Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN wanted to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who make up our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're celebrating another passion of ours: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite female authors, the responses were diverse and inspiring, reflecting a wide range of genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate both the women of IGN and their cherished women authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories, filled with 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 distinctive, beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other poignant—crafting a heartwarming, compelling, and deeply moving tale 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 male-dominated world of comics, Kelly Sue DeConnick has been making waves for years. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, which introduced the iconic character Carol Danvers, was pivotal, with her influence extending to the Marvel Cinematic Universe where she served as a consultant. Beyond the big names, DeConnick has enriched the indie scene with works like Pretty Deadly, offering a mystical western flair, and Bitch Planet, delivering a powerful sci-fi, dystopian feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, dives into the supernatural realm. If you haven't explored her writing yet, you're missing out on a remarkable talent and an inspiring individual. –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, propelling her into an intergalactic war. This journey showcases her strength and the challenges she faces head-on.$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's unique voice resonates with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name so far, both have left an indelible mark on me. The Book of X, a surreal narrative about a woman from a family of meat farmers with a twisted stomach, is both otherworldly and profoundly relatable. Ripe, which follows a young woman navigating the insanity of a Silicon Valley startup while haunted by a void, echoes the unsettling themes of Rose Glass' Saint Maud. I eagerly await more of her distinctive storytelling. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal and edgy novel that explores the lengths a woman will go to succeed in Silicon Valley, praised for its unique narrative by Roxane Gay.$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

1A beautifully illustrated collection of folk tales and myths, this book celebrates the legacy of female storytellers in a richly imagined medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, often recommended for its captivating storytelling and innovative magic system. While her other works are equally compelling, the trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, stands out. The Fifth Season may initially challenge readers with its narrative structure, but perseverance pays off with an incredible, Hugo Award-winning story. It follows Essun as she pursues her husband, who has killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysmic destruction. –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 of N.K. Jemisin's groundbreaking and award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy.$49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at AmazonT. Kingfisher

The prolific T. Kingfisher continually delights with her unique 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 counterbalance to the darker themes. From the haunting exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, which explores themes of identity and loss, her work leaves readers both fulfilled and slightly unsettled. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A gripping reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” this novel by Hugo, Locus, and Nebula award-winner T. Kingfisher is both atmospheric and enthralling.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Recommending Han Kang, a recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, may seem obvious, but her work justifies the acclaim. The Vegetarian, which introduced me to her writing when it was translated into English in 2015, is a mesmerizing narrative about a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to profound consequences. Her subsequent works, from Greek Lessons to the politically charged Human Acts and We Do Not Part, showcase her genius and fearless storytelling. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1A critically acclaimed, Kafka-esque tale that delves into themes of power, obsession, and a woman's quest for liberation.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Emerging as a promising sci-fi author, Yume Kitasei has quickly captivated readers with her standalone novels. The Deep Sky, a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-laden spaceship, and The Stardust Grail, an exhilarating adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, showcase her ability to craft immersive worlds and fast-paced narratives. Her next novel, due later this fall, is eagerly anticipated. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1A thrilling sci-fi debut that follows the aftermath of a deadly explosion on a spaceship, leaving survivors to unravel the mystery of the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

A perfect introduction to fantasy for young readers. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story enchants readers with its tale of a spirited heroine navigating a world of magic and enchantment.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah 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 among the Fae, Maas has also crafted the epic Throne of Glass and the intriguing Crescent City series. Her narratives seamlessly blend fantasy with romance, offering readers an immersive experience filled with strong characters and unexpected twists. –Jessie Wade

Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City

Sarah J. Maas### A Court of Thorns and Roses

0A seductive and adventurous blend of romance and faerie lore from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from the historical romance with fantasy elements in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire tale set in Mexico City in Certain Dark Things. Her stories often delve into dark historical fantasy, frequently set in North America, with a refreshing focus on Mexico. Her works are a must-have on any bookshelf. –MS

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1A chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in 1950s Mexico, this novel showcases Moreno-Garcia's talent for blending genres.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are enchanting dreamscapes. Her storytelling is so captivating that I eagerly purchase her books in hardcover and collect multiple editions. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about rival magicians at a mysterious circus, is a perfect escape from reading slumps. The Starless Sea, a tale about stories set in an underground realm, is equally mesmerizing and best enjoyed with a cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1A lush and seductive novel that captivates the senses and the heart with its rich prose.$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 elements of fantasy with Hans Christian Andersen's folktales in unexpected ways. Her novels, like Gingerbread, offer fever dream adventures that challenge literary norms. As Alexandra Kleeman noted in The Nation, Oyeyemi's work has a disorienting yet thrilling quality. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1A magical love story that showcases Helen Oyeyemi's inventive storytelling and profound insights into human relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of Leomi Sadler's work over a decade, infused with dark humor and vivid colors. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1An energetic introduction and retrospective of Leomi Sadler's personal and exciting cartooning style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans mourning the end of Game of Thrones and awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a perfect high fantasy fix. With its rich characters, dragons, magic, and gripping plot, this 845-page epic will keep you immersed. The series continues with A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, offering ample opportunity to dive into a new saga. –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 divided world, a queendom without an heir, and an ancient enemy awaken in this captivating high fantasy.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone's long career in comics and other media showcases her talent for capturing 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. Don't miss out on her next release, available for pre-order now. –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, offers a stunning reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. The duology, completed with Heart of the Sun Warrior, delivers a thrilling romantic adventure. Through the journey of Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, Tan weaves a narrative that is both an introduction to Chinese mythology and a fast-paced action story. –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 epic fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, this debut follows 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 beautifully drawn yet unsettling illustrations. It captures the essence of feeling lost—whether online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1A chilling exploration of a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's books for young adults tackle challenging subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her stories provided solace during my own tough times. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including a prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2A poignant tale of a daughter's love for her beautiful yet troubled mother, touching on the complexities of family dynamics.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series, while intense and violent, focuses on rich storytelling, character development, and world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing significant challenges, with themes of friendship and support woven throughout. The romance is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the plot without overshadowing the fantasy elements. The series, now three books in with two more on the way, promises unexpected twists and deep emotional connections with its characters, including the 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 featuring 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