Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to celebrate by showcasing the remarkable women within our team and their favorite women authors. Last year, we shared staff picks of games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're turning the page to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite female authors, the responses painted a vivid tapestry of literary talent across 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 cherished female writers!

Sharon Creech

Her stories weave a poignant tapestry of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence, resonating deeply with readers. –*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 stories, blending humor and bittersweet moments to create a heartwarming, compelling narrative about love, loss, and the intricate dance 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 predominantly male world of comics. Her transformative work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, where she elevated Carol Danvers to the iconic role, has left a lasting impact, notably influencing the MCU where she also served as a consultant. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility, exploring mystical westerns and sci-fi dystopias with a feminist edge. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't yet experienced her writing, you're missing out on the work of an exceptional storyteller 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 stands where she rightfully belongs. As she navigates life's crossroads, her bold choice propels her into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels strike a chord with their surreal yet clear-eyed perspective, perfect for readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name so far, both have captivated me like few others. The Book of X, with its haunting imagery of generational meat farmers and women with knotted stomachs, and Ripe, a chilling tale of a young woman's ordeal in a Silicon Valley startup, showcase her unique voice. I eagerly await more of her singular storytelling. –*Leanne Butkovic*

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal narrative with a "dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe follows a woman's quest for success in Silicon Valley, challenging her to consider the cost—from an award-winning author whose work Roxane Gay calls "utterly unique and remarkable."$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

I'm eagerly awaiting the 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

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

If you haven't been introduced to N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy yet, you're in for a treat. While her other works are equally deserving of attention, the trilogy, especially The Obelisk Gate, stands out with its captivating characters and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season might challenge you with its narrative style initially, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun on her gripping journey through a cataclysmic world, seeking justice and survival. –*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 critically acclaimed 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 nothing short of astonishing, and her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories never fail to captivate. Her work often delves into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her humor and well-developed characters provide a much-needed balance to the weighty themes. From the haunting exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, her stories leave a lasting impression. –*MS*

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher, full of atmosphere and suspense.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Recommending Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, might seem obvious, yet her work truly merits the accolades. The Vegetarian introduced me to her mesmerizing narrative style, detailing a housewife's radical transformation, and I've been hooked ever since. Her novels, from Greek Lessons to Human Acts, showcase her genius and fearless storytelling. –*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 exploration of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from societal norms.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi narratives are quickly establishing her as a rising star. Her ability to build immersive worlds in standalone novels is impressive. The Deep Sky, a gripping murder mystery set in space, and The Stardust Grail, an adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, are both testament to her talent. I'm eagerly anticipating her next release. –*MS*

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller, The Deep Sky, follows a space mission turned deadly, leaving survivors to unravel the truth amidst tension and suspicion.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Ideal for young readers venturing into the world of fantasy. –*MF*

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This cherished Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine is sure to captivate both new and returning readers.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Mass

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre with her intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now five books strong, introduces readers to a magical realm where a young woman discovers her inner strength. Maas's Throne of Glass and Crescent City series further showcase her mastery over the fantasy genre. Her stories weave together epic adventures with deep romance, making her a must-read for fans of both. –*Jessie Wade*

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

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

0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking novel that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable reading experience.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility is astounding, tackling genres from historical romance to dark fantasy with finesse. Her settings often span North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Whether it's the eerie atmosphere of Mexican Gothic or the enchanting journey in Gods of Jade and Shadow, her work is a must-read for any 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 chilling twist on classic gothic horror, set in the 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 lush prose and enchanting worlds are irresistible, making her books instant buys in hardcover. The Night Circus, a tale of two magicians and their fated duel in a mysterious circus, is perfect for breaking a reading slump. The Starless Sea, with its labyrinthine narrative about stories, is best enjoyed with a cup of tea. –*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 in itself. Her novels, often inspired by folktales yet far removed from their origins, are like fever dreams that challenge the conventions of literary fiction. Her work, as described by Alexandra Kleeman, has the exhilarating quality of navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea. –*LB*

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1Helen Oyeyemi's enchanting love story, Mr. Fox, is a testament to her boundless creativity 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, bursting with color and dark humor. –*KP*

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1A retrospective of Leomi Sadler's dynamic and personal cartooning, Tummy Bugs is an engaging introduction to her unique style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans of epic fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a compelling alternative. With its rich world-building, dragons, and intricate plots, this series is a must-read. The excitement continues with prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers. –*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, and an ancient enemy awakening—immerse yourself in this epic tale.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone's contributions to comics are legendary, capturing the quiet, powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first solo female writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work is nothing short of inspiring. –*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, beautifully reimagines the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, followed by Heart of the Sun Warrior. These novels blend romance with epic adventure, offering a deep dive into Chinese mythology. Xingyin's quest to free her mother is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. –*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 debut inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, where a young woman's quest to free her mother unfolds against the backdrop of the Celestial Kingdom.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is a striking blend of visceral storytelling and intelligent commentary, with artwork that is both beautiful and unsettling. Her pieces delve into the feeling of being lost in the digital world or within oneself. –*KP*

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a stark, haunting style, Nightcore Energy explores 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 novels for young adults tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, and bullying, resonating deeply with readers from tough backgrounds. Her work provided solace during my own difficult times, and her recognition with the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire underscores her impact on literature. –*Meg Koepp*

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights, finding them unsettling.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance centered around a war college for dragon riders. The series masterfully balances intense violence with deep character development and world-building. The organic integration of romance adds depth to the narrative, while the complex plot and unexpected twists keep readers hooked. The dragons become characters in their own right, drawing you into their world. –*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 enthralling fantasy series with three captivating 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