Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

In honor of Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are excited to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women within our team and their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're turning our attention to the world of literature, a passion many of us share. We asked the women of IGN to reveal their favorite women authors, and the diverse and inspiring list we received showcases the breadth of talent and storytelling in the literary world. Join us as we celebrate the women of IGN and the authors who have left a lasting impact on their reading lives.

Sharon Creech

Her stories delve into the complexities of love, grief, and the human experience with a touching elegance that resonates deeply. –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 into a heartwarming, compelling narrative about love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions.$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. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, transforming Carol Danvers into the iconic hero, has had a lasting impact, even influencing the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, DeConnick's indie projects like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling. Her latest venture, FML from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her impressive portfolio. Her writing is not only incredible but also deeply human. –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 embodies the strength and resilience she deserves. Her journey takes her to the stars, placing her in the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels offer a unique blend of the surreal and the intensely personal, appealing to those who appreciate unconventional storytelling. With only two novels to her name, Etter has already captured hearts with her poignant narratives. The Book of X explores the life of a woman from a family of meat farmers, marked by a metaphorical knot in the stomach, while Ripe captures the eerie atmosphere of a tech startup and the haunting presence of a void. Etter's work is both weird and wonderfully relatable, and I eagerly anticipate 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 navigating success in Silicon Valley, exploring how much she's willing to sacrifice—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

The anticipation for the film adaptation of Greenberg's feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX portraying Rosa, is palpable. –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

1In the spirit of 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 for any fantasy enthusiast, and her other works are equally compelling. The trilogy, especially The Obelisk Gate, showcases Jemisin's exceptional world-building, character development, and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season might challenge readers with its narrative structure, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun's journey as she seeks justice and survival in a world facing cataclysmic events. Jemisin's storytelling is nothing short of Hugo Award-winning brilliance. –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 delight for those who love gothic horror and dark fantasy. Her ability to infuse humor and thoughtful character development into heavy themes creates a balanced reading experience. From the eerie exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the romantic depth of the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work leaves readers both moved 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, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, has earned her accolades with compelling narratives that captivate readers. Her breakthrough novel, The Vegetarian, explores the unsettling journey of a housewife who chooses to stop eating meat, leading to profound personal and societal repercussions. Her subsequent works, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, delve into themes of isolation, political unrest, and human resilience. Han Kang's genius and boldness in storytelling are truly unmatched. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated by critics worldwide, The Vegetarian is a hauntingly allegorical tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from the violence both within and around her.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's rapid rise in the sci-fi genre is a testament to her imaginative storytelling. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a spaceship, while her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, offers an exhilarating adventure akin to Indiana Jones. Kitasei's ability to craft self-contained worlds with fast-paced narratives is truly engaging, and her upcoming novel promises more of her unique flair. –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 starts with a lethal explosion, leaving survivors to question the loyalty of the crew.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

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

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a spirited heroine is sure to captivate both new and returning readers. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, renowned for her intricate world-building and gripping narratives. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series has become a staple for fans of the genre, exploring a young woman's journey into a magical realm filled with Fae and epic battles. Maas's earlier Throne of Glass series and the newer Crescent City series further showcase her talent for crafting interconnected worlds filled with strong characters and thrilling plots. Her ability to weave romance with fantasy elements makes her stories irresistibly captivating. –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 across genres is impressive, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. Her stories often explore dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre. Each of her works is a guaranteed space on my 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 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 like stepping into a dream. Her enchanting prose and immersive storytelling are so compelling that I eagerly collect multiple editions of her work. The Night Circus is a lush historical fantasy about rival magicians at a mysterious circus, while The Starless Sea is a labyrinthine tale about stories and the underground library that houses them. Both are perfect for breaking out of a reading slump. –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 thrilling adventure in literary fiction, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales but with a unique twist. Her novels, such as Gingerbread and Mr. Fox, defy traditional genre boundaries, offering readers a disorienting yet exhilarating experience. Oyeyemi's ability to create fantastical yet grounded stories is unparalleled, making each new release an event to look forward to. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1The extraordinarily gifted 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 relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade, filled with bright 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 fans of high fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and epic storytelling, this series fills the void left by other fantasy epics. Shannon's follow-up works, including A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, continue to expand this enthralling universe. –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, particularly in 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. Dive into her world to discover the depth and humanity she brings to her characters. –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 Celestial Kingdom Duology, starting with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a stunning reimagining of Chinese mythology. The story follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the moon goddess, on her epic quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling is both romantic and action-packed, making these novels standout entries 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 a striking blend of visceral storytelling and intelligent commentary, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. Her art captures the essence of feeling lost in the digital world and 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 challenging subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment with sensitivity and insight. Growing up, her books provided solace and a sense of connection during my own difficult times. Wilson's numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, reflect her significant contributions to literature. –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 gripping adult fantasy romance centered around a young woman attending a war college for dragon riders. The series seamlessly blends intense violence with rich character development and world-building. Yarros's storytelling is full of unexpected twists and deep emotional connections, making readers fall in love with both the characters and the dragons they ride. The third book in the series was released 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