I don't read enough American novels to recommend any strong female leads, but I do read enough Chinese novels to recommend a few that I thought had strong female leads (you can find English translations online at novel-updates too) that you might like.
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My Disciple Died Yet Again by Mrs. Ago
Female lead sometimes depends on the male lead, but it's mostly herself that she depends on. She does all the saving by herself when she's in dangerous situations. Romance isn't a big factor here, but it's there. This novel also makes fun of xianxia (sort of an immortal fantasy genres) novels and Mary Sue characters.
There's an English translation for this novel, but it's still being translated. The novel is finished in it's original language.
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Accompanying the Phoenix by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang
My review can be found here:
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1/2 Prince by Yu Wo
This is a gender-bender novel. The female lead basically plays as a male character in a game world. There's lots of twist and funny antics going on in this novel. Romance is also not a big factor for this novel. This novel is more of a comic relief type of story, so if you need anything to brighten your day - this is the novel for you. There's even a manhua (comic) adaption from this novel, with the same name. The artist of the manhua (comic) version is by Choi Hong Chong. English translations for this novel is already completed online, if you're still interested in reading it.
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Demon Wang’s Golden Favorite Fei by La Mi Tu
The female lead is on par with the male lead here and that's what I like about this novel. She has lot's of persona's and skills (includes fighting, poison making, medicine doctor, designer for clothes and jewelry, business womyn). There's English translations, but it's still being worked on. The novel is complete in Chinese and you can find the raws online if you just want to skip to the ending. This novel is more about Palace politics and be forewarned: there's crazy sh*t in here. You'll feel disgusted by some of the things that will happen later into the novel. Those crazy things aren't done by the leads, but side characters. You can skip those certain chapters when they do come up since they're not that important.
