Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

Apr 15,25

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, IGN is proud to spotlight the remarkable women within our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're turning the page to another cherished pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN to share their favorite female authors, and the responses painted a vibrant tapestry of literary talent across genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate both the women of IGN and the inspiring women authors they admire!

Sharon Creech

Her stories of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence are nothing short of excellent. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricate web of human emotions. $9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the predominantly male world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel not only brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers but also left a lasting impact, as evidenced by her consulting role in the MCU films. Beyond the mainstream, she's a powerhouse in indie comics, with titles like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi dystopian feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural storytelling. If you haven't yet explored her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of an exceptional writer and a remarkable 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 rightfully takes center stage. As she navigates a pivotal moment in her life, a bold decision propels her into the heart of an intergalactic conflict. $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts narratives that are both bizarre and insightful, resonating deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name so far, both have become personal favorites of mine upon release. The Book of X, a surreal exploration of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, and Ripe, which follows a young woman navigating the chaos of a San Francisco startup, showcase Etter's unique storytelling prowess. Her work echoes the unsettling yet captivating essence of films like Saint Maud. I eagerly await many more of her extraordinary tales. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) that delves into the life of a woman in Silicon Valley grappling with success—from an award-winning author whose work Roxane Gay calls “utterly unique and remarkable.” $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

I'm thrilled about the upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, featuring Charli XCX as Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

In the spirit of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated collection weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in an imagined medieval world. $11.31 See it at Amazon

N.K. Jemisin

It's highly likely you've already heard of N.K. Jemisin's groundbreaking The Broken Earth Trilogy, but it's worth repeating. While her other fantasy novels are equally deserving of attention, the captivating narrative, richly drawn characters, and innovative magic system in The Broken Earth Trilogy, especially in The Obelisk Gate, make it a must-read. The Fifth Season's playful storytelling may initially confuse some, but the rewards are immense. Follow Essun on her quest to find her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, while she navigates a recurring cataclysmic event and conceals her earth-manipulating powers. It's a Hugo Award-winning journey you won't forget. –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 collectible boxed set includes all three books in N.K. Jemisin's NYT bestselling and three-time Hugo award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy. $49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

T. Kingfisher

The prolific output of T. Kingfisher never ceases to amaze me, and my adventurous spirit revels in her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror. Her narratives often venture into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters provide a necessary balance to the weighty themes. From the slow-building exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the Saint of Steel series, which delves into personal identity and loss, Kingfisher's work leaves me both fulfilled 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 AmazonSee it at Amazon

Han Kang

Recommending a Nobel Prize winner might seem obvious, but Han Kang's brilliance is undeniable. Introduced to her work through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, I was captivated by its haunting narrative of a housewife who ceases to eat meat, much to the bewilderment of those around her, and eventually all food. The aesthetic allure of her work, originally released in South Korea eight years prior, is arresting. From Greek Lessons to Human Acts and We Do Not Part, Han Kang's exploration of South Korean political atrocities and human nature is both profound and compelling. She 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 worldwide, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from internal and external violence. $18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Already on the cusp of releasing her third novel, Yume Kitasei is a rising star in the sci-fi genre. Unlike many of my favorite sci-fi authors who focus on expansive series, Kitasei excels in crafting self-contained stories that quickly build immersive worlds. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, while her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, is an exhilarating Indiana Jones-style adventure. Both novels are imaginative and fast-paced, and I eagerly anticipate her next release 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 about a mission into deep space that turns deadly, leaving the survivors to question the crew's loyalty. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers embarking on their fantasy journey. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

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

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, consistently leaving readers in awe with her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Best known for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which currently spans five books with more on the way, Maas weaves tales of young women discovering their strength and confidence in magical realms. Her debut series, Throne of Glass, an eight-book saga, showcases her early mastery of fantasy. Her latest, Crescent City, now has three books, with a fourth in the works. Maas's ability to craft compelling characters and unexpected plot twists makes her stories a perfect blend of fantasy and romance. For those seeking epic tales with a touch of spice, dive into her world of the Fae. –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 novel that intertwines romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read. $19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores a variety of genres, from historical romance with a hint of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance-focused stories may feel similar if read consecutively, her works predominantly offer dark historical fantasy set in North America, often in Mexico, providing a refreshing perspective. Each new publication from Moreno-Garcia earns a coveted spot on my 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 the glamorous 1950s Mexico. $17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, feel like stepping into a dream. I'm one of the few who not only buys her books in hardcover upon release but also collects various editions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a magical duel at a mysterious circus, never fails to pull me out of a reading slump. Her second novel, The Starless Sea, is a captivating journey through the realm of stories, starting in our world and leading to an underground library 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 spellbinding novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. $19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Helen Oyeyemi

The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always fills me with excitement. Her unique voice is like trying to catch a playful ghost—challenging yet thrilling. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, defy the conventions of literary fiction with their fantastical yet non-fantasy nature. Gingerbread, for instance, reimagines Hansel and Gretel through a capitalist lens. Oyeyemi's work, as Alexandra Kleeman aptly described to The Nation, feels like navigating a moving vehicle while carrying a full cup of hot tea—discombobulating yet exhilarating. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

The 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 human relationships. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, full of 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 those still reeling from the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series offers the perfect high fantasy escape. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this 845-page saga delivers rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a satisfying twist. The prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, followed three years later, and excitement builds for Among the Burning Flowers, due out later this year. If you're ready to dive into a new series, this is the ideal 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, and an ancient enemy awakens. $10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics and other media, brilliantly 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 impact is undeniable. She's truly more amazing than words can convey. 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 legend of the moon goddess, followed by Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers deliciously romantic adventures, blending Chinese mythology with steady-paced action. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic quest to free her mother. Tan's complex characters and masterful romantic pacing make 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 Vogel's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. It captures the essence of feeling lost in the digital world, the physical 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 tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books provided solace during my own tough times, as I could relate to her characters. Her awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her "services to Literature," reflect her impact. –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 AmazonSee it at Amazon

Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman’s journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series blends brutal violence with rich storytelling, world-building, and relatable characters facing physical and mental challenges. The romance is seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the plot while maintaining the thrill of the fantasy world. Yarros's ability to create complex storylines with unexpected twists keeps readers engaged and eager for more. The series, comprising five books, saw its third installment, Onyx Storm, released on January 21, 2025, with 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

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