Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

In celebration of Women's History Month in the US this March, we at IGN are proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women within our team. Last year, we shared our favorite 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 female authors, the responses created an eclectic and inspiring list that spans various genres and styles. Let's explore the authors and comic artists they admire, celebrating not only the women of IGN but also the incredible female voices in literature!

Sharon Creech

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

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her distinctive and beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other bittersweet—crafting a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick

A trailblazer in the often male-dominated world of comics, Kelly Sue DeConnick has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, bringing the iconic title to Carol Danvers, paved the way for the character's portrayal in the MCU, where DeConnick was credited as a consultant. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility, blending mystical westerns with sci-fi and feminist themes. Her current project, FML, with Dark Horse Comics, continues her exploration into supernatural realms. DeConnick's writing is not just remarkable; it's a testament to her strength and humanity. –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 finds herself at a crucial juncture, catapulted into an intergalactic war that challenges her resolve and strength.$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's unique voice resonates with those who appreciate the surreal and the deeply personal. With only two novels published so far, her work has already captured my heart. The Book of X, a tale of generational meat farmers and women with a literal knot in their stomachs, is both surreal and painfully relatable. Ripe, set in a psychotic San Francisco startup and haunted by a void, offers a fresh and intense narrative that echoes the film Saint Maud. Here's hoping Etter graces us with many more such unforgettable stories. –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 delves into the life of a woman in Silicon Valley facing the pressures of success, from an award-winning writer praised by Roxane Gay as "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 palpable, 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

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 ventured into N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, you're missing out on a literary masterpiece. While all her works merit attention, the trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, showcases her genius in crafting captivating characters and intricate magic systems. The Fifth Season may initially challenge with its unique storytelling, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun's journey as she seeks her husband, who murdered their son and abducted their daughter, while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysm and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. Jemisin's Hugo Award-winning saga is a must-read. –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 is a delight for any lover of dark fantasy and gothic horror. Her retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories are infused with comedic pacing and well-developed characters that provide a counterbalance to their heavy themes. From the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, Kingfisher's work leaves readers both moved and a little unnerved. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A gripping and atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher," from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, whose acclaim was celebrated even by BTS on Instagram, is a force to be reckoned with. My introduction to her work came through The Vegetarian, a disturbing yet mesmerizing tale of a housewife's descent into self-starvation, which was translated into English in 2015. Since then, I've followed her journey through works like Greek Lessons and Human Acts, each a testament to her genius and boldness. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1A darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from the violence within and around her, celebrated by critics worldwide.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei is a rising star in the sci-fi genre, captivating readers with her quick world-building and fast-paced narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a compelling murder mystery set on a tech-laden spaceship destined for a new home for humanity. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, adds an adventurous twist, akin to Indiana Jones, as the protagonist races against time to find an ancient alien artifact. With another novel slated for this fall, Kitasei's imagination knows no bounds. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1An enthralling sci-fi thriller debut about a deep-space mission that turns deadly, leaving survivors to question the loyalty of their crew.$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

1A beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a feisty heroine that enchants 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, crafting worlds so detailed and stories so enthralling that she's become one of my top fantasy authors. Best known for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which explores a young woman's journey into a magical realm among the powerful and immortal Fae, Maas's work is filled with intricate world-building and gripping narratives. Her Throne of Glass and Crescent City series further showcase her talent for creating strong characters and unexpected plot twists, perfect for those seeking epic fantasy intertwined with 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 tale that blends 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 traverses genres, excelling in everything from historical romance with fantasy elements in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. Her stories often explore dark historical fantasies set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Whether it's the romance-forward narratives or the thrilling plots, Moreno-Garcia's work consistently earns a place on my bookshelf. –MS

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1A terrifying twist on classic gothic horror set in glamorous 1950s Mexico, from the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow.$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 entering a dream. Her writing compels me to collect multiple editions of her books. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a duel at a mysterious circus, is my go-to for breaking out of reading slumps. The Starless Sea, a story about stories set in an underground library, is equally enchanting and best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1A spellbinding novel written in seductive prose, offering 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 fills me with excitement. Her unique voice defies categorization, blending fantastical elements with literary fiction in a way that's both disorienting and delightful. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson folktales, her novels like Gingerbread offer a fresh and often surreal take on familiar stories. Oyeyemi's work is akin to navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea—thrilling and unpredictable. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1An extraordinary love story from the gifted Helen Oyeyemi, filled with magic, wit, and profound truths about human connection.$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, characterized by bright colors and dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1A collection that introduces and celebrates Leomi Sadler's energetic and deeply personal cartooning style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of George R.R. Martin's saga, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, beginning with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. This high fantasy series is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense, keeping readers captivated throughout its 845 pages. With prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, Shannon's world offers a thrilling escape into fantasy. –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's contributions to comics and other media are remarkable, particularly in her portrayal of the quieter, 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. –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

2Essential 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, reimagines the Chinese legend of the moon goddess in a captivating fantasy. The follow-up, Heart of the Sun Warrior, continues this enchanting journey. Tan's duology offers a deep dive into Chinese mythology with compelling characters and a steady pace, making it a standout in romantic fantasy. –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 romantic and 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 delve into the unsettling nature of being lost—in the online world, the physical world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1A gripping tale of a young man's escape into technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist, drawn with a haunting pen.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle tough subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I found solace and relatability in her characters during my own challenging times. Wilson's accolades, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III, reflect her significant contribution to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2A touching story of a daughter's love for her mother, despite the challenges and fears brought by her mother's behavior.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series offers a gripping adult fantasy romance set in a war college for dragon riders. The series is intense, with violence playing a crucial role, yet it doesn't overshadow the depth of the storyline, characters, and world-building. Yarros masterfully creates relatable characters facing both physical and mental challenges, woven with themes of friendship and support. The romance enhances the plot, making it a compelling read for both romance and fantasy enthusiasts. With complex storylines and unexpected twists, Yarros's series keeps readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. The third book, released on January 21, 2025, is just the beginning, with two more books 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)

1Dive into this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books 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