IGN Women Select Top 20 Female Authors

May 02,25

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talented women at IGN. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows created by women. This year, we're shifting our focus to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" we received a diverse and exciting list of authors and comic artists. Let's dive into this inspiring collection and celebrate the women of IGN along with their chosen literary heroes!

Sharon Creech

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

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her tenure at Marvel saw her bring the iconic title of Captain Marvel to Carol Danvers, a legacy that carried over into the MCU, with her name credited as a consultant for the films. Beyond the Big Two, her voice resonates in indie comics, with works like Pretty Deadly for those interested in a mystical western theme and Bitch Planet for a sci-fi, dystopian, feminist experience. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, offers a supernatural twist. If you haven't explored her work yet, you're missing out on the talents 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

As 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 Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter writes uniquely compelling books for those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name so far, both have been standout favorites of mine. The Book of X, a surreal tale about a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers with a twisted stomach, and Ripe, which follows a woman enduring the chaos of a San Francisco startup while haunted by a void, showcase her ability to blend the surreal with the painfully relatable. I eagerly await many more of her distinctive works. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

A 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

I am thrilled about the upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX portraying Rosa! –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

In 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 Amazon

N.K Jemisin

It's unlikely this is the first time you're being recommended N.K. Jemisin's incredible The Broken Earth Trilogy. While her other fantasy works are equally deserving of attention, the captivating writing, characters, and creative magic system in The Broken Earth Trilogy, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a must-read. Her innovative storytelling in The Fifth Season might be confusing at first, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she hunts down her husband who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while navigating a recurring cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. It's an unforgettable, 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

This collectible 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output is astonishing, and my adventure-loving heart cherishes her consistently fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror. Her works often delve into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic pacing and well-crafted characters provide a needed balance to her heavy themes. Whether it's the slow-building exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the Saint of Steel fantasy romance series tackling personal identity and loss, her stories leave a lasting impact. –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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Han Kang

Recommending the most recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature might seem obvious, but Han Kang's genius is unmistakable. Introduced to her work through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, I was captivated by its disturbingly mesmerizing plot about a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to profound changes in her life. Her subsequent works, from the thematically similar Greek Lessons to the poignant exploration of South Korean political atrocities in Human Acts and We Do Not Part, showcase her unparalleled talent. She is truly 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 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei is a rising star in the sci-fi genre, with two novels already published and a third on the way. Her standalone stories build vivid worlds quickly and keep readers engaged with fast-paced plots. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set aboard a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an Indiana Jones-style adventure as the protagonist races to find an ancient alien artifact. Both are imaginative and thrilling, and I'm eagerly anticipating 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 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

Perfect for kids just getting started in fantasy. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a feisty heroine is sure to enchant readers new and old. $9.99 save 30% $6.99 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Sarah J. Mass

Sarah J. Maas is a master of fantasy romance, consistently leaving readers in awe with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which follows a young woman's journey in a magical realm, Maas's work is filled with detailed plots and strong characters. Her Throne of Glass series, which she began writing as a teenager, and her Crescent City series further showcase her talent for weaving fantasy with romance. For fans of epic tales with a touch of spice, her books 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

From #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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly tackles a variety of genres, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. Her works often focus on dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. With each new release, she secures a spot on my limited 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 glamorous 1950s Mexico. $17.00 save 43% $9.73 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are like stepping into a dream. Her books are instant buys for me, often in multiple editions. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about two magicians trained for a duel at a mysterious circus, is a perfect escape from reality. The Starless Sea, a tale about stories and an underground library, is equally enchanting. Both are 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 spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. $19.00 save 51% $9.33 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Helen Oyeyemi

I get excited every time I hear about a new Helen Oyeyemi book. Her unique voice is like trying to catch a playful ghost, and her novels, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen folktales, defy conventional literary fiction. Gingerbread, for instance, transforms Hansel and Gretel into a modern, capitalist tale. Her stories are fever dream adventures that break all the rules. As Alexandra Kleeman said to The Nation, Oyeyemi’s work is "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

The 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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of 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 fans mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next book, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series offers a satisfying alternative. The Priory of the Orange Tree, an 845-page high fantasy with rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense, is a must-read. Its prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers continue this enthralling saga. If you're looking to start 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)

A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. $10.92 See it at Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics, capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. She's won GLAAD awards and was the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her impact is truly remarkable. 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 a delicious romantic adventure, providing context to Chinese mythology while maintaining a steady pace of action. The story follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her epic journey to free her mother. Tan's complex characters and romantic pacing make these books standout in the 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

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 online, in the 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

Jacqueline Wilson's works for young adults tackle tough topics like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I found solace and connection through her relatable characters. She has been honored with 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

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 Amazon See it at Amazon

Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance about a young woman attending a war college for dragon riders. Despite the brutal setting, the series balances violence with rich storytelling, world-building, and character development. The romance is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the plot while maintaining the excitement of the fantasy world. Yarros's ability to craft complex narratives with unexpected twists keeps readers hooked. The third book in this five-book series was released on January 21, 2025, with two more to come. –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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