IGN Women's Top 20 Female Authors Revealed

As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, IGN is proud to spotlight the incredible women on our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows; this year, we're focusing on a different passion: reading. We asked the women of IGN about their favorite female authors, and the responses created a diverse and inspiring list that covers a wide range of genres and styles. Join us in celebrating both the women of IGN and the remarkable women authors they admire!

Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech's narratives delve deep into themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence. Her storytelling is beautifully crafted and deeply moving, making her a standout in the literary world. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

1In her signature, captivating style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech weaves together two poignant stories—one humorous, the other bittersweet—creating a heartwarming, compelling narrative about 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 a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. She revitalized the character of Captain Marvel by bringing Carol Danvers to the forefront, a move that resonated with audiences and influenced the MCU. Beyond Marvel, DeConnick's voice shines in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly, which explores mystical western themes, and Bitch Planet, a powerful sci-fi feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her diverse portfolio. Her work is not just a testament to her talent but also her commitment to pushing boundaries. –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 finds herself at a pivotal moment, navigating a dramatic decision that propels her into an intergalactic war. $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels are a unique blend of the surreal and the deeply personal, resonating with those who appreciate unconventional narratives. Her works, such as The Book of X and Ripe, explore themes of generational trauma and the pressures of modern life, respectively. Her storytelling is both unsettling and relatable, leaving readers eager for more from this talented author. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) that follows a woman navigating the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, exploring the lengths she'll go to achieve success. $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

Isabel Greenberg's work is a beautiful homage to folklore and mythology, with The 100 Nights of Hero standing out as a feminist retelling set in a medieval world. Her storytelling and illustrations create an enchanting experience, and the anticipation for the film adaptation featuring Charli XCX as Rosa is high. –Kelly Pham

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero

1Inspired by The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a medieval setting. $11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, with its captivating storytelling, complex characters, and innovative magic system. The trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, showcases Jemisin's talent for crafting intricate narratives. Her playful approach to storytelling in The Fifth Season may be initially challenging, but the rewards are immense as readers follow Essun's journey through a cataclysmic world. –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 volumes of N.K. Jemisin's groundbreaking 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 a delight for fans of gothic horror and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic tales, like What Moves the Dead, offer a fresh perspective with a balance of humor and horror. Her Saint of Steel series explores themes of personal identity and loss, captivating readers with its emotional depth and engaging characters. –MS

Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1A gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's “The Fall of the House of Usher,” this novel from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher is both atmospheric and thrilling. $14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Han Kang's Nobel Prize-winning work is a testament to her storytelling prowess. Her novel The Vegetarian, which explores the disturbing transformation of a housewife who stops eating meat, is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Her subsequent works, such as Human Acts and Greek Lessons, continue to showcase her ability to tackle complex themes with grace and intensity. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1A darkly allegorical tale, The Vegetarian explores themes of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle for liberation, captivating readers worldwide. $18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels, like The Deep Sky and The Stardust Grail, showcase her talent for crafting engaging, standalone stories with rich world-building. Her debut novel, a thrilling murder mystery set in space, and her follow-up, an adventurous quest for an ancient artifact, demonstrate her versatility and promise as a rising star in the genre. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut novel is a gripping sci-fi thriller about a deep space mission that turns deadly, leaving the crew to question their loyalties. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted is a beloved fantasy novel perfect for young readers. Her storytelling captures the magic and wonder of fantasy, making her a favorite among those new to the genre. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1A Newbery Honor-winning tale, Ella Enchanted enchants readers with its spirited heroine and magical world. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, known for her intricate world-building and compelling characters. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm with the Fae, is a standout, while her Throne of Glass and Crescent City series further showcase her talent for weaving romance with epic fantasy. –Jessie Wade

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

Sarah J. Maas### A Court of Thorns and Roses

0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, this novel 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's versatility shines across genres, from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her novels, set primarily in North America with a focus on Mexico, offer fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. Whether it's the atmospheric Mexican Gothic or the adventurous Gods of Jade and Shadow, her work is a must-read. –MS

Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1Set in 1950s Mexico, Mexican Gothic is a chilling and atmospheric tale that blends gothic horror with historical fiction. $17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, transport readers into dreamlike worlds. Her storytelling is enchanting and immersive, making her books a perfect escape for readers looking for something magical and romantic. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1Written in lush, seductive prose, The Night Circus is a spellbinding novel that captivates the senses and the heart. $19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's unique voice and inventive storytelling defy genre conventions. Her novels, often inspired by folktales, offer surreal and thought-provoking adventures. From Gingerbread to Mr. Fox, Oyeyemi's work is a literary journey that challenges and delights readers. –LB

Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1Helen Oyeyemi's Mr. Fox is a magical and inventive love story that explores the complexities of relationships and storytelling. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of her work, blending bright colors with dark humor. Her unique style and personal touch make her a compelling voice in the world of comics. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1This collection showcases Leomi Sadler's energetic and deeply personal cartooning style, offering a mix of humor and introspection. $25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon

For fans of epic fantasy, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. With its rich characters, dragons, and intricate world-building, it's a series that captivates and immerses readers in a thrilling narrative. –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)

1In a divided world, The Priory of the Orange Tree follows a queendom without an heir and the awakening of an ancient enemy. $10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone's work in comics, including her groundbreaking run on Uncanny X-Men, showcases her talent for capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. Her contributions to the industry, including being the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men, are significant and inspiring. –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

2Follow a core group of essential X-Men as they 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 Celestial Kingdom Duology, beginning with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a romantic and adventurous take on Chinese mythology. Her storytelling brings to life the legend of the moon goddess, creating a captivating narrative that blends action with romance. –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

1Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, this epic fantasy follows a young woman's quest to free her mother, blending romance and adventure. $17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of feeling lost in the digital age. Her comics, such as Nightcore Energy, offer a poignant exploration of alienation and technology. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1With a striking and unsettling style, Nightcore Energy follows a young man's journey to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan Vogel's own experiences. See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, and bullying. Her stories provide solace and understanding to readers facing similar struggles, making her an important voice in literature for young adults. –Meg Koepp

Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2The Illustrated Mum explores the complexities of family life, focusing on a daughter's love for her mother amidst the challenges they face. $21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series blends intense action with deep character development and themes of friendship and resilience, making it a standout in the genre. –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)

1Dive into the captivating world of the Empyrean series, where dragons and war intertwine with themes of friendship and resilience. $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