Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, we at IGN are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who contribute to our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're turning the page to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" and the responses created a vibrant list that spans a multitude of genres and styles. Let's dive into the world of literature and celebrate both the women of IGN and their chosen literary heroines!

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully navigate the realms of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence, leaving readers with a profound sense of connection. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

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

Kelly Sue DeConnick has long been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her transformative work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, elevating Carol Danvers to the iconic role, has left a lasting impact, even influencing the MCU films. Beyond the giants of the industry, DeConnick's voice resonates powerfully in indie comics, from the mystical westerns of Pretty Deadly to the dystopian feminism of Bitch Planet. Her latest venture, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her repertoire. If you haven't yet delved into 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

1As Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel finally claims her rightful place, but her journey takes her to the stars, right into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's work is a beacon for those who appreciate the surreal and the insightful. With only two novels to her name, both have quickly become favorites among readers. The Book of X offers a hauntingly relatable narrative of a woman born into generational meat farmers, while Ripe delves into the mind of a young woman navigating the chaos of a San Francisco startup, all while being haunted by a void. Etter's ability to blend the strange with the deeply human is unparalleled, and we can only hope for many more such gems from her. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal journey with "a dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe follows a woman's quest for success in Silicon Valley, challenging her to define her limits—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 Greenberg's 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

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, yet her other works are equally compelling. Her storytelling in The Broken Earth Trilogy, especially in The Obelisk Gate, is nothing short of mesmerizing, with rich characters and a creative magic system. While The Fifth Season's narrative style might initially confuse some, the payoff is worth it. Follow Essun as she seeks justice and survival in a world ravaged by cataclysmic events, all while grappling with her earth-manipulating powers. It's a thrilling, Hugo Award-winning journey. –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, especially for fans of adventure and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic tales and horror stories are infused with gothic horror and dark fantasy elements, yet balanced with comedic pacing and well-crafted characters. Whether it's the unsettling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the gripping Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work is both thrilling and heartwarming. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A chilling reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," this novel from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher is a gripping tale of atmospheric horror.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

While it might seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Han Kang's work transcends expectations. Introduced to many through The Vegetarian, her story of a housewife's radical transformation captivated readers worldwide. From the thematic depth of Greek Lessons to the stark portrayal of South Korea's political history in Human Acts and We Do Not Part, Han Kang's genius is undeniable. She truly is a literary powerhouse. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a haunting, Kafka-esque narrative of power, obsession, and one woman's quest for liberation from internal and external violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Emerging as a promising voice in sci-fi, Yume Kitasei's work is both imaginative and fast-paced. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set in space, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an alien artifact. Kitasei's ability to craft engaging, standalone stories in a genre often dominated by series is refreshing and exciting. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is an enthralling sci-fi thriller about a mission into deep space that turns deadly, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

A fantastic entry point into fantasy for young readers, Gail Carson Levine's work is enchanting and accessible. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine will captivate readers of all ages.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a master of fantasy romance, crafting intricate worlds and compelling narratives. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a testament to her storytelling prowess, following a young woman's journey in a magical realm among the Fae. From her debut series, Throne of Glass, to her latest, Crescent City, Maas's work is a blend of epic fantasy and romance that keeps readers enthralled. –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, this seductive tale blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable experience.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores diverse genres, from the historical romance of The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire adventure of Certain Dark Things. Her stories often delve into dark historical fantasy, particularly set in Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Each of her works is a must-have for any discerning reader. –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, Mexican Gothic offers a chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in the vibrant backdrop of 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 immersive dreams on paper. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about rival magicians, is a perfect escape, while The Starless Sea delves into an enchanting world of stories. Morgenstern's work is a must-read for anyone seeking a magical literary experience. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written 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 AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's unique voice is a literary adventure, blending fantasy with reality in ways that defy categorization. Inspired by folktales yet uniquely her own, her novels like Gingerbread and Mr. Fox are imaginative journeys that challenge the conventions of literary fiction. Oyeyemi's work is a thrilling ride through the unexpected. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1Helen Oyeyemi's extraordinary talent shines in this unconventional love story, a magical blend of wit, charm, and profound insight into human relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection that spans over a decade of her work, showcasing her unique blend of bright colors and dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1This collection of Leomi Sadler's work introduces readers to her energetic and deeply personal cartooning style, offering both a retrospective and a vibrant introduction.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans of high fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a worthy successor. Beginning with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this series delivers rich characters, dragons, magic, and a gripping plot. With prequels and more on the way, it's the perfect time to dive into Shannon's 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)

1In a divided world, a queendom without an heir faces an ancient enemy's awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone's contributions to comics are profound, 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 volumes. Her next release is eagerly anticipated. –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

2Follow a core group of essential X-Men as they rise FROM THE ASHES to navigate a world without their home and without Professor X!$5.99 at AmazonSue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, beautifully expands the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. The duology, continuing with Heart of the Sun Warrior, offers a thrilling and romantic adventure. Tan's storytelling and understanding of romance make these novels standout in the 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

1Inspired by the legend of Chang'e, this debut epic fantasy follows a young woman's quest to free her mother, set against the backdrop of Chinese mythology.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's art is both visceral and intelligent, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital age and within oneself. Her work is a powerful reflection on alienation and technology. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a hauntingly sharp pen, Nightcore Energy explores a young man's immersion in technology as a means of escape, mirroring Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle tough topics like grief, substance abuse, and abandonment with sensitivity and depth. Her work provided solace and understanding during my own challenging times, and her numerous awards, including the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, reflect her impact on literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter sees her as the most beautiful mum, yet wishes she would spend less money and stay home more often, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance, following a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. Despite its brutal setting, the series maintains a focus on character development and world-building, weaving romance seamlessly into the narrative. Yarros's storytelling is filled with unexpected twists, making the series an exhilarating read. –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