Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are excited to celebrate by highlighting the women on our team and their favorite women authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV. This year, we're focusing on another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, the responses created a diverse and inspiring list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists they admire as we honor both the women of IGN and their literary heroes!

Sharon Creech

Her stories of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence are truly exceptional. –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 narratives, one humorous and one bittersweet, to craft a heartwarming, compelling, and deeply moving tale 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 the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that carried over into the MCU with her credited as a consultant. Beyond the major publishers, she's a prominent voice in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly, offering a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi, dystopian, feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't explored her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of an incredible 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 finds herself at a pivotal moment, leading her to the stars and into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels are uniquely strange yet profoundly clear, resonating with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have been standout favorites of mine. The Book of X, a surreal tale of a woman born into a family of meat farmers with a twisted stomach, is both otherworldly and deeply relatable. Ripe, which follows a young woman navigating a psychotic San Francisco startup while haunted by a void, offers a fresh take on the genre, ending in a manner reminiscent of Rose Glass' film Saint Maud. I eagerly await more of her captivating work. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) about a woman in Silicon Valley who must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice for success—from an award-winning writer whose work Roxane Gay calls “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 book 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

You've likely heard of N.K. Jemisin's acclaimed The Broken Earth Trilogy, and for good reason. While her other fantasy works are equally compelling, the trilogy's captivating narrative, rich characters, and innovative magic system, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a must-read. The Fifth Season's playful storytelling might be initially confusing, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she hunts her husband, who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while navigating a recurring cataclysmic event and concealing her earth-manipulating powers. It's a Hugo Award-winning journey you won't forget. –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 astounding, and my adventure-loving heart appreciates her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work often delves into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic pacing and well-crafted characters provide a necessary balance to the heavy themes. Whether it's the slow, creeping exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the exquisite Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, which tackles personal identity and loss, her stories leave me both fulfilled and slightly unnerved. –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 Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

It might seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, but Han Kang's work speaks for itself. Introduced to her through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, I was captivated by its disturbingly mesmerizing plot about a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to confusion and dismay among those around her, and eventually all food. Released in South Korea eight years earlier, it's even more striking. I've followed her work ever since, from the thematically similar Greek Lessons to the poignant South Korean political narratives in Human Acts and We Do Not Part. Han Kang is a genius and an absolute badass. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated by critics worldwide, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from the violence both without and within her.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei, a rising star in sci-fi, has already published two novels with a third on the way. Her one-off stories quickly build immersive worlds and engage readers with fast-paced narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship bound for humanity's future home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, is an Indiana Jones-style adventure where the protagonist races to find an ancient alien artifact crucial for her friend's survival but potentially catastrophic for her own. Both are imaginative and captivating, and I eagerly await 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 mission into deep space that begins with a lethal explosion, leaving the survivors questioning the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers just starting their journey into fantasy. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a feisty heroine is sure to enchant readers new and old. $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 intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which follows a young woman's journey in a magical realm among the Fae, Maas' work is detailed and immersive. Her first series, Throne of Glass, began her fantasy writing career as a teenager, and her latest, Crescent City, continues to captivate. Maas excels in developing strong characters and weaving exciting twists, blending fantastical elements with romance and a touch of spice. –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 that 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 fearlessly tackles various genres, from historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance stories may feel similar if read consecutively, her work is diverse and engaging. Her novels often explore dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Her books are a must-have 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 work is so captivating that I buy her hardcovers instantly and collect multiple editions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a battle at a mysterious circus, is my go-to for breaking out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about stories, begins in our world before the protagonist discovers an underground library of all stories. Both novels are beautifully written and 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

I get excited every time I hear about a new Helen Oyeyemi book. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful ghost, and her novels are fantastical yet defy traditional fantasy. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen folktales, her works, like Gingerbread, offer a fresh take on familiar stories. Her fever dream adventures challenge the norms of literary fiction, as Alexandra Kleeman noted in The Nation, describing Oyeyemi’s work as having “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

1The extraordinarily gifted Helen Oyeyemi has written a love story like no other. Mr. Fox is a magical book, endlessly inventive, as witty and charming as it is profound in its truths about how we learn to be with one another.$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, filled with 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 Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice.$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 release, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a must-read. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this high fantasy series offers rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a satisfying twist. The 845-page book will keep you immersed in another world. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was released three years later, and another, Among the Burning Flowers, is coming soon. If you're looking to start a new series, now is the perfect 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.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. She's won GLAAD awards and was the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her work is truly remarkable, and I highly recommend checking it 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, is a stunning reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, continued in Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers a delicious blend of romance and adventure, providing context to Chinese mythology while maintaining a steady pace. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic journey to free her mother. Tan's complex characters and romantic pacing make these novels standout 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

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

Morgan Vogel's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. It captures the essence of feeling lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a stiff, frightening pen, Nightcore shows us the world of a young man attempting to escape a world he feels fundamentally alienated from by immersing himself in technology—aligning with Morgan’s own experience as a teenage 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, I found solace in her books, relating to her characters during my own tough times. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her "services to Literature." –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter thinks she is the most beautiful mum in the world, but she 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's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series is brutal from the start, yet the violence doesn't overshadow the storyline, characters, and world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing serious challenges, both physical and mental, while emphasizing themes of friendship and support. The romance is seamlessly woven into the plot, complementing the fantasy world's excitement. Even those not typically drawn to romance will find themselves captivated by the characters' journeys and eager for more. Yarros's complex storylines and unexpected twists keep readers engaged, and her world-building is both crushing and hopeful. The Empyrean series, a five-book saga, released its third book 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)

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