly close to Kai Stele, womanizer and conceited actor.
Sabrina is shy and reserved, yet highly perceptive. She’s not a loud presence like Sariah, but she’s always watching, analyzing, and thinking three steps ahead. Whether it’s creating new technology or building solutions from scratch, she’s always working on something that can change the course of events. More than any other character, Sabrina is deeply invested in helping others. Strategy, curing Shadowheart toxins, and simply being there for her friends are only a few of her other talents. She doesn’t fight, yet her actions can change the outcome of battles.
One of the most powerful aspects of Sabrina’s character is how she supports other women. Unlike many stories where female characters compete or tear each other down (and there are some of these still!), Sabrina is an anchor for the women around her. With Raven, she balances out her dreamy personality with grounded intellect. With Sariah, she helps out even when Sariah refuses to admit she needs it. With Roxanne, she proves an invaluable source of information and advice. She plays a crucial role in helping Kaya, though the details of this are a major spoiler. Her work with Kaya proves she’s capable of not just supporting, but literally changing lives in ways that even the strongest warriors cannot.
Why is Sabrina a key woman to celebrate on International Women’s Day? Women in fantasy stories are often divided into warriors, mages, or damsels in distress. Sabrina is none of these things, yet she is still one of the most vital members of the cast. She doesn’t wield a sword. Magic can’t affect her in any way. She doesn’t see the spotlight. She proves that women don’t need to be physically dominant or powerful.
Sabrina breaks the mold as an unconventional heroine to the series. She proves that kindness and intelligence are power on their own. More than anyone else, she represents the strength of support. She makes everyone around her feel better, stronger, and more capable, proving that strength isn’t always about standing alone – it’s about lifting others up.
Sabrina is a character for the readers who feel like they are always supporting others, but are never the ‘main character’ in their own lives. She is for the women who always look out for their friends, the quiet thinkers who analyze before they act, the women who still fight in their own way, and who never stop working to make things better.
4. Melodia Harmony: The Beautiful Songstress
“Welcome to Harmony Estate. And my daughter brings such handsome company.” – Melodia Harmony, RUINBOUND: Act 6, Scene 3
Melodia Harmony is one of the most effortlessly commanding women in Ruinbound, not because she demands respect, but because she simply carries it with her. She’s a leader, a nurturer, a strategist, and a force of nature in her own right. She was married to Ragekku, the charming warrior who perished in the war in Orden. Despite losing him, she never let grief consume her. She raised her daughters, maintained her home, and continued to support the people of Syaoto through diplomacy and subtle influence.
Melodia is descended from the Dragonvoice clan and is the mother to Ephora and Sakura, managing the Harmony Estate in the absence of her husband. In Balgena, she’s an incredibly famous songstress, recognized for the beauty of her voice along with her youthful features. Many are stunned to learn her two daughters are adults now.
Melodia never appears rushed, never looks overwhelmed, never acts without forethought. Every move she makes feels effortless, whether she is orchestrating a meeting, comforting someone in crisis, or carefully nudging events toward the outcome she desires. But what makes her truly fascinating is that beneath all her elegance, there’s a layer of mystery. She doesn’t share everything, doesn’t always reveal her true thoughts, and even when she’s teasing or affectionate, you can never be quite sure how much she means it.
She isn’t a typical strong woman in fantasy. She isn’t a warrior, not a tragic heroine seeking revenge, and not a political schemer seeking power. She’s a woman who already possesses power and wields it masterfully, subtly, without force. She’s a rare character because she remains in control even in a world where power is often held by warriors and conquerors. She proves that intelligence, charm, and poise can be just as formidable as swords and magic.
Why do we recognize Melodia on International Women’s Day? Melodia represents a different kind of strength from the other girls on this list – the strength of leadership, wisdom, of knowing exactly who you are and never doubting it. She’s a woman who holds family together, who holds a household together, who can walk into a room and immediately have the attention of everyone inside it. She embodies self-confidence, the strength of wisdom over brute force, being able to uplift others without ever losing herself. She’s got the rare presence of a woman who knows exactly who she is and never apologizes for it.
