Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, IGN is proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women within our ranks. 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 to share their favorite women authors, and the responses painted a rich tapestry of diverse genres and styles. Let's dive into the world of literature through the eyes of the women at IGN and celebrate both their contributions and the authors they admire!

Sharon Creech

Her storytelling weaves a delicate balance of love, grief, and the complexities of human nature, crafting narratives that resonate deeply. –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. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel transformed Carol Danvers into the iconic hero we see today, with her influence extending into the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, her indie works like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet offer unique perspectives on western and sci-fi themes, respectively. Her latest venture, FML, dives into the supernatural. If you haven't explored her work, you're missing out on a powerful voice in storytelling. –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's unique voice brings to life stories that are both strange and deeply insightful. Her novels, The Book of X and Ripe, stand out for their surreal yet relatable narratives. The Book of X delves into the life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, while Ripe explores the haunting experience of working at a Silicon Valley startup. Her work is a must-read for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling. –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

Anticipation is high for the film adaptation of her feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX set to 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, 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 masterpiece of fantasy literature, captivating readers with its innovative storytelling and intricate world-building. The series, particularly The Obelisk Gate, showcases her skill in crafting compelling characters and a unique magic system. The Fifth Season may challenge readers at first, but its payoff is well worth the journey. Follow Essun's gripping tale of survival and pursuit in a world facing cataclysmic change. –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 never ceases to amaze, delivering fresh takes on classic tales with a blend of gothic horror and dark fantasy. Her stories, infused with humor and thoughtful characters, offer a balanced perspective on heavy themes. Whether it's the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the enchanting Saint of Steel series, her work leaves readers both moved and intrigued. –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 work, celebrated by the likes of BTS and Nobel Prize judges, is a testament to her literary prowess. Her novel, The Vegetarian, introduced many to her haunting storytelling, while her subsequent works like Greek Lessons and Human Acts delve into profound themes. Her ability to weave disturbing yet mesmerizing narratives makes her a must-read author. –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's imaginative sci-fi narratives are quickly making her a name to watch. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a thrilling murder mystery set on a spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient artifact. Her ability to craft engaging, standalone stories in vibrant worlds is truly captivating. –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

An excellent introduction to fantasy for young readers, Gail Carson Levine's work is enchanting and timeless. –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 has become a powerhouse in fantasy romance, crafting intricate worlds and compelling narratives. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm with the Fae, showcases her skill in blending epic fantasy with romance. Her earlier Throne of Glass and the newer Crescent City series further demonstrate her talent for creating interconnected worlds filled with strong characters and thrilling plots. –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 her work, seamlessly blending genres like historical romance and dark fantasy. Her novels, set primarily in North America and often in Mexico, offer a refreshing perspective. From the gothic horror of Mexican Gothic to the enchanting The Beautiful Ones, her storytelling is consistently captivating. –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 enchanting journeys into dreamlike worlds. Her storytelling, rich in sensory detail, has the power to pull readers out of a reading slump. The Night Circus, a tale of rival magicians at a mysterious circus, is a must-read for fantasy romance lovers, while The Starless Sea takes readers on a journey through a labyrinthine library of stories. –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 novels are a delightful challenge, blending elements of fantasy with modern storytelling. Her works, often inspired by folktales, defy conventional literary norms, creating fever dream-like narratives that are both disorienting and exhilarating. Oyeyemi's unique voice makes each book a thrilling adventure. –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

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of her work, blending bright colors with dark humor to create a deeply personal and engaging read. –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 is a worthy successor. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, her series offers rich characters, dragons, and a compelling narrative that will keep readers engaged. The series continues to expand with prequels, offering a deep dive into her meticulously crafted 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)

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 monumental, bringing depth and nuance to superhero stories. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work highlights the quieter, yet powerful moments in the lives of heroes. Her storytelling is truly exceptional. –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 breathtaking reimagining of Chinese mythology. This romantic adventure follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the moon goddess, on her quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling, rich in myth and action, is a standout 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 compelling blend of visceral storytelling and intelligent commentary, beautifully drawn yet unsettling. Her narratives capture the essence of feeling lost, whether online, in the 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 novels for young adults tackle challenging subjects like grief, substance abuse, and abandonment with sensitivity and insight. Her stories provided solace and relatability for many readers during tough times. Her recognition, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, underscores her significant impact on 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 that follows a young woman's journey through a war college for dragon riders. The series masterfully blends intense action with deep character development and themes of friendship and support. Yarros's storytelling is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, making the Empyrean series a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. –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