Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to spotlight the remarkable women on our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows; this year, we're diving into the world of literature. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" and their responses created a captivating list that spans a wide array of genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate the women of IGN and their cherished women authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories delve into the complexities of love, grief, and the human condition with exceptional grace. –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 for years. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that resonated into the MCU, where she served as a consultant. Beyond Marvel and DC, she's made significant contributions to indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet, showcasing her versatility from mystical westerns to dystopian sci-fi. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her repertoire. DeConnick's writing is not just remarkable; her influence as a person is equally inspiring. –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 crafts novels that are both surreal and profoundly relatable, perfect for those who embrace the unusual. With only two novels to her name, both have stood out as favorites of their respective years. The Book of X explores the life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, while Ripe captures the psychological turmoil of a young woman at a San Francisco startup. Etter's storytelling is unique and impactful, leaving readers eagerly awaiting more from her. –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 am eagerly anticipating 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

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

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, often recommended for its gripping narrative and innovative magic system. While all her works are noteworthy, the trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, is particularly compelling. Jemisin's playful approach to storytelling in The Fifth Season might initially confuse readers, but the payoff is well worth it. The series follows Essun on her quest to find her husband and daughter amidst a cataclysmic event, all while hiding her earth-manipulating powers. A truly unforgettable 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 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 testament to her talent, consistently refreshing classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work often leans into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-developed characters bring balance to even the heaviest themes. From the haunting exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's narratives leave readers both satisfied 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

Han Kang's Nobel Prize win is well-deserved, and her novels are a testament to her literary prowess. Her breakthrough work, The Vegetarian, is a mesmerizing tale of a woman's transformation that captured international attention. From Greek Lessons to Human Acts and We Do Not Part, Kang's exploration of human nature and societal pressures is both profound and arresting. Her work is a must-read for any literature enthusiast. –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 is quickly making a name for herself in the sci-fi genre with her imaginative storytelling. Unlike many who focus on expansive series, Kitasei excels in crafting standalone novels that swiftly build immersive worlds. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient alien artifact. Both novels showcase her talent for quick world-building and fast-paced narratives. –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

A perfect introduction to fantasy for young readers. –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 is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, known for her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, with its five books and counting, transports readers to a magical realm where a young woman discovers her strength among the Fae. Maas's earlier Throne of Glass series and her newer Crescent City series further showcase her talent for weaving epic tales with romance and adventure. Her characters and plots are compelling, making her a go-to for fans 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's versatility shines through in her diverse range of works, from historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire adventure of Certain Dark Things. Her stories often explore dark historical fantasy, frequently set in Mexico, offering a fresh perspective. Whether it's romance or horror, Moreno-Garcia's narratives are captivating and deserve a spot on any reader's shelf. –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, are dreamlike experiences that captivate from start to finish. Her writing is so compelling that I eagerly collect multiple editions of her work. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance set in a mysterious circus, is a perfect antidote to a reading slump. The Starless Sea, an enchanting tale about stories, takes readers on a journey into an underground library of narratives. Both books 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 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

Helen Oyeyemi's work is a delightful enigma, akin to chasing a playful ghost through a literary labyrinth. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Anderson folktales, defy genre classification and challenge the conventions of literary fiction. Gingerbread, for instance, offers a modern, capitalist twist on Hansel and Gretel. Oyeyemi's storytelling is a thrilling, discombobulating adventure that keeps readers eagerly anticipating her next release. –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 showcases over a decade of Leomi Sadler's vibrant and darkly humorous work. –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 eagerly awaiting the next installment of George R.R. Martin's series, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a satisfying alternative. This high fantasy series is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense, making it a perfect escape into another world. With additional prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, Shannon's work is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. –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's contributions to comics are profound, 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. Her storytelling is truly remarkable, and her influence extends beyond comics into other media. –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, continuing with Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers a romantic adventure deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, with protagonist Xingyin embarking on a quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling and romantic pacing make these novels stand out in the romantic fantasy 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 both visceral and intelligent, with striking visuals that convey the unsettling feeling of being lost in the digital 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 difficult subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I found solace in her relatable characters during my own challenging times. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire. –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 training at a war college for dragon riders. The series balances intense violence with rich world-building, character development, and themes of friendship and support. The romance is seamlessly integrated into the plot, enhancing the overall narrative. Yarros's ability to weave complex storylines with unexpected twists keeps readers engaged, and her vivid portrayal of dragons makes them feel like real characters. The series, now at its third book, continues to captivate and surprise. –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