IGN Women's Top 20 Favorite Female Authors

In honor of Women's History Month in March, IGN is proud to spotlight the women of our team and their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV. This year, we're diving into another beloved pastime: reading. We asked our female staff members about their favorite women authors, and the responses created a diverse list spanning various genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate the women at IGN and the incredible female authors they admire!

Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech's narratives beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human nature. Her storytelling is nothing short of masterful. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her distinctive and evocative style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech weaves together two stories, one humorous and one poignant, into a heartwarming, compelling, and deeply moving tale 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 male-dominated world of comics. At Marvel, she redefined Captain Marvel by assigning the role to Carol Danvers, a legacy that resonated in the MCU with her credited as a consultant. Beyond Marvel and DC, her voice shines in indie comics like Pretty Deadly, a mystical western, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi, dystopian feminist narrative. Her current project, FML from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her repertoire. DeConnick's writing is not just remarkable; her impact 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 stands where she truly belongs. Navigating a pivotal moment, her journey takes her into the cosmos amidst an intergalactic conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts novels that are both strange and insightful, resonating with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have stood out as favorites in their release years. The Book of X delves into the surreal life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, while Ripe captures the unsettling reality of working at a San Francisco startup, echoing themes found in films like Saint Maud. I eagerly await more of her unique storytelling. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1This surreal novel, praised for its "dark, delicious edge" (Time), follows a woman in Silicon Valley navigating the extremes of success, penned by an award-winning author whose work Roxane Gay finds "utterly unique and remarkable."$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

The excitement builds for the film adaptation of this 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

1Echoing The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves a tapestry of folk tales and myths, celebrating 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 for any fantasy enthusiast, yet her other works are equally compelling. The trilogy, especially The Obelisk Gate, showcases her mastery in world-building, character development, and innovative magic systems. The Fifth Season might initially seem complex, but its storytelling rewards patience. Follow Essun's gripping journey as she seeks justice amidst a world-ending cataclysm, wielding her earth-manipulating powers. Jemisin's Hugo Award-winning series is a thrilling ride. –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 of N. K. Jemisin's New York Times 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 fans of adventure, gothic horror, and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories are infused with comedic pacing and richly developed characters, balancing the heavy themes. From the unsettling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, her work leaves 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 reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” from the acclaimed author T. Kingfisher, winner of Hugo, Locus, & Nebula awards.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

It's no surprise that Han Kang, a recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, is celebrated globally, even by BTS on Instagram. Her work, especially The Vegetarian, captivated me with its disturbing yet mesmerizing narrative of a housewife's descent from meat refusal to total starvation. Her subsequent novels, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, further showcase her brilliance and boldness. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1A critically acclaimed, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and a woman's quest for liberation from internal and external violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei is an emerging sci-fi author with a bright future. Her standalone novels quickly build engaging worlds and compelling narratives. The Deep Sky offers a thrilling murder mystery on a spaceship, while The Stardust Grail delivers an adventurous quest for an ancient alien artifact. Her upcoming novel promises more imaginative storytelling. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1An enthralling sci-fi thriller debut about a deep-space mission disrupted by a deadly explosion, prompting the survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Ideal for young readers beginning their journey into fantasy. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine will 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 with her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now five books strong with more on the way, follows a young woman's transformation in a magical realm. Her debut, the Throne of Glass series, showcases her early talent, and the Crescent City series further explores the enchanting world of the Fae. Maas's ability to weave romance with epic fantasy is unparalleled. –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 captivating blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore.$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 tales in Certain Dark Things. Her narratives often delve into dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a fresh perspective. Her works are a must-have for any discerning reader's collection. –MS

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1A chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in the glamorous 1950s Mexico, from the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow.$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 storytelling captivates, with The Night Circus offering a lush historical fantasy romance about rival magicians at a mysterious circus. The Starless Sea, a tale about stories themselves, invites readers into an underground realm of narrative magic. Both novels are perfect for breaking reading slumps and best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1This spellbinding novel, written in rich, seductive prose, is a sensory and emotional delight.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's unique voice is a delight to anticipate with each new release. Her novels blend the fantastical with literary fiction, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen folktales but transformed into feverish dream adventures. Her work, described by Alexandra Kleeman as having "the discombobulating quality of walking through a moving vehicle while carrying a full-to-the-brim cup of very hot tea," defies categorization and captivates readers. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1A uniquely crafted love story from the extraordinarily gifted Helen Oyeyemi, Mr. Fox is enchanting, witty, and deeply insightful.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection showcasing over a decade of her work, full of bright colors and dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1This collection introduces and reflects on Leomi Sadler's dynamic and deeply personal cartooning style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans missing the epic scope of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. This high fantasy saga features rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a satisfying twist. With prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, it's the perfect time to dive into this immersive 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 divided world. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics and beyond, skillfully 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 contributions are monumental. Don't miss out on her work! –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

2Follow a core group of essential X-Men as they rise FROM THE ASHES, facing 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. The duology, continued with Heart of the Sun Warrior, offers a captivating blend of romance and adventure. It follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her epic quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling and romantic pacing make these novels 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 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 both visceral and intelligent, with striking visuals that capture the disorienting feeling of being lost online or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a haunting pen, Nightcore Energy depicts a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, echoing Morgan’s own teenage experiences as a web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle tough subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I found solace and connection in her characters during my challenging upbringing. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights - it's unsettling.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance about a young woman at a war college for dragon riders. The series combines brutal action with deep character development and world-building. Yarros masterfully weaves romance into the narrative, enhancing the plot without overshadowing the thrilling fantasy elements. The third book, released on January 21, 2025, continues this five-book saga that will leave readers eagerly awaiting more. –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)

1Dive into this enthralling fantasy series featuring 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