Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the talented women here at IGN. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're focusing on another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN to share their favorite female authors, and the responses crafted a diverse and captivating list that spans various genres and styles. Let's delve into the authors and comic artists they admire as we celebrate both the women of IGN and their cherished female authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully capture the essence of love, grief, and the intricate tapestry of human existence. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her own singularly beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity 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 at Marvel, where she brought the title of Captain Marvel to Carol Danvers, has left a lasting legacy, reflected in the MCU with her credited role as a consultant on the films. Beyond the big names, she's a prominent voice in indie comics, with works like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, which delivers a sci-fi, dystopian, feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, brings a supernatural flair to storytelling. If you haven't read her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of DeConnick, both as a writer and a remarkable 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 is exactly where she's always deserved to be. But as she navigates this crossroads in her life, a dramatic decision sends her to the stars - right into the middle of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter writes uniquely captivating books that resonate deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published to date, both have been standout reads of their respective years. The Book of X, a surreal yet relatable tale of a woman born into a family of meat farmers with a twisted stomach, and Ripe, which follows a young woman's struggle at a San Francisco startup while being haunted by a void, showcase Etter's distinct style. Her work, reminiscent of Rose Glass' film Saint Maud, leaves readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author. –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 give up 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 set to portray 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, a beautifully illustrated tapestry of folk tales and myths about 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, but it's worth repeating. While her other fantasy novels are equally deserving of attention, the trilogy's captivating storytelling, rich characters, and innovative magic system, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a must-read. The Fifth Season's unique narrative structure may initially confuse some, but the payoff is immense. Follow Essun's journey as she hunts her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, while navigating a cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. This Hugo Award-winning series is a phenomenal ride. –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 collectable boxed set edition includes all three books in N. K. Jemisin's incredible 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 fans of adventure and classic tales retold. Her works often delve into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters add a much-needed balance to the heavier themes. Whether exploring emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the themes of identity and loss in the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's stories leave readers 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

Recommending the most recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature might seem obvious, especially after BTS celebrated her on Instagram, but Han Kang's work is undeniably worthy of the acclaim. My introduction to her came with The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, which captivated me with its mesmerizing plot of a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to confusion and dismay around her, eventually rejecting all food. The thematic continuity in her subsequent works, from Greek Lessons to the poignant South Korean political narratives in Human Acts and We Do Not Part, showcases her genius and undeniable prowess. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated by critics around the world, 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, despite her recent entry into publishing, is quickly making a name for herself in sci-fi. Unlike many of my favorite authors who write expansive series, Kitasei's standalone novels swiftly build engaging worlds. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous, Indiana Jones-style quest for an ancient alien artifact. I eagerly anticipate her next novel, due out 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 that leaves the survivors questioning the loyalty of the crew.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers just beginning their journey into fantasy literature. –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 reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, consistently leaving readers astounded with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a series that follows a young woman's journey into a magical realm among the Fae, Maas also crafted the beloved Throne of Glass series and the ongoing Crescent City series. Her ability to weave strong characters and unexpected plot twists into her narratives makes her work a thrilling blend of 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 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 explores a wide range of genres, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance narratives may feel similar if read consecutively, her work predominantly focuses on dark historical fantasy, often set in North America, particularly Mexico. Each new release from Moreno-Garcia is a must-have for my 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, feel like stepping into a dream. I'm an avid collector of her works, eagerly buying each new hardcover release. The Night Circus, with its lush historical fantasy and enchanting romance, is a guaranteed cure for any reading slump. The Starless Sea, an equally mesmerizing tale about stories, transports readers into a magical underground library. Both novels are perfect companions for 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 fills me with excitement. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful ghost, delivering fantastical narratives that defy traditional literary fiction. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, her stories, like Gingerbread, offer a fresh, often surreal perspective. Oyeyemi's work, as Alexandra Kleeman aptly described 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

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 spanning 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 missing the Game of Thrones saga and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a perfect substitute. This high fantasy epic, brimming with rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense, is a thrilling escape into another world. With two prequels already released and another on the way, now is an excellent time to dive into 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)

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 transformative force in comics and beyond, capturing the quieter, yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a multiple GLAAD award winner, her work speaks volumes. She's truly remarkable, and I highly recommend exploring her contributions. –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. Its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, completes a breathtaking duology that blends romance and adventure seamlessly. These novels provide a rich context for Chinese mythology while maintaining a brisk pace. Follow Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her epic quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling and romantic pacing make these books exceptional in the fantasy romance 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 a striking blend of visceral intelligence and unsettling beauty. Her art captures the profound sense of being lost, whether in the digital realm, the physical 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 subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her books were my refuge, resonating deeply with my own experiences. Her awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her "services to Literature," are a testament to her impactful storytelling. –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 centered on a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series seamlessly blends brutal violence with deep character development and intricate world-building. Yarros's ability to create relatable characters facing significant challenges, both physical and mental, alongside themes of friendship and support, is remarkable. The romance is woven organically into the plot, enhancing the excitement of the fantasy world. With complex storylines and unexpected twists, the series, now at its third book released on January 21, 2025, keeps readers eagerly anticipating more. –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