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 women who enrich our team. Last year, we celebrated by sharing our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're turning the page to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" the responses painted a vibrant tapestry of literary talent across various genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate the women of IGN and their cherished female authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories delve deeply into themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence with a touch of elegance. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other bittersweet—crafting a heartwarming, compelling story of love, loss, and the intricate layers 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 male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that later influenced the MCU, with DeConnick credited as a consultant. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility, from mystical westerns to dystopian sci-fi with a feminist twist. Her ongoing project, FML from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural flair to her diverse portfolio. If you haven't yet experienced her writing, you're missing out on the brilliance of an exceptional writer and human. –Chelsea Reed

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

Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel

As Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel takes her rightful place in the cosmos. Her journey leads her to a crossroads that propels her into the heart of an intergalactic war! $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts narratives that are both wonderfully strange and strikingly clear, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name, both have quickly become favorites upon release. The Book of X, a surreal exploration of generational trauma and identity, and Ripe, a haunting tale of corporate dystopia and existential dread, showcase her ability to weave compelling, relatable stories. Her work shares a cinematic quality akin to Rose Glass's Saint Maud, and I eagerly anticipate many more novels from her. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

This surreal novel, praised for its "dark, delicious edge" by Time, follows a woman navigating the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, questioning the price of success. It's a must-read from an award-winning author hailed by Roxane Gay as "utterly unique and remarkable." $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

I'm thrilled to see the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, especially with Charli XCX portraying Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

In the spirit of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves a rich tapestry of folklore and myth, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world. $11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin

If you haven't yet delved into N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, you're in for a treat. While her other fantasy works are equally compelling, the trilogy's captivating narrative, complex characters, and innovative magic system, especially in The Obelisk Gate, make it a standout. The Fifth Season's playful narrative structure might be initially disorienting, but the payoff is immensely rewarding. Follow Essun on her harrowing journey to find her husband, who has murdered their son and abducted their daughter, all while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysmic change and concealing her earth-manipulating powers. This trilogy is a Hugo Award-winning masterpiece. –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

This collectible boxed set includes all three books of N. K. Jemisin's NYT 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, especially for those who enjoy adventurous retellings of classic tales. Her works often blend gothic horror with dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters provide a much-needed balance to the darker themes. From the atmospheric horror of "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, Kingfisher's stories leave readers both moved and slightly unnerved. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

This gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” by the Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning T. Kingfisher is an atmospheric masterpiece. $14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

While it may seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Han Kang's genius is undeniable. Introduced to her work through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, I was captivated by its haunting narrative of a woman's descent into self-starvation amidst societal confusion and dismay. Her subsequent works, including Greek Lessons and the politically charged Human Acts and We Do Not Part, continue to showcase her profound storytelling. Han Kang is a literary force and an absolute badass. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from internal and external violence. $18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels are quickly gaining recognition. Her standalone stories build immersive worlds at a brisk pace, captivating readers with their engaging plots. The Deep Sky, a thrilling murder mystery set on a high-tech spaceship, and The Stardust Grail, an adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, showcase her talent for crafting fast-paced, imaginative tales. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel, set to release this fall. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is an enthralling sci-fi thriller about a space mission that turns deadly, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers embarking on their fantasy journey. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

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

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, consistently leaving readers in awe with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a series that follows a young woman's transformative journey in a magical realm, Maas also crafted the epic Throne of Glass series and the thrilling Crescent City series. Her ability to weave strong characters and unexpected plot twists ensures her stories are as much about romance as they are about fantasy. Dive into the enchanting world of the Fae with her books for epic tales filled with romance and adventure. –Jessie Wade

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

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

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore. $19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with fantasy elements in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire narrative of Certain Dark Things. While her romance-focused stories may share similar dynamics, her works primarily delve into dark historical fantasy, often set in North America, particularly Mexico. Each new publication from Moreno-Garcia earns a coveted spot on my shelf. –MS

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes 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, feel like stepping into a dream. Her works are so captivating that I purchase them in hardcover and collect multiple editions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined to battle at a mysterious circus, is my go-to for breaking a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a labyrinthine tale about the power of stories, transports readers from our world to an underground library. Both are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

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

The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book fills me with excitement. Her unique voice defies easy categorization, like chasing a playful ghost. Her novels blend fantasy with reality, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tales, yet transformed into something entirely new. Gingerbread, for instance, reimagines Hansel and Gretel through a capitalist lens. Oyeyemi's work, as Alexandra Kleeman noted to The Nation, 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

Helen Oyeyemi's extraordinary gift shines in this unique love story. Mr. Fox is a magical, endlessly inventive tale that is as witty and charming as it is profound. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

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

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

This collection introduces and reflects on Leomi Sadler's dynamic and deeply personal cartooning style. $25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next book, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a must-read. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this high fantasy saga offers rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense. The 845-page epic will keep you engrossed, and with the prequel A Day of Fallen Night and the forthcoming Among the Burning Flowers, now is the perfect time to start this series. –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)

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

Gail Simone's long career in comics and other media showcases her talent for capturing the quiet, yet powerful, moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work speaks volumes. She's truly remarkable, and her stories are a must-read. –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

A 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, and its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, offer a captivating reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. These novels blend romance and adventure, providing context for Chinese mythology while maintaining a brisk pace. The protagonist, Xingyin, embarks on an epic quest to free her exiled mother, showcasing Tan's skill in crafting complex characters and compelling narratives. –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

This debut epic fantasy, inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, follows a young woman'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 beautiful yet unsettling illustrations that capture the essence of feeling lost—whether online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

With a striking and eerie style, 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 books for young adults tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her stories provided solace during my own difficult times, offering characters I could relate to. Wilson has received numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

Marigold's daughter admires her mother's beauty but wishes she wouldn't spend so much money and stay out all night—it's unsettling. $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 through a war college for dragon riders. The series blends brutal violence with strong character development and world-building, maintaining a balance between action and the emotional journeys of its characters. The organic integration of romance complements the plot, making the series appealing even to those less interested in romance. Yarros's storytelling is full of unexpected twists, and her ability to make readers connect with dragons as if they were characters themselves is unparalleled. The third book in this five-book series was released on January 21, 2025, with two more to come. –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)

Immerse 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

Take 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