Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to celebrate by spotlighting the incredible women on our team and their favorite women authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV; this year, we're diving into the world of literature, a passion shared by many of our staff.

When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" the responses were as diverse as they were insightful, spanning a wide range of genres and styles. Let's explore the authors and comic artists that made the list, celebrating both the women of IGN and the talented women authors they admire!

Sharon Creech

Her stories of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence are truly exceptional. –*Marhyan Franzen*

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons is a beautifully crafted tale that intertwines humor and bittersweet moments to create a moving story of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions.

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Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, which introduced Carol Danvers to the title, has had a lasting impact, even influencing the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility and commitment to powerful storytelling. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't experienced her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of an exceptional writer and person. –*Chelsea Reed*

Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML

Kelly Sue DeConnick's Captain Marvel places Earth's Mightiest Hero at the heart of an intergalactic war, navigating life's crossroads with dramatic flair.

$125.00 save 46%
$68.02 at Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's unique and clear-eyed narratives resonate deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name, both have been standout reads for me. The Book of X explores the surreal life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, while Ripe delves into the haunting experiences of a young woman in a San Francisco startup. Her storytelling is both unsettling and relatable, and I eagerly await more of her work. –*Leanne Butkovic*

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter's Ripe: A Novel offers a surreal journey with a dark edge, exploring the lengths one woman will go for success in Silicon Valley.

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Isabel Greenberg

I'm eagerly anticipating the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, especially with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa! –*Kelly Pham*

Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero

Isabel Greenberg's The One Hundred Nights of Hero is a beautifully illustrated collection of folk tales and myths, celebrating the legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world.

$11.31
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N.K. Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, though her other works are equally compelling. The trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, showcases her captivating writing, rich characters, and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season's unique narrative structure may be initially challenging, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun's gripping journey as she seeks justice and survival amidst a cataclysmic world. –*Miranda Sanchez*

Notable works: The Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season), The City We Became

N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky is a collectible set that includes all three Hugo award-winning novels.

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T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher's prolific output never ceases to amaze me, especially her fresh takes on classic tales. Her stories often blend gothic horror with dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-developed characters provide a perfect counterbalance. From the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, her work leaves a lasting impact. –*MS*

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

T. Kingfisher's What Moves the Dead reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher" with gripping atmosphere and haunting beauty.

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$8.46 at Amazon
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Han Kang

Recommending Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, might seem obvious, but her work speaks for itself. The Vegetarian, her first novel translated into English, captivated me with its disturbing yet mesmerizing narrative about a woman's transformation. Her subsequent works, from Greek Lessons to Human Acts, continue to showcase her genius and fearless storytelling. –*LB*

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

Han Kang's The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from societal constraints.

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Yume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels are a delight, quickly building immersive worlds and engaging plots. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a thrilling murder mystery set on a spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient artifact. With a third novel on the horizon, Kitasei's career is one to watch. –*MS*

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei's The Deep Sky is a gripping sci-fi thriller about a deep space mission turned deadly, challenging the crew's trust and loyalty.

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Gail Carson Levine

Perfect for young readers venturing into fantasy, Gail Carson Levine's work is enchanting and accessible. –*MF*

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted is a beloved tale of a feisty heroine that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

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Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in fantasy romance, crafting detailed worlds and compelling stories. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm of the Fae, is renowned for its intricate plot and strong characters. Her other series, Throne of Glass and Crescent City, further showcase her talent for weaving fantasy with romance. –*Jessie Wade*

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

Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses is a seductive blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore that captivates from start to finish.

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$10.95 at Amazon
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Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her works, often set in North America and Mexico, are refreshingly unique. Whether it's the atmospheric Mexican Gothic or the enchanting Gods of Jade and Shadow, her storytelling is consistently captivating. –*MS*

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic is a chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in the glamorous 1950s Mexico.

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$9.73 at Amazon
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Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are dreamlike experiences. Her lush prose and enchanting narratives are perfect for breaking out of a reading slump. The Night Circus, with its magical battle set in a mysterious circus, and The Starless Sea, a journey into a realm of stories, are both must-reads. –*MS*

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is a spellbinding novel that enchants with its rich, seductive prose and captivating story.

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$9.33 at Amazon
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Helen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's work is a thrilling adventure, blending fantasy with literary fiction in unexpected ways. Her novels, often inspired by folktales, are feverish and inventive, challenging the norms of storytelling. As Alexandra Kleeman noted, reading Oyeyemi is like navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea—discombobulating yet exhilarating. –*LB*

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

Helen Oyeyemi's Mr. Fox is a magical love story that showcases her inventive and profound storytelling.

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Leomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of over a decade of work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –*KP*

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is an energetic and deeply personal introduction to her unique cartooning voice.

$25.42
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Samantha Shannon

For fans of high fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a must-read. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this series offers rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense. With more prequels on the way, it's the perfect time to dive into this immersive world. –*CR*

Notable works: The Roots of Chaos series (The Priory of the Orange Tree), The Bone Season series

Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos) is a thrilling high fantasy novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

$10.92
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Gail Simone

Gail Simone's long career in comics and other media has been marked by her ability to capture the quiet, powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work is truly remarkable. –*MF*

Notable works: Uncanny X-Men. You can pre-order the next release (August 5) on Amazon now.

(Kindle Only) Uncanny X-Men follows a core group of essential X-Men as they 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 moon goddess legend. The duology, completed with Heart of the Sun Warrior, offers a romantic adventure steeped in mythology. Xingyin's journey to free her mother is both epic and inspiring, making these novels standout romantic fantasies. –*MS*

Notable works: The Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), Immortal

(Book 1 of 3) Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a captivating epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e.

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$12.18 at Amazon

Morgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with unsettling yet beautiful illustrations that capture the essence of feeling lost in the digital world or within oneself. –*KP*

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel's Nightcore Energy delves into the world of a young man trying to escape alienation through technology.

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Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying. Growing up, her books provided solace and a sense of connection during my own difficult times. Her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, reflect her significant contributions to literature. –*Meg Koepp*

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

Jacqueline Wilson's The Illustrated Mum explores the complexities of family life through the eyes of a young girl.

$21.31
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Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance centered around a war college for dragon riders. The series masterfully balances violence with deep character development and world-building. The organic integration of romance and the thrilling plot make it a standout, with readers becoming deeply attached to the characters and their dragons. –*JW*

Notable works: Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm)

(3 Book Set) Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm) offers an immersive fantasy experience by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

$91.29
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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 with the Humble Heroines Bundle, featuring powerful protagonists from Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition, Control: Ultimate Edition, and Darksiders 3!

See it at Humble Bundle