IGN Women Select Top 20 Female Authors

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to highlight the women here at IGN. Last year, we showcased staff picks of games, movies, and TV. This year, we're shifting focus to another beloved pastime: reading.

When the women of IGN were asked, "Who are your favorite women authors?" – a challenging question for avid readers – a diverse and intriguing list emerged, spanning various genres and styles. Let's explore the authors and comic artists they celebrated, honoring both the women of IGN and their favorite women authors!

Sharon Creech

Her stories of love, grief, and understanding the flawed human existence are truly exceptional. –*Marhyan Franzen*

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the "boys club" of comics for years. While writing for Marvel, she transformed Carol Danvers into Captain Marvel, a legacy that carried over to the MCU with her name in the credits as a consultant. Beyond the Big Two, her voice resonates in indie comics like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi, dystopian, feminist narrative. Her current project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into the supernatural. If you haven't explored her work, you're missing out: DeConnick is an incredible writer and an inspiring person. –*Chelsea Reed*

Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML

Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel

As 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 Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts uniquely odd yet clear-eyed books that resonate with those who embrace the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have been among my favorite reads of their release years. The Book of X, a surreal tale about a woman born to generational meat farmers and women with stomach knots, was both surreal and deeply relatable; Ripe, about a young woman grappling with her job at a psychotic San Francisco startup and haunted by a void, offers a different yet equally compelling narrative. I eagerly anticipate many more books from her. –*Leanne Butkovic*

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

A 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

I'm thrilled about the 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

In 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 Amazon

N.K. Jemisin

It's likely you've heard of N.K. Jemisin's incredible The Broken Earth Trilogy. While her other fantasy novels are noteworthy, the captivating writing, characters, and creative magic system in The Broken Earth Trilogy (especially in The Obelisk Gate) make it a must-read. Her playful storytelling in The Fifth Season might be initially confusing, but the payoff is worth it. It follows Essun, a woman on a quest to find her husband who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, while surviving a recurring cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. It's a thrilling, 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

This 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output never ceases to amaze, and my adventurous spirit relishes her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work often blends gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic pacing and thoughtfully crafted characters provide a balance to the intense themes. Whether it's the creeping exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the Saint of Steel fantasy romance series exploring personal identity and loss, her stories leave me both moved and slightly unnerved. –*MS*

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

A 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Han Kang

Recommending the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature might seem obvious – even BTS celebrated her on Instagram – but Han Kang's work truly justifies the acclaim. Introduced to her through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, I was captivated by its mesmerizing plot of a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to profound changes in her life. Her other works, like Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to impress. Han Kang is a genius and an absolute badass. –*LB*

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

Celebrated 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Newly published but already making waves, Yume Kitasei is a promising sci-fi writer. Unlike many sci-fi authors with expansive series, Kitasei's standalone novels quickly build their worlds and engage readers with fast-paced stories. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery aboard a tech-filled spaceship headed to humanity's potential future home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, is an Indiana Jones-style adventure as the protagonist races to find an ancient alien artifact crucial for her friend's survival but potentially catastrophic for herself. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel this fall. –*MS*

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

Yume 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

Perfect for kids just getting started in fantasy. –*MF*

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a feisty heroine is sure to enchant readers new and old. $9.99 save 30% $6.99 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, constantly leaving me in awe with her creations. Her intricate world-building and storytelling are unparalleled, quickly making her one of my favorite fantasy authors. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a series now spanning five books with more to come, it follows a young woman entering a magical realm, finding her strength and confidence while navigating conflicts among the Fae. Her first series, Throne of Glass, an eight-book epic, began her journey into fantasy writing as a teenager. Her latest, Crescent City, has three books so far, with a fourth on the way. Maas excels at crafting strong characters and thrilling plots, blending fantasy with romance. For fans of epic fantasy with a romantic twist, dive into her 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

From #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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly tackles various genres, from the historical romance with fantasy elements in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire adventure of Certain Dark Things set in Mexico City. While her romance-forward stories might feel similar if read consecutively, her works are diverse. Most lean toward dark historical fantasy set in North America, often Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Her books are a must-have on my limited bookshelf. –*MS*

Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

From 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are like stepping into a dream. As one of the few authors whose books I instantly buy in hardcover and collect in various editions, her work is irresistible. The Night Circus is a lush, historical fantasy romance about two magicians trained for a battle at a mysterious circus, perfect for breaking out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea is an enchanting tale about stories, beginning in our world before the protagonist discovers an underground library of all stories in peril. Both novels are beautifully written and best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –*MS*

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. $19.00 save 51% $9.33 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Helen Oyeyemi

I get excited every time a new Helen Oyeyemi book is announced. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful ghost, leading you on a delightful adventure. Her novels are fantastical yet defy traditional fantasy, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales but transformed into something entirely new. Gingerbread, for instance, echoes Hansel and Gretel but through a capitalist lens. Her work is a fever dream that challenges literary norms, as Alexandra Kleeman noted to The Nation, describing it as "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

The 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –*KP*

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

Collecting 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 Amazon

Samantha Shannon

For fans still mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next release, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers the perfect high fantasy escape. With rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a satisfying twist, this 845-page epic will keep you enthralled. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was released three years later, and another, Among the Burning Flowers, is coming soon. If you're looking to start a new series, now's the 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)

A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. $10.92 See it at Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics and other media for years, expertly capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. She's won GLAAD awards and was the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her work is truly remarkable. Check her out! –*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

A core group of essential X-Men rise FROM THE ASHES to face a world without a home - and without Professor X! $5.99 at Amazon

Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is a stunning reimagining of the Chinese moon goddess legend, followed by Heart of the Sun Warrior. These novels are enchanting romantic adventures that weave Chinese mythology seamlessly into a fast-paced narrative. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic journey to free her mother. Tan's storytelling, with its complex characters and romantic pacing, makes these novels standout romantic fantasies. –*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

A 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 Amazon

Morgan Vogel

Morgan's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling, capturing the essence of feeling lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –*KP*

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

With 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.Fail

Jacqueline Wilson

Written for young adults, Jacqueline Wilson's works address tough subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, I found solace in her books, relating to her characters amidst my own challenging upbringing. Escaping to my local library and losing myself in her stories made 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

Marigold'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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman training at a war college for dragon riders. The series starts with intense violence but never loses focus on the storyline, characters, and world-building. Yarros creates relatable characters facing significant challenges, with themes of friendship and support woven throughout. The romance enhances the plot organically, while the fantasy elements keep the excitement high. Yarros's intricate plots and unexpected twists keep readers engaged, and the evolving worlds she creates are both crushing and rebuilding. You'll find yourself deeply attached to the dragons, feeling as though they are real. The Empyrean series is a five-book saga, with the third book released on January 21, 2025, and two more to follow. –*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)

Immerse 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 Amazon

For 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

Take 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