Melodia is a character for the readers who have to be the strong one in their families, in their circles, their lives. She is for the women who hold everything together without recognition, those who’ve been told they’re ‘too much’ or ‘intimidating’. For those who don’t need permission to lead. Those who carry themselves with grace but refuse to be walked over. She remains a pillar of stability for those around her, and a reminder that elegance is strength, wisdom is power, and that a woman who knows exactly who she is can change the course of the world.
5. Sira Jessura: Orden’s Relentless Swordstress, Revisited
“Even think about it again, and I’ll feed you Sinistra. From the other end.” – Sira Jessura, RUINBOUND, Act 6, Scene 4
Sira Jessura is one of the most brutally strong women in Sovereign Soul. Her story has been one of survival, trauma, and unyielding determination. She’s equally a warrior and a survivor of her own past, of Orden, of everything that tried to break her. Among readers, Sira has always been a fan favorite for many reasons. She’s never been an easy character, and Ruinbound makes that even clearer. If Embers of Orden was about her confronting the past she ran from, Ruinbound is about her failing to face it – and herself – fully.
We’ve seen her defy Orden, flee her past and face it again, fight relentlessly for survival, and reject any form of vulnerability. As a revisit for International Women’ day, Sira is an interesting take. She isn’t stronger in this book – at least, not in the sense we’d think. She’s more fragile than ever, even if she won’t admit it.
For readers who finished Embers of Orden, we saw Sira at her most vulnerable. She confessed, fully, how much she deeply loved Ryoku – but also that she didn’t believe she deserved love in return. She knows Ryoku doesn’t feel the same way, not fully. He cares about her, but not in the way she needs. And Ruinbound forces her to sit with that. She’s with him, but their relationship is tense, painful, lacking. She finally has what she thought she wanted, but it isn’t enough.
Sira has never been good at sharing. She takes what she wants, she fights for it, and she refuses to settle for less. But Ruinbound makes her face something she cannot fight – Kaya. Even if the two of them can’t figure it out, Sira sees that she loves him. She hates that Kaya can be open with her feelings while Sira has spent her life burying hers under layers of armor. She hates that she has to make room for someone else. And she hates that she cares.
This has been a departure from the other mighty girls in Ruinbound. So why do we celebrate Sira on International Women’s Day? That’s exactly why. She’s one of the most deeply flawed, deeply raw, and deeply human characters in Ruinbound. She isn’t a woman who can overcome everything in one book. She isn’t a woman who ‘finds herself’ or ‘gets better’. She certainly isn’t a woman who is suddenly ‘fixed’ by love. She’s a woman who is struggling, failing, breaking, and trying to hold herself together.
Sira is for the women who’ve been hurt and don’t know how to heal. She’s for the women who love fiercely but don’t know how to accept love in return. The women who feel like they’re ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’ at the same time. For the women who’ve spent their entire lives fighting, only to realize they don’t know how to stop.
6. Kaya Oceyen: The Water Girl Lost to Time, Revisited
“You have a really dangerous road ahead of you. If I don’t see you through it to the end, I don’t think I could live with it. Besides, you’re kinda fun to be around.” – Kaya Oceyen, RUINBOUND: Act One, Scene Four
Kaya Oceyen is a woman who demands to be remembered. From the moment she appears, she carries herself with a confidence that is bold, playful, and unwavering. She doesn’t shy away from teasing or challenging those around her, and she possesses an infectious energy that keeps others on their toes. Kaya is never afraid to speak her mind, take risks, and carve her own path.
