IGN Women's Top 20 Female Authors Revealed

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to celebrate by highlighting the talented women on our staff and sharing their favorite women authors. Last year, we featured staff picks of games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're focusing on another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, we received an inspiring and diverse list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists that our team cherishes as we honor both the women of IGN and their literary heroes!

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence. They are nothing short of excellent. –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 predominantly male world of comics. As a writer for Marvel, she revitalized the Captain Marvel series, bringing the iconic title to Carol Danvers, which later influenced the MCU with her credited consultancy. Beyond Marvel, DeConnick has made significant contributions to indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly, offering a mystical western narrative, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi, dystopian, feminist story. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. Her work is not only incredibly written but also deeply impactful. –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 and clear-eyed storytelling resonates with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name, both have become standout favorites. The Book of X, a surreal tale of a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers, and Ripe, which follows a young woman grappling with life at a San Francisco startup while haunted by an existential void, are both compelling and relatable. Etter's work is a testament to her talent, and we hope to see many more novels 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 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

The excitement for the film adaptation of Isabel Greenberg's feminist medieval tale, The 100 Nights of Hero, is palpable, especially with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa. Greenberg's work is a beautiful tapestry of folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers. –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 must-read, and while her other fantasy novels are equally worthy, the trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, is particularly captivating. Jemisin's storytelling is playful and innovative, as seen in The Fifth Season, where we follow Essun on her quest to find her husband, who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while navigating a cataclysmic event and concealing her earth-manipulating powers. The trilogy is not only an incredible journey but also a three-time Hugo Award winner. –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 remarkable, especially for those who love adventure. Her stories often blend gothic horror and dark fantasy with a touch of humor and deeply crafted characters. Whether it's the atmospheric exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead or the poignant Saint of Steel series, which delves into themes of identity and loss, Kingfisher's work leaves a lasting impression. –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, is a literary genius whose work, like The Vegetarian, captivates with its mesmerizing plot about a housewife's transformation. Translated into English in 2015, this novel, along with others like Greek Lessons and Human Acts, showcases Kang's ability to weave disturbingly beautiful narratives. Her work is not only critically acclaimed but also celebrated by fans worldwide, including members of BTS. –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 have quickly gained acclaim. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, while her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, offers an adventurous quest for an ancient alien artifact. Both novels are quick-paced and richly imaginative, promising much more from this talented author. –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

Gail Carson Levine's work is perfect for young readers venturing into fantasy. Her Newbery Honor-winning tale, Ella Enchanted, is a beloved story that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. –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. Mass

Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, renowned for her intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm of the Fae, is a testament to her skill in crafting detailed narratives filled with romance and adventure. Her other series, Throne of Glass and Crescent City, further showcase her ability to weave strong characters and thrilling plots, making her a must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a romantic twist. –Jessie Wade

Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City

Sarah J. Mass### 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 is astounding, seamlessly blending genres from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her works, such as The Beautiful Ones and Certain Dark Things, are set in diverse locales, often in Mexico, offering a refreshing take on historical fantasy. Her storytelling is captivating, ensuring her books are a staple on any discerning reader's shelf. –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. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance, is a lush narrative about two magicians destined for a magical duel, while The Starless Sea explores a realm of stories beneath our own. Both novels are beautifully written and perfect for readers seeking immersive, magical experiences. –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 unique voice is a delight to encounter. Her novels, often inspired by folktales, are fantastical yet defy traditional genre labels. Works like Gingerbread and Mr. Fox are fever dream adventures that challenge the norms of literary fiction, offering readers a thrilling and disorienting experience. –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 spanning over a decade of her work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. It's a perfect introduction to her deeply personal and exciting cartooning style. –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. This epic series, filled with rich characters, dragons, and magic, offers a satisfying narrative that keeps readers engaged. With prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers, Shannon's world is expansive and enthralling. –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, capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work is truly remarkable and deserves exploration. –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 stunning reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. The duology, completed with Heart of the Sun Warrior, offers a romantic adventure that beautifully integrates Chinese mythology with a fast-paced narrative. The protagonist, Xingyin, embarks on an epic journey to free her mother, making these novels standout entries in romantic fantasy. –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 both visceral and intelligent, with a style that is unsettling yet beautiful. Her art captures 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 young adult novels tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, and abandonment. Growing up with her books provided solace and a sense of connection during tough times. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her 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 compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series masterfully balances violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance seamlessly into the narrative. Yarros's ability to create complex storylines with unexpected twists keeps readers hooked, making the Empyrean series a thrilling read. –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