Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women at IGN. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're shifting our focus to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" The responses formed a diverse and inspiring list, showcasing a wide range of genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists that our team admires as we celebrate both the women of IGN and their favorite female authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully capture the complexities of love, grief, and the human condition. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In her uniquely captivating style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, blending humor and poignancy to create a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story about love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotion. $9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel redefined the character, bringing Carol Danvers to the forefront and influencing the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, she's a prominent voice in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into the supernatural. If you haven't explored her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of an exceptional writer and human being. –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 embodies the power and courage she deserves. Navigating a pivotal moment in her life, she embarks on a journey to the stars, finding herself in the midst of an intergalactic war! $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts stories that are both surreal and relatable, perfect for those who appreciate the unconventional. Her novels, The Book of X and Ripe, have been standout reads for their unique blend of the bizarre and the real. The Book of X explores a woman's life amidst generational meat farmers and twisted familial bonds, while Ripe delves into the unsettling world of Silicon Valley startups and existential voids. Her work is a must-read for anyone seeking fresh and thought-provoking narratives. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

A surreal novel with "a dark, delicious edge" (Time) about a woman in Silicon Valley grappling with the price of success. This compelling read from an award-winning author, praised by Roxane Gay as "utterly unique and remarkable," is a must-add to your collection. $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

I eagerly await the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX set to portray 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 collection weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the legacy of female storytellers in a vividly imagined medieval world. $11.31 See it at Amazon

N.K. Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a masterpiece that deserves its acclaim. While all her fantasy works are noteworthy, the trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, stands out for its captivating narrative and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season's unique storytelling may initially be disorienting, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she seeks her husband, who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysm and concealing 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

This collectible boxed set includes all three books in N. K. Jemisin's groundbreaking and three-time Hugo Award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy. $49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output never ceases to amaze me. Her retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories are a delight, often blending gothic horror with dark fantasy. Her narratives are infused with comedic pacing and well-developed characters, balancing the weight of heavy themes. From the haunting exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work leaves a lasting impression. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

A gripping and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" by the award-winning author T. Kingfisher. $14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Han Kang

Han Kang's Nobel Prize win is a testament to her literary genius. Introduced to her through The Vegetarian, I was captivated by its unsettling narrative of a housewife's transformation. Her subsequent works, from Greek Lessons to Human Acts and We Do Not Part, showcase her ability to weave complex themes into compelling stories. Han Kang is a true literary force. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a dark, Kafka-esque allegory 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 Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels are a testament to her burgeoning talent. Her standalone stories quickly build immersive worlds, with engaging plots that keep you hooked. The Deep Sky, a gripping murder mystery set in space, and The Stardust Grail, an action-packed quest for an ancient alien artifact, are both must-reads. I'm eagerly anticipating her next release. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is a thrilling sci-fi mystery about a deep-space mission that starts with a deadly explosion, leaving the crew to question each other's loyalty. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

A perfect entry point into fantasy for young readers. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine will enchant readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre with her intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a series that follows a young woman's journey in a magical realm, Maas also crafted the epic Throne of Glass and the captivating Crescent City series. Her ability to weave strong characters and thrilling plots with romance makes her work irresistible. –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 tale that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read. $19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly tackles diverse genres, from historical romance in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales in Certain Dark Things. Her works often explore dark historical fantasy, with a refreshing focus on Mexico. Her storytelling prowess ensures a spot on my bookshelf for every new release. –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, 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 Amazon

Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are enchanting dreamscapes. Her writing is so captivating that I buy her books in hardcover and collect multiple editions. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy about rival magicians, is a perfect escape, while The Starless Sea, a labyrinthine tale about stories, is best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spellbinding novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. $19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Helen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's work is like chasing a playful ghost through a literary dream. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tales but wildly original, defy genre conventions. From Gingerbread's capitalist twist on Hansel and Gretel to the inventive Mr. Fox, Oyeyemi's stories are feverish adventures that break the rules of fiction. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

The extraordinarily talented Helen Oyeyemi crafts a love story like no other. Mr. Fox is a magical, endlessly inventive novel that is as witty and charming as it is profound. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

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

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

This collection introduces and retrospects Leomi Sadler's energetic and deeply personal cartooning style. $25.42 See it at Amazon

Samantha Shannon

For fans mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. This high fantasy saga is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense. With prequels and upcoming releases, it's the perfect time to dive into this immersive 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)

A divided world, a queendom without an heir, and an ancient enemy awakens. $10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics, 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 for itself. Don't miss out on her contributions to the genre. –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 Amazon

Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's Celestial Kingdom Duology, starting with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is a breathtaking reimagining of the Chinese moon goddess legend. The series follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled goddess, on her quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling and romantic pacing make these novels standouts 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

A captivating and romantic debut inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, where a young woman embarks on an epic quest to free her mother. $17.99 save 32%$12.18 at Amazon

Morgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is a visceral and intelligent exploration of feeling lost, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. Her art captures the essence of alienation in the digital age and beyond. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

With a stark, haunting style, Nightcore Energy shows us the world of a young man trying to escape his reality through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist. See it at Organ.Fail

Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, and abandonment. Growing up, her stories provided solace during my own tough times. Her awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, reflect her significant contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending habits and late nights. $21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance centered on a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series skillfully balances violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance seamlessly into the plot. Yarros's storytelling keeps readers hooked with unexpected twists and a profound connection to the 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)

Immerse yourself in this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. $91.29 See it at Amazon

For 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