20 Favorite Female Authors Picked by the Women at IGN

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, IGN is proud to spotlight the remarkable women within our team and their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV shows; this year, we're diving into the world of literature, a passion shared by many of us. When we asked the women at IGN about their favorite women authors, the responses painted a vibrant tapestry of literary tastes and influences. Let's explore the authors and comic artists they admire as we honor both the women of IGN and their cherished literary inspirations.

Sharon Creech

Her stories, which delve into love, grief, and the complexities of human existence, are nothing short of exceptional. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her own uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and the other bittersweet, crafting a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated world of comics. Her tenure at Marvel brought the iconic title of Captain Marvel to Carol Danvers, a legacy that resonated through the MCU with her credited consultancy. Beyond the big names, she's been a pivotal voice in independent comics, with works like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western flair, and Bitch Planet, which delves into sci-fi dystopian feminism. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her repertoire. If you haven't yet experienced her writing, you're missing out on the brilliance of an incredible writer and person. –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 exactly where she's always deserved to be. But as she navigates a pivotal moment in her life, a significant decision propels her into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter crafts narratives that are both surreal and profoundly relatable, perfect for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling. With only two novels to her name so far, both have been standout reads for me. The Book of X, exploring a woman's life amidst generational meat farmers and personal struggles, is both surreal and deeply moving. Ripe, which captures the surreal experience of working at a Silicon Valley startup while grappling with existential voids, is equally compelling and haunting. I eagerly anticipate many more books 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 grappling with the price of success—from an award-winning writer whose work Roxane Gay describes as “utterly unique and remarkable.”$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

I'm thrilled about the upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale and excited to see Charli XCX 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, 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 AmazonN.K Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is often recommended, and for good reason. While her other fantasy works are equally worthy of attention, the trilogy's captivating storytelling, rich characters, and innovative magic system, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a standout. The Fifth Season might be challenging at first due to its playful narrative structure, but the payoff is worth it. It follows Essun, a woman on a quest to find her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while surviving apocalyptic events and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. It's a gripping, 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

1This collectible boxed set includes all three books in N. K. Jemisin's acclaimed 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 astounds me, yet my adventure-loving heart relishes her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work often leans into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet she balances these heavy themes with comedic pacing and well-crafted characters. Whether it's the slow build of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series exploring personal identity and loss, her stories leave me both fulfilled and a little spooked. –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 Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Recommending the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Han Kang, might seem obvious, especially after BTS celebrated her on Instagram. However, her work truly deserves all the acclaim. I was introduced to her through The Vegetarian in 2015, captivated by its unsettling yet mesmerizing narrative about a housewife who stops eating meat, sparking confusion and dismay among her circle, eventually rejecting all food. Released in South Korea eight years earlier, her work is aesthetically striking. From the thematically similar Greek Lessons to the raw portrayal of political atrocities in Human Acts and We Do Not Part, Han Kang's genius and boldness are undeniable. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1Celebrated worldwide, The Vegetarian is a dark, allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s quest to break free from the violence both around and within her.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei, a newcomer to the literary scene, is already making waves with her imaginative sci-fi novels. While many sci-fi authors build expansive series, Kitasei's standalone stories quickly construct immersive worlds and engage readers with fast-paced narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is an engrossing murder mystery set on a tech-laden spaceship headed for humanity's new home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, feels like an Indiana Jones adventure as the protagonist races to find an ancient alien artifact crucial for a friend's survival, yet potentially disastrous for her own. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel this fall. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is an enthralling sci-fi thriller about a deep space mission that begins with 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

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

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a spirited heroine is sure to captivate readers both new and old. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Mass

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, leaving readers in awe with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a five-book series exploring a young woman's journey in a magical realm among the Fae, Maas showcases her talent for character development and plot twists. Her Throne of Glass series, begun in her teenage years, spans eight books, while her Crescent City series, set in the same Fae world, currently has three books with more to come. For those craving epic fantasy intertwined with romance and excitement, Maas's works are a must-read. –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 novel that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.$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 adventures in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance-focused stories may feel similar if read consecutively, her work predominantly delves into dark historical fantasy set in North America, especially Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Each of her publications earns a coveted spot on my bookshelf. –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, feel like stepping into a dream. Her work is so compelling that I purchase multiple editions in hardcover. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians fated to duel at a mysterious circus, never fails to pull me out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about stories themselves, follows protagonist Zachary as he discovers an underground realm that houses all stories. Both novels are beautifully written and perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written 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 AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always fills me with excitement. Her unique voice is like chasing a playful ghost through a literary maze, yet it's an exhilarating journey. Her novels, while inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, diverge significantly in style and theme. For instance, Gingerbread takes a Hansel and Gretel-inspired story and twists it through a capitalist lens. Oyeyemi's work defies the norms of literary fiction, offering fever dream-like adventures that, as Alexandra Kleeman noted to The Nation, have "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

1The extraordinarily talented Helen Oyeyemi has crafted 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 AmazonLeomi 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

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 mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers the high fantasy fix you crave. This 845-page epic is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and satisfying twists that will keep you immersed. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was released three years later, and anticipation builds for Among the Burning Flowers, set to release later this year. If you're looking to dive into a new series, now's the perfect 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)

1A world divided.A queendom without an heir.An ancient enemy awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has been a trailblazer in comics and other media, masterfully capturing the subtle 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, and she deserves more than a brief mention—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

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, and its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, offer a stunning reimagining of the Chinese moon goddess legend. This duology provides a delicious blend of romance and adventure, eloquently introducing Chinese mythology while maintaining a fast-paced narrative. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic journey to free her imprisoned mother. Tan's compelling characters and deft handling of 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

1A captivating and romantic 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, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. It captures the essence of being lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a striking, unnerving pen, Nightcore shows us the world of a young man attempting to escape his alienation through technology—echoing Morgan’s own experiences 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, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, I found solace in her books, relating to her characters during my own difficult times. Her work has earned 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

2Marigold's daughter admires her mother's beauty, yet worries about her spending habits and late nights - it's frightening.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a captivating adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey through a war college for dragon riders. The series blends brutal violence with intricate storytelling, character development, and world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing both physical and mental challenges, emphasizing themes of friendship and support. The romance enhances the plot without overshadowing the fantasy elements, keeping readers engaged with the characters' evolving relationships. With its complex narratives and unexpected twists, the series, now five books strong with the third released on January 21, 2025, will leave you eagerly anticipating 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)

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