But beneath her charm and self-assured demeanor is a depth of feeling that runs far deeper than she lets on. She is someone who loves fiercely, believes in people even when they doubt themselves, and refuses to back down from what she wants. While some might see her as impulsive, she’s a girl who knows her own desires and acts on them without hesitation. She’s a character with a journey independent of Ryoku or Katiel. She’s always been a strong-willed, deeply emotional character, and Ruinbound sees her stepping into the spotlight into an even more multi-faceted character.
Prior to partway through Embers of Orden, Kaya was Katiel’s constant shadow and cape. She’s a water mage with a deep bond to the ocean and has an innate love for freedom and movement. But when Ryoku starts to pique her interest and becomes her ‘little storm,’ she leaves the safety of his mantle for the first time and joins Ryoku on his increasingly perilous mission. Her relationship with Ryoku Dragontalen is one of the most emotionally charged dynamics in the story. She’s a foundation of his world, someone who gives him strength while also challenging him to be better. The way she holds herself together even as she’s repeatedly tested by fate speaks for her perseverance.
Why is Kaya a key woman to honor on International Women’s Day? She represents courage, passion, and authenticity. She’s a woman who refuses to dim her own light for anyone else, who knows her worth and won’t accept less than she deserves. She’s a reminder that being strong isn’t about just fighting battles – it’s about owning who you are, embracing your emotions, and living boldly.
I hope that Kaya resonates with women who have been told they’re ‘too much’ – too confident, too passionate, too outspoken. She is for the ones who refuse to shrink themselves, who love fiercely, who push forward even when the world tells them to slow down.
7. Roxanne ‘Cordelia’ Mercy: Ryoku’s Sister and the Pearl of Orden, Revisited
“If you want that, I’m sure plenty would trade their rough lives for yours. I’m one of them.” – Roxanne ‘Cordelia’ Mercy, RUINBOUND: Act 3, Scene 4
Roxanne is one of the most deeply layered characters in Ruinbound, taking on a main role after her rescue in Embers of Orden. While I’ve previously been unable to discuss a lot of details about her, I’m going to assume that readers have now read the second book and speak candidly.
Roxanne was born into a life of hardship. The daughter of Liliana Mercy and Darrold Vornaire, Ryoku’s half-sister, she grew up as a mixed-race child in a world that didn’t always accept her. On her mother’s side, the prestigious Mercy family never fully embraced her as she was the child of Liliana’s past relationship. Even though Darrold was a respectable man in law enforcement, Roxanne’s early years were marked by bullying and rejection – from both her peers and her own family.
Things only worsened when a tragic fire claimed the lives of her mother’s family, leaving her and Ryoku orphaned. Sent to live with her father, Roxanne found it impossible to adjust. She was labeled a ‘problem child’, acting out against a world that continuously cast her aside. Even though Ryoku wasn’t Darrold’s child, he favored him and treated him like an adult while continuing to coddle his daughter. When Darrold died in an accident, Ryoku and Roxanne were separated into different orphanages. Ryoku was adopted quickly. Roxanne was not. She was shuffled between families, known for her temper and refusal to form. Eventually, driven to desperation and despair, Roxanne took her own life – and started anew in Orden.
By the time they reunited, Roxanne has spent a lifetime in Orden. She’s changed, becoming outspoken, headstrong, and battle-hardened – yet there is still a deep wound left in her past. She remembers Ronyx as her brother, not Ryoku. Her experiences have shaped her into someone who refuses to be controlled or defined by anyone else.
In Ruinbound, for the first time, Roxanne isn’t a mystery or a lost figure in Ryoku’s search. He struggles to reconnect with her and rediscover who she is, and she’s undeniably present. Her time in Orden changed her. She is fierce, intelligent, and more than willing to stand toe-to-toe with anyone who tries to control her. Despite her experiences, Roxanne remains deeply emotional. She doesn’t shy away from anger or grief, nor does she let herself be softened by sentimentality. She speaks her mind without fear, even when it means challenging those around her.
