Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to celebrate by highlighting the incredible women at IGN and their favorite women authors. Last year, we shared staff picks of games, movies, and TV. This year, we're focusing on another cherished pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" The responses created a diverse and compelling list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists they admire, celebrating both the women of IGN and the brilliant women authors they've chosen!

Sharon Creech

Her stories delve into themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence with exceptional skill. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two tales, one humorous and one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions.$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 Carol Danvers to the forefront, a legacy later honored in the MCU with her name in the credits as a consultant. Beyond the big names, she's a prominent voice in indie comics, with titles like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi dystopian feminist narrative. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist. If you haven't experienced her writing, you're missing out on the work 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. As she navigates a pivotal moment in her life, a dramatic choice propels her into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's writing is both surreal and clear-eyed, resonating deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published to date, both have been standout favorites in their release years. The Book of X explores a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers and women with twisted stomachs, blending the surreal with the painfully relatable. Ripe follows a young woman's journey through a psychotically intense San Francisco startup, haunted by an omnipresent void. Her work, reminiscent of Rose Glass’s film Saint Maud, is captivating and I eagerly await more from her. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) that follows a woman in Silicon Valley grappling with the price of success. Roxane Gay praises Etter’s work as “utterly unique and remarkable.”$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, especially with Charli XCX portraying Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

1In the tradition of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated collection weaves folk tales and myths into a tapestry celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a 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 fantasy novels are equally worthy of attention. The trilogy's captivating narrative, richly drawn characters, and innovative magic system, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it highly recommendable. The playful storytelling in The Fifth Season might be initially confusing, but the payoff is worth it. Follow Essun as she hunts down her husband, who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, while navigating a recurring cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. This Hugo Award-winning series is a thrilling journey. –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 in 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 never ceases to amaze, and my adventure-loving heart cherishes her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror. Her stories often delve into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters provide a necessary counterbalance to the heavy themes. From the slow, creeping exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the enchanting Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, which explores identity and loss, her work leaves 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” from the award-winning author T. Kingfisher.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

While recommending the recent Nobel Prize winner in Literature might seem obvious, the acclaim Han Kang receives is justified. My introduction to her work came with The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015. The novel's disturbingly mesmerizing plot about a housewife who stops eating meat, and eventually all food, captivated me. Originally published in South Korea eight years earlier, her subsequent works like Greek Lessons and Human Acts delve into similar themes and real-life political atrocities. Han Kang is truly a genius and an absolute badass. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated worldwide, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, 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, already on her way to releasing her third novel, is an imaginative sci-fi writer with a bright future. Unlike many of my favorite sci-fi authors who craft expansive series, Kitasei's one-off stories quickly build engaging worlds with fast-paced narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery aboard a tech-filled spaceship bound for humanity's future home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, is an Indiana Jones-style adventure to find an ancient alien artifact crucial for her friend's survival. Both are imaginative and delightful, and I'm eagerly anticipating her next release this fall. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's The Deep Sky is an enthralling sci-fi thriller debut about a deep space mission that begins with a deadly explosion, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for kids just starting their fantasy journey. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a feisty heroine will enchant readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, consistently leaving readers in awe with her detailed world-building and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, a five-book saga that explores a young woman's journey in a magical realm among the Fae, Maas has also crafted the Throne of Glass series, an eight-book epic begun in her teenage years, and the Crescent City series, with three books so far. Her interconnected Fae world, strong character development, and thrilling twists make her books a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and romance. –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 comes a seductive, breathtaking book blending romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.$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 a dark vampire adventure in Mexico City with Certain Dark Things. Her works often delve into dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. While some of her romance-focused stories may feel similar back-to-back, spacing them out ensures a diverse reading experience. Each new publication earns a spot on my limited 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 comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) 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 like stepping into a dream. Her works are so captivating that I buy them in hardcover and collect multiple editions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a mysterious battle, is my go-to for breaking out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about stories, follows protagonist Zachary into an underground library of all tales. 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 spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always excites me. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful ghost, full of fun and surprise. Her novels blend the fantastical with elements inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's folktales, but in a completely original way. Gingerbread, for instance, echoes Hansel and Gretel but through a capitalist lens. Her work is a fever dream that defies literary norms, as Alexandra Kleeman described to The Nation, likening it to navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1The extraordinarily gifted Helen Oyeyemi crafts a love story like no other. Mr. Fox is a magical book, endlessly inventive, and as witty and charming as it is profound in its truths about human relationships.$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, full of bright colors and dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1Collecting Leomi Sadler's energetic work for the first time, Tummy Bugs serves as both an introduction and a retrospective to her deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans still mourning the end of Game of Thrones and awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series is the perfect antidote. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this high fantasy series offers rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and satisfying twists. The 845-page book will keep you immersed in its world. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, followed three years later, and excitement continues with Among the Burning Flowers, coming later this year. If you're looking to dive into a new series, now's the time. –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 world divided, a queendom without an heir, and an ancient enemy awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has been a prolific writer in comics and other media, masterfully 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 more incredible than words can express—check her out! –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, and its follow-up, Heart of the Sun Warrior, beautifully reimagine and expand the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. These romantic adventures are a delight, seamlessly weaving Chinese mythology with action-packed narratives. The story follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her epic journey to free her mother. Tan's complex characters and understanding of romantic pacing make these novels stand out in the 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

1A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, following a young woman’s quest to free her mother.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with stunning visuals that are also deeply unsettling. It captures the feeling of being lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a stark, frightening pen, Nightcore shows us the world of a young man attempting to escape his alienation through technology, mirroring Morgan’s own teenage experiences as a web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her books provided solace during my own tough times, making me feel less alone. Her numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III, testify to her significant contribution to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter believes her mother is the most beautiful, but wishes she wouldn't spend so much money and stay out all night—it's scary.$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 training at a war college for dragon riders. The series is intense from the start, with violence playing a crucial role, yet it never overshadows the storyline, characters, or world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing serious challenges, with themes of friendship and support woven throughout. The romance enhances the plot organically, while the fantasy world remains thrilling and full of unexpected twists. The series, now five books strong with the third released on January 21, 2025, will have you deeply attached to its characters and dragons. –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