Yona of the Dawn

Summary- Yona was a pampered princess until her father was killed by her childhood friend. When the country turns against her she escapes with her other longtime friend, Hak. They set out on a journey to find the four dragons that served the original master.
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The summary of the anime makes it seem very clique and average, but the characters are designed so that they bring more to the story. It feels like the plot is very straightforward, finding the 4 dragons and reclaiming the throne but Yona grows so much in the process that it's more interesting to watch.

In the beginning of the anime she disobeyed her father and wished to receive whatever she wanted. The brutal struggles of being a fugitive changed her as she sees Hak constantly risking his life in order to protect her. This makes her want to get stronger so she can defend herself.
               
Personally Yona didn't feel like a heroine who tried too hard to get stronger; she did push herself but the balance was nicely done. Her experience had turned her into a strong, kind, independent woman. The anime ends short on that, but the manga shows her travelling with the dragons, continually helping the kingdom by aiding the commoners.

But....seriously we need some Hak and Yona action here. She's acting as the oblivious, naive herioe who doesn't know that the person closest to her loves her. But slowly she's liking him too while all the characters around them get extremely frustrated.

Shin-ah still the cutest though I LOVE YOU SHINHA