Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, we at IGN are proud to shine a spotlight on the talented women within our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're turning our attention to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN to share their favorite women authors, and the responses painted a vibrant picture of literary diversity and excellence. Let's dive into the list of authors and comic artists that our team admires, celebrating both the women of IGN and the incredible women authors they cherish.

Sharon Creech

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

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her unique and beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, blending humor with poignant emotion to craft a heartwarming and compelling story of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human feelings.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a move that echoed into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she served as a consultant. Beyond the major publishers, DeConnick has made significant contributions to indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet, showcasing her versatility from mystical westerns to dystopian sci-fi. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. DeConnick's writing is not only exceptional but also deeply inspiring. –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 stands where she's always belonged. Yet, as she navigates pivotal life changes, a crucial decision propels her into the heart of an interstellar conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels resonate with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two books to her name, both have been standout reads for me. The Book of X, with its surreal narrative about generational meat farmers and a woman with a twisted stomach, is both unsettling and deeply relatable. Ripe, which follows a young woman's harrowing experience at a Silicon Valley startup, introduces an omnipresent void and ends with a cinematic intensity reminiscent of Saint Maud. I eagerly anticipate many more of her unique stories. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal journey with "a dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe explores the lengths a woman in Silicon Valley will go for success, crafted by the award-winning writer Roxane Gay calls "utterly unique and remarkable."$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

The anticipation for the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale is high, especially with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

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

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, though her other works are equally compelling. The trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, showcases her masterful storytelling, captivating characters, and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season's narrative style might be initially disorienting, but perseverance rewards with an unforgettable Hugo Award-winning experience. The story follows Essun as she seeks her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while navigating a recurring cataclysm and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. –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 volumes of N. K. Jemisin's groundbreaking, 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 astounds me, yet it's her fresh takes on classic tales that captivate my adventure-loving heart. Her work often leans towards gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her humor and well-crafted characters provide a necessary counterbalance to the heavy themes. Whether it's the eerie atmosphere of "What Moves the Dead" or the emotional depth of the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's stories leave a lasting impact. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

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

Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, is a literary genius whose work deserves celebration. Her breakthrough novel, The Vegetarian, is a mesmerizing exploration of a housewife's transformation and the societal reactions it provokes. Since then, her works like Greek Lessons and Human Acts have continued to delve into profound themes, showcasing her unparalleled storytelling prowess. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

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

Yume Kitasei is quickly making a name for herself in sci-fi with her engaging standalone novels. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient alien artifact. Both novels showcase her ability to craft immersive worlds and compelling narratives. I'm eagerly awaiting her next release this fall. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller, The Deep Sky, plunges readers into a high-stakes mission where a deadly explosion forces the crew to question their trust in each other.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Gail Carson Levine's enchanting tales are perfect for young readers dipping their toes into fantasy. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This cherished Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine continues to enchant readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, captivating readers with her intricate world-building and gripping narratives. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now spanning five books, follows a young woman thrust into a magical realm of the Fae, where she discovers her strength and navigates complex relationships. Maas's earlier Throne of Glass series, begun in her teenage years, and her latest Crescent City series further showcase her talent for crafting compelling characters and thrilling plots. For fans of epic fantasy intertwined with romance, Maas's works are unmissable. –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 audiobook.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility across genres is truly remarkable. From historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire tale of Certain Dark Things set in Mexico City, her storytelling is impeccable. While some of her romance narratives might feel familiar if read consecutively, her work primarily explores dark historical fantasy in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Her books are a must-have on any discerning bookshelf. –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 is a chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in the 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, transport readers into dreamlike realms. I'm an avid collector of her hardcover editions, drawn to their lush prose and enchanting narratives. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about rival magicians, never fails to pull me out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a tale about stories, takes readers on a journey through an underground library, best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written in seductive, rich prose, this spellbinding novel is a sensory and emotional delight.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's novels are a delightfully unpredictable journey. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful yet elusive ghost, blending elements of fantasy with Hans Christian Andersen-inspired tales, yet defying easy categorization. Gingerbread, for instance, offers a modern, capitalist twist on Hansel and Gretel. Oyeyemi's work, as Alexandra Kleeman noted, has "the discombobulating quality of walking through a moving vehicle while carrying a full-to-the-brim cup of very hot tea." –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. Mr. Fox is a magical book, endlessly inventive, and profound in its exploration of human connections.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

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

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

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

For fans of high fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a must-read. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this series offers a rich tapestry of characters, dragons, magic, and suspense. With an 845-page debut that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, followed by prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, Shannon's work is a thrilling escape into another world. –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)

1In a divided world, a queendom without an heir faces an ancient awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics, skillfully capturing the quiet yet impactful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work is truly remarkable. –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

2Witness a core group of essential X-Men rise FROM THE ASHES in 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, reimagines the Chinese legend of the moon goddess in a breathtaking narrative. The follow-up, Heart of the Sun Warrior, continues this enchanting journey. Together, they offer a romantic adventure deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, following Xingyin's quest to free her imprisoned mother from the moon. Tan's storytelling and character development make these novels standout entries in the romantic fantasy genre. –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 a young woman’s quest to free her mother, delivering a captivating and romantic tale.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's art is both visceral and intelligent, offering a haunting yet beautiful depiction of feeling lost in the digital world and beyond. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a striking pen, Nightcore Energy explores 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 works for young adults tackle challenging subjects like grief, substance abuse, and abandonment with sensitivity and depth. Growing up with her books provided solace during tough times, making me feel less alone. Wilson's accolades, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III, reflect her significant contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights, finding them unsettling.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance centered on a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series, blending brutal violence with rich world-building and character development, explores themes of friendship and support amidst the chaos of war. The romance seamlessly integrates with the plot, enhancing the overall narrative. Yarros's ability to craft intricate storylines with unexpected twists keeps readers eagerly anticipating each new installment. The third book in the five-book series was 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)

1Dive into the captivating fantasy world of Rebecca Yarros with this stunning three-book set: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm.$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