Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN are excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible women on our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're diving into another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" Their responses crafted a diverse list spanning various genres and styles. Let's celebrate the women of IGN and their cherished women authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories of 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 uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one humorous and one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricacies 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 traditionally male-dominated world of comics. At Marvel, she revitalized the character of Captain Marvel, bringing Carol Danvers to the forefront—a legacy that carried over into the MCU, with DeConnick credited as a consultant. Beyond the major publishers, she's a prominent voice in indie comics with works like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western flair, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi dystopian feminist narrative. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't yet experienced her writing, you're missing out on a remarkable talent and a truly 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 finally takes her rightful place. As she navigates a pivotal moment in her life, a crucial decision propels her into the heart of an intergalactic conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's unique yet clear-eyed novels resonate deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published to date, both have been among my top reads of their release years. The Book of X explores the life of a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers, her stomach knotted in a surreal twist that is both painful and relatable. Ripe delves into the surreal experiences of a young woman at a disturbingly psychotic San Francisco startup, haunted by an ever-present void, echoing themes reminiscent of Rose Glass’s film Saint Maud. I eagerly anticipate many more of her captivating works in my lifetime. –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 navigating the price of 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 and can't wait to see Charli XCX 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, this beautifully illustrated tapestry weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in an imagined medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K. Jemisin

It's likely you've heard of N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, and for good reason. While her other fantasy novels are equally worthy of attention, the captivating storytelling, rich characters, and innovative magic system in The Broken Earth Trilogy, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a standout. The Fifth Season may initially challenge with its playful narrative structure, but the payoff is well worth it. The trilogy follows Essun, a woman on a quest to find her husband, who killed their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while surviving a recurring cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. It's an extraordinary, 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 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 astonishing, and my adventure-loving heart relishes her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her works often delve into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters offer a balanced counterpoint to the heavier themes. Whether it's the slow-burning exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series tackling personal identity and loss, Kingfisher's stories leave a lasting impact. –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 the Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

It might seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, but the acclaim surrounding Han Kang is justified once you delve into her work. Introduced to her through The Vegetarian upon its English translation in 2015, I was captivated by its haunting narrative of a housewife who stops eating meat, eventually abandoning food altogether. Released in South Korea eight years earlier, it's even more striking. Since then, I've followed her works from the similarly themed Greek Lessons to the harrowing depiction of South Korean political atrocities in Human Acts and We Do Not Part. Han Kang is a genius and an absolute powerhouse. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated by critics globally, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman's struggle to break free from external and internal violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Emerging as a promising sci-fi writer, Yume Kitasei's rapid rise to releasing her third novel is impressive. Her standalone stories quickly construct rich worlds and move at an exhilarating pace. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship bound for humanity's new home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, is an Indiana Jones-style adventure where the protagonist races against time to find an ancient alien artifact crucial to her friend's survival but potentially catastrophic for humanity. Both are imaginative and engaging, and I eagerly await her next novel 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 deep-space mission that begins with a lethal explosion, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers venturing into the realm of fantasy. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a spirited heroine is sure to enchant readers of all ages.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, leaving readers in awe with her intricately crafted worlds and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which currently spans five books with more on the way, Maas introduces us to a young woman who finds herself in a magical realm, gaining confidence and strength amid internal and external battles among the immortal Fae. Her first series, Throne of Glass, an eight-book saga, marked the beginning of her journey in fantasy writing. Her latest, Crescent City, with three books released and a fourth forthcoming, further explores the world of the Fae. Maas's ability to weave strong character development with thrilling plot twists makes her stories a perfect blend of fantasy and romance. For those seeking epic tales with romance and a dash of spice, dive into Maas's Fae world. –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 novel that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things, consistently delivering captivating stories. While her romance-focused works may share similar dynamics, her broader oeuvre leans toward dark historical fantasy, often set in North America, particularly Mexico, adding a refreshing perspective. Each of her publications earns a coveted spot on my limited 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 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, envelop readers in dreamlike experiences. Among the few authors whose books I purchase in hardcover instantly, Morgenstern's works are treasures I collect in various editions. The Night Circus is a sumptuous historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined to duel at a mysterious circus, a book that always pulls me out of a reading slump. Her second novel, The Starless Sea, is an enchanting tale about the power of stories, beginning in our world before venturing into an underground realm that houses all narratives. Both novels are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written in lush, 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

The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always fills me with excitement. Her unique voice defies easy categorization—think of it as chasing a whimsical ghost that toys with you, yet leaves you exhilarated. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, venture into fantastical realms that break the conventions of literary fiction. Gingerbread, for example, offers a modern twist on Hansel and Gretel through a capitalist lens. As Alexandra Kleeman noted to The Nation, Oyeyemi's work 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 talented Helen Oyeyemi crafts 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 human connections.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs showcases over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, brimming with vibrant 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 those still mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon offers solace with her Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree. This high fantasy saga, filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a satisfying twist, will captivate you for its 845 pages. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was released three years later, and anticipation builds for the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers. If you're looking to dive into a new series, now is the perfect time. –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 mainstay in comics and other media, masterfully capturing the subtle yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. A GLAAD award winner and the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men, her contributions are too vast to encapsulate in a brief blurb. Explore her work and be amazed! –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, continuing with its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers a delectable blend of romance and adventure, providing context to Chinese mythology while maintaining a brisk pace. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic quest to free her mother. Tan's rich characters and masterful romantic pacing make these novels standouts in romantic fantasy. –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, following a young woman's quest to free her mother.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. It captures the essence of feeling lost in the digital world, the physical world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a stark, haunting pen, Nightcore Energy reveals the world of a young man trying 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 difficult topics such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I often found solace in her characters, relating to them amidst my own challenging upbringing. Escaping to my local library and immersing myself in her stories helped me feel less alone. Wilson has received numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her "services to Literature." –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter believes she has the most beautiful mum in the world, yet wishes she wouldn't spend so much money and stay out all night—it's frightening.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman’s journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series begins with intense violence as humans and dragons prepare for battle, yet the violence never overshadows the story, characters, or world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing both physical and mental challenges, with themes of friendship and support woven throughout. The romance is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the plot while maintaining the thrill of the fantasy world. Even those less interested in romance will find themselves deeply invested in the characters' journeys. Yarros's complex storylines are full of unexpected twists, constantly keeping readers engaged. As she reveals more about her worlds, you'll find yourself emotionally attached to the dragons, treating them like real characters. The Empyrean series, with five books planned, released its third book on January 21, 2025, with two more to come. –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