Roxanne should be obvious as to why we’d celebrate her for International Women’s Day. She represents the power of resilience and self-definition. She lived through neglect, rejection, and loss, but has never let it define her. She isn’t a victim – she’s a fighter. Whether it was standing up to bullies or surviving the harsh rule of Orden, Roxanne refuses to be broken. And as a mixed-race foster child, Roxanne has always had to navigate a world that constantly tried to erase or redefine her, and she pushes back. She’s been silenced too many times in her past to ever allow it again. She’s found strength in her pain, but she isn’t just a tragic figure. She lives fully and unapologetically, refusing to let her past dictate her future.
Roxanne is for the readers who have felt out of place in their own families, who have struggled to find belonging, who have fought against expectations forced upon them. She’s a voice for those who refuse to be erased, for women who have had to be strong on their own, for those who have been told that they’re too much, too difficult, too loud – and choose to be all those things anyway.
And we’ve got one last entry to talk about today. We’ve talked about girls coming up in Ruinbound, slated for release Summer 2025. But what we have here is an exciting sneak peek at a character coming up in the next release. Note that the character from Book Four that I’m about to discuss is still in the early draft stages and is subject to change – but when discussing strong women for International Women’s Day, she’s got to be included.
8. Abigail Ralent: The Heart of Syaoto
“I’m not dead weight! I’m going to go and help protect the workers, and help out myself. I’m sick of sitting around!” – Abigail Ralent, REMNANT SHADOWS: Act 2, Scene 1
Abigail Ralent is a character full of life, determination, and resilience. She is stubborn, affectionate, and hopeful – qualities that make her an undeniable force in Remnant Shadows. She may be young, but she carries herself with an unshakable energy, refusing to be left behind or overlooked.
Abigail is a refugee from Harohto, a world torn apart by war, devastation, and the falling readers saw in Embers of Orden. Her mother, Astrid Ralent, is a woman of quiet, remarkable strength, and Abigail has inherited much of that resilience. Her family’s struggles have shaped her into someone who refuses to be a passive observer in her own life.
Despite everything she has endured, Abigail remains fiercely hopeful. She may be naive, but she also understands hardships all too well, and chooses to face life with optimism and determination. She wants to prove that she’s capable, that she can stand on her own, and that she has a role to play in shaping her own future.
I’ve got to keep details about her role in the story minimal for now, but we’ll be seeing her very early on in Remnant Shadows and follow her story as a refugee in Orden. Can you guess who she’ll be the most connected to?
Abigail is a character I’ll be thinking about for International Women’s Day. She represents hope, persistence, and self-worth. She refuses to be sidelined, insisting on pulling her own weight in the world despite her shortcomings. She has learned that survival isn’t enough – she wants to live, to experience, to carve her own destiny. She doesn’t want to be sheltered or treated like a child. Her independence is something she fights for, even when others try to told her back. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She loves deeply, almost beyond her own understanding, expressing her frustrations openly, and isn’t afraid to show when something matters to her. She demands to be recognized not just as someone’s daughter or someone who needs protection, but as her own person.
When Remnant Shadows sees the light of day – which could be as soon as 2026 – I think Abigail will be a beacon for readers. She’s for the women who’ve been told they’re too young, too small, or not ready – but know deep down that they’re stronger than anyone realizes. She is for those who refuse to be sidelined, who fight for their independence, and who love fiercely despite the challenges they face. Abigail is proof that strength isn’t about age or experience – it’s about heart, conviction, and the refusal to give up.
I’d love to hear from readers. Who is your favorite among the girls here, and how do you feel about my portrayal of them? What are some of your favorite heroines, in fiction or otherwise, who should be recognized today?
You can learn more about these girls and more in RUINBOUND – scheduled for release this Summer 2025! Stay tuned for the specific timing closer to launch day. More good news about Ruinbound is coming in the next months. Did you get the chance to check out the new book merchandise too?
For now, stay tuned! Comment, check out my other blogs, and prepare for this Summer 2025! Until next time!
Sovereign Soul 