IGN Women's Top 20 Female Authors Revealed

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to celebrate by highlighting the remarkable women at IGN and their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared 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, the responses painted a rich tapestry of literary preferences across various genres and styles. Let's delve into the inspiring list of authors and comic artists they admire as we honor both the women of IGN and the impactful women in literature!

Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech's storytelling is a masterful blend of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence. Her work resonates deeply, offering readers a poignant journey through life's ups and downs. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech weaves together two tales, one humorous and one bittersweet, into a heartwarming, compelling, and deeply moving story of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotion.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her contributions to Marvel, including redefining Captain Marvel with Carol Danvers, have left an indelible mark that extended to the MCU. Beyond Marvel, her work in indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcases her versatility and commitment to powerful storytelling. Her latest project, FML, continues to push boundaries in supernatural narratives. DeConnick's writing is not just remarkable; it's essential reading. –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 takes her rightful place among the stars, navigating a crossroads in her life that leads her into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels are a blend of the surreal and the painfully real, resonating with those who appreciate the unconventional. With just two novels to her name, The Book of X and Ripe, she has already captured the hearts of readers with her unique perspective on life's oddities and struggles. Her storytelling promises a future filled with more captivating tales. –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 navigating success and its costs, penned by an award-winning writer whose work Roxane Gay calls “utterly unique and remarkable.”$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

The anticipation 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 testament to the power of storytelling, weaving together myths and folk tales into a beautifully illustrated narrative. –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 Amazon

N.K. Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read for fantasy lovers, particularly The Obelisk Gate, which showcases her masterful storytelling and world-building. Her playful approach to narrative in The Fifth Season might be challenging at first, but the reward is immense. Following Essun's quest for justice and survival amidst cataclysmic events, Jemisin's work is a Hugo Award-winning journey into the heart of fantasy. –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 Amazon

T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output never ceases to amaze, and her unique take on classic fairy tales and horror stories is a delight for those who crave adventure. Her stories often delve into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-developed characters provide a necessary balance. Whether exploring emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead or the themes of identity and loss in the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work leaves readers both fulfilled 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 Amazon

Han Kang

Han Kang's novels are a revelation, and her Nobel Prize in Literature is a testament to her genius. Her work, like The Vegetarian, captivates with its mesmerizing plot and profound themes. From The Vegetarian to Greek Lessons and Human Acts, Kang's storytelling is a masterclass in exploring the human condition. 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

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 Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's career is on an upward trajectory with her imaginative sci-fi novels. Her ability to build captivating worlds quickly and weave engaging stories is evident in her debut, The Deep Sky, and her follow-up, The Stardust Grail. Both novels showcase her talent for crafting thrilling narratives that leave readers eager for her next release. –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, leaving the survivors questioning the loyalty of the crew.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted is a perfect introduction to fantasy for young readers. Her storytelling is enchanting and timeless, making it a cherished classic. –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 Amazon

Sarah J. Maas

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, along with Throne of Glass and Crescent City, transports readers into the enchanting world of the Fae. Maas's ability to weave romance with epic fantasy and unexpected twists makes her series a must-read for fans of the genre. –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 Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility across genres is astounding. From historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things, her work consistently captivates. Her focus on dark historical fantasy, often set in Mexico, offers a refreshing perspective. Her novels are a guaranteed addition to any discerning 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 Amazon

Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are like stepping into a dream. Her storytelling is enchanting, and her ability to create immersive worlds is unparalleled. The Night Circus is a lush historical fantasy romance that pulls readers into a mysterious circus, while The Starless Sea is a winding journey into a realm of stories. Both novels are perfect for those looking to escape into a magical narrative. –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 Amazon

Helen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's novels are a delightful enigma, blending fantasy with a unique twist on literary fiction. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson folktales, her work, such as Gingerbread, offers a fresh take on familiar stories. Her storytelling is like navigating a moving vehicle while balancing 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

1The extraordinarily gifted 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 how we learn to be with one another.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection that spans over a decade of work, showcasing bright colors and dark humor. It's a testament to Sadler's unique voice in cartooning. –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 Amazon

Samantha Shannon

For fans of high fantasy, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, beginning with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a rich and immersive experience. With dragons, magic, and a gripping plot, this series is a must-read for those who crave epic storytelling. The series continues to grow, with more prequels on the horizon. –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 Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone's contributions to comics are nothing short of groundbreaking. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work captures the quieter, yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. Her impact on the industry is profound and deserves recognition. –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 Amazon

Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess and its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, are enchanting reimaginings of Chinese mythology. These novels offer a thrilling blend of romance and adventure, with complex characters and a steady pace that captivates readers. Tan's storytelling is a standout 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 Amazon

Morgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is a striking blend of visceral storytelling and intelligent commentary. Her art is both beautiful and unsettling, capturing the essence of being lost in the digital age 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.Fail

Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's novels for young adults tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying with sensitivity and depth. Her stories provided solace and companionship during tough times for many readers, including those who found comfort in her work during their own difficult upbringings. Her recognition as a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire is a testament to her impact on 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 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 masterfully balances violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance into the narrative in a way that enhances the plot. Yarros's storytelling is complex and thrilling, leaving readers eager for more of her richly imagined worlds. –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 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

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