IGN Women Select Top 20 Female Authors

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to celebrate by spotlighting the talented women on our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows; this year, we're turning our attention to another passion of ours: reading. When we asked the women at IGN about their favorite female authors, the responses were as diverse and inspiring as the authors themselves. Let's dive into the remarkable list of authors and comic artists they've chosen to honor this Women's History Month!

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

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 traditionally male-dominated world of comics. Her work at Marvel, including bringing the title of Captain Marvel to Carol Danvers, has left a lasting impact that even reached the MCU, where she served as a consultant. Beyond the big names, she's made significant contributions to indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, continues her trend of exploring supernatural themes. DeConnick's writing is not just a service to the craft but a testament to her incredible humanity. –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 books are beautifully weird yet clear-eyed, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the unusual. With only two novels published so far, both have been highlights of their release years. The Book of X, with its surreal narrative about a woman from a family of meat farmers, and Ripe, which captures the surreal experience of working at a chaotic startup, showcase her unique voice. Her work, reminiscent of Rose Glass' film Saint Maud, leaves readers eagerly anticipating more 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 this feminist medieval tale is palpable, especially with Charli XCX set to 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, 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

If you haven't yet delved into N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, you're missing out on a masterpiece. While all her fantasy works are noteworthy, the trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, stands out with its engaging characters and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season may initially challenge readers with its narrative style, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun on her quest for justice and survival amidst cataclysmic events. –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 never ceases to amaze, and her unique takes on classic fairy tales and horror stories are a delight for adventure lovers. Her narratives often blend gothic horror with dark fantasy, yet her humorous pacing and well-crafted characters provide a balance to the heavier themes. From the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, her work leaves readers both thrilled and slightly unnerved. –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

Recommending a Nobel Prize winner might seem obvious, but Han Kang's work, celebrated even by global icons like BTS, is truly exceptional. Her debut in English, The Vegetarian, captivated readers with its disturbing yet mesmerizing plot about a housewife's transformation. Her subsequent works, such as Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to explore profound themes with unmatched artistry. Han Kang is not just a genius but an absolute powerhouse in literature. –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 is quickly making a name for herself in the sci-fi genre with her imaginative storytelling. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, while her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, delivers an exciting adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Her ability to build immersive worlds and fast-paced narratives is truly captivating. –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

Perfect for young readers dipping their toes into the world of fantasy, Gail Carson Levine's work is enchanting. –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. Maas

Sarah J. Maas has carved out a kingdom in the fantasy romance genre with her detailed world-building and captivating storytelling. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, her works explore the journeys of young women in magical realms. From Throne of Glass to her latest Crescent City series, Maas weaves tales of strength, romance, and adventure that leave readers spellbound. –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 fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. Her works often delve into dark historical fantasy, frequently set in Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Her ability to captivate across genres ensures a spot on any avid 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 like stepping into a dream. Her lush, historical fantasy romance in The Night Circus can pull anyone out of a reading slump, while The Starless Sea invites readers into a realm of endless stories. Her work is best enjoyed 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 spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

The anticipation for a new Helen Oyeyemi book is always exhilarating. Her unique voice defies categorization, blending fantastical elements with literary fiction in a way that's both disorienting and delightful. Her novels, inspired by folktales yet distinctly original, are literary adventures that challenge and entertain. –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

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection showcasing 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 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, offers a rich and satisfying alternative. With dragons, magic, and a compelling narrative, this series is perfect for those eager to dive into a new epic. –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 long career in comics and other media has earned her accolades, including GLAAD awards, and she made history as the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her work beautifully captures the quieter, yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. –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 Chinese mythology. The story of Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, is a romantic and epic adventure that beautifully balances action and mythology. –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 visually stunning and deeply unsettling, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital world and 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 books for young adults tackle tough subjects like grief, substance abuse, and abandonment, resonating deeply with readers facing similar challenges. Her work, which earned her a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, offers solace and understanding to those who need it most. –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 gripping adult fantasy romance set in a war college for dragon riders. The series blends brutal violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance into the narrative seamlessly. Yarros's storytelling, filled with unexpected twists and a deep connection to the characters, including the dragons, keeps readers hooked. –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