Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN wanted to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women within our team. Last year, we celebrated with staff picks of games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're turning our attention to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, we received a diverse and intriguing list that spans various genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate the women of IGN and their favorite women authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human nature. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her distinctive, lyrical style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other poignant—to craft a deeply moving tale of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotion.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that extended into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with her credited as a consultant on the films. Beyond Marvel and DC, DeConnick's voice resonates in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet, offering mystical western and dystopian feminist narratives, respectively. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't yet experienced her work, you're missing out on the talents of an extraordinary writer and person. –Chelsea Reed

Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML

Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel

1As Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel rightfully takes her place among the stars. Her journey through a pivotal life decision thrusts her into the heart of an intergalactic conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's writing is both surreal and insightful, resonating with readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published to date, both have been standout favorites. The Book of X, set against the backdrop of generational meat farming, and Ripe, which explores the psychological toll of a San Francisco tech startup, showcase her unique storytelling. Her work is not only innovative but deeply relatable, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her future projects. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal and gripping novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time), Ripe delves into the life of a woman navigating the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, exploring the lengths she'll go to achieve success.$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

I'm thrilled about the upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

1Inspired by The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves a tapestry of folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K. Jemisin

If you haven't yet been introduced to N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, you're in for a treat. While all her fantasy novels are noteworthy, the trilogy, especially The Obelisk Gate, stands out with its compelling characters and inventive magic system. The Fifth Season might initially challenge with its narrative structure, but perseverance rewards readers with a gripping, Hugo Award-winning saga about Essun, who hunts her husband after he murders their son and kidnaps their daughter, all while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysm. –Miranda Sanchez

Notable works: The Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season), The City We Became

N.K Jemisin### The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky

1This collectible boxed set includes all three books of N.K. Jemisin's critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling, and three-time Hugo award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy.$49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at AmazonT. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output is a delight for those who love adventures with a twist. Her works often explore gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet they're infused with comedic pacing and well-crafted characters. Whether it's the eerie exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead or the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, Kingfisher's stories leave readers both fulfilled and slightly unnerved. –MS

Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A chilling and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," this novel by Hugo, Locus, and Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher is a must-read.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

It's no surprise that Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, is recommended here. Her work, notably The Vegetarian, which was translated into English in 2015, captivates readers with its unsettling narrative about a woman who gradually stops eating meat and then all food. Kang's exploration of themes continues in works like Greek Lessons and Human Acts, showcasing her genius and bold storytelling. –LB

Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a haunting, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and a woman's quest for liberation from internal and external violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Emerging as a promising voice in sci-fi, Yume Kitasei's rapid release of novels demonstrates her talent for crafting immersive worlds and engaging narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set in a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an alien artifact. Both novels are imaginative and compelling, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next work. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller, The Deep Sky, follows a mission into deep space that turns deadly, prompting the survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

A perfect entry point into fantasy for young readers. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine is sure to captivate both new and returning readers.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, crafting intricate worlds and stories that leave readers spellbound. Her most renowned series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, follows a young woman's journey in a magical realm among the Fae, blending epic fantasy with romance. Maas's earlier series, Throne of Glass, and her latest, Crescent City, also delve into the enchanting world of the Fae, offering fans a rich tapestry of stories to explore. –Jessie Wade

Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City

Sarah J. Maas### A Court of Thorns and Roses

0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, this seductive novel blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable tale.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. Her work often centers on dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Each of her books earns a coveted spot on my shelf. –MS

Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow, Mexican Gothic offers a chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are dreamlike journeys that captivate readers. Her lush prose and enchanting narratives make her books instant favorites. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy about two magicians, is a perfect escape, while The Starless Sea takes readers into a subterranean world of stories. Both novels are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written in rich, seductive prose, this spellbinding novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

The anticipation of a new Helen Oyeyemi book fills me with excitement. Her unique voice defies categorization, crafting fantastical yet grounded narratives often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales. Her novels, such as Gingerbread and Mr. Fox, are feverish adventures that challenge literary conventions, offering readers a thrilling, disorienting experience. –LB

Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1Helen Oyeyemi's extraordinary talent shines in this unique love story that blends magic, wit, and profound insights into human relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of Leomi Sadler's work, brimming with bright colors and dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1This collection introduces and celebrates Leomi Sadler's dynamic and personal cartooning style, filled with energy and humor.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For those missing the epic scope of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series offers a satisfying alternative. The Priory of the Orange Tree, with its rich characters, dragons, and magic, is a thrilling high fantasy that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The series continues to expand with prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers. –CR

Notable works: The Roots of Chaos series (The Priory of the Orange Tree), The Bone Season series

Samantha Shannon### The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos)

1A divided world. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics, bringing depth to superheroes through her portrayal of their quieter, yet powerful, moments. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her contributions to the industry are significant. Her work is truly exceptional, and she deserves more than a brief mention. –MF

Notable works: Uncanny X-Men. You can pre-order the next release (August 5) on Amazon now.

Gail Simone### (Kindle Only) Uncanny X-Men

2A core group of essential X-Men rise FROM THE ASHES to face a world without a home - and without Professor X! $5.99 at AmazonSue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is a stunning reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. The follow-up, Heart of the Sun Warrior, continues this enchanting duology, blending romance and adventure with Chinese mythology. The protagonist, Xingyin, embarks on a quest to free her imprisoned mother, captivating readers with her journey and Tan's masterful storytelling. –MS

Notable works: The Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), Immortal

Sue Lynn Tan### (Book 1 of 3) Daughter of the Moon Goddess

1Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e, this debut epic fantasy follows Xingyin's quest to free her mother, blending romance and adventure.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with striking illustrations that evoke deep emotions. Her art captures the essence of feeling lost in the digital world or within oneself, resonating with readers on a profound level. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a bold, unsettling style, Nightcore Energy depicts a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying, providing solace and relatability for readers. Growing up, her books were my refuge during tough times, and her characters mirrored my own struggles. Wilson's numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, reflect her impactful work in literature. –Meg Koepp

Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter adores her beautiful mum, but worries about her spending and late nights, finding them frightening.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series blends intense action with deep character development, exploring themes of friendship and resilience. Yarros's storytelling weaves romance seamlessly into the plot, while her intricate world-building and unexpected twists keep readers hooked. The series continues to evolve with the third book released on January 21, 2025. –JW

Notable works: Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm)

Rebecca Yarros### (3 Book Set) Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm)

1Immerse yourself in this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.$91.29 See it at AmazonFor more, also check out Humble Bundle's great deals and specials this month for gamers and readers. Humble is partnering with CARE for Women's History Month. When you purchase a Humble Choice membership this March, 5% of proceeds will support CARE's programs.

Celebrate Women's History Month### Humble Heroines Bundle

0Take charge as powerful protagonists including Seelah from Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition, Jesse Faden from Control: Ultimate Edition, and Fury from Darksiders 3!See it at Humble Bundle