As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we at IGN are excited to celebrate by highlighting the remarkable 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 shifting our focus to another beloved pastime: reading.
When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" the responses created a diverse and inspiring list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists they admire as we honor both the women of IGN and the incredible women writers they cherish!
Sharon Creech
Her stories beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence. –*Marhyan Franzen*
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech
Walk Two Moons
In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other bittersweet—to craft a heartwarming and deeply moving story about love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions. $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. She played a pivotal role in redefining Captain Marvel by bringing the title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that influenced the MCU with her credited consultancy. Beyond Marvel and DC, her work in indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcases her versatile storytelling, ranging from mystical westerns to sci-fi feminist narratives. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into the supernatural. If you haven't experienced her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of both her writing and her humanity. –*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 finds herself at a crossroads, leading her to the stars and into the heart of an intergalactic war! $125.00 save 46% $68.02 at Amazon
Sarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter's novels are delightfully strange yet profoundly clear, perfect for those of us who revel in the unusual. With only two novels published so far, both have captured my heart as top reads of their release years. The Book of X, a surreal tale of a woman born into a family of meat farmers with a unique physical anomaly, and Ripe, which follows a young woman navigating the chaos of a San Francisco startup while haunted by a void, both offer unique and compelling narratives. I eagerly await many more such masterpieces from her. –*Leanne Butkovic*
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter
Ripe: A Novel
This surreal novel, praised for its "dark, delicious edge" (Time), explores a woman's journey in Silicon Valley, questioning the price of success. $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 and can't wait to see Charli XCX portray Rosa! –*Kelly Pham*
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg
The One Hundred Nights of Hero
Inspired by The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves a tapestry of folk tales and myths celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world. $11.31 See it at Amazon
N.K. Jemisin
You've likely heard of N.K. Jemisin's acclaimed The Broken Earth Trilogy, but her other works are equally compelling. The Broken Earth Trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, stands out with its captivating storytelling, rich characters, and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season might startle with its narrative playfulness, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she searches for her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while navigating a cataclysmic event and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. A Hugo Award-winning journey awaits. –*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 includes all three books in N.K. Jemisin's 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 a delight for those who love adventure. Her retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories lean into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her humorous pacing and well-developed characters balance the darker themes. From the haunting exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the romantic fantasy of the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work leaves readers both satisfied and slightly unnerved. –*MS*
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher
What Moves the Dead
This gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher is both atmospheric and haunting. $14.99 save 44% $8.46 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Han Kang
Recommending the latest Nobel Prize winner for Literature might seem obvious, especially with BTS celebrating her achievement on Instagram, but Han Kang's work is truly exceptional. Introduced to her through The Vegetarian, her disturbingly mesmerizing narrative of a housewife's descent into not eating meat, and eventually all food, captivated me. Her subsequent works, from Greek Lessons to Human Acts and We Do Not Part, delve into themes of identity and political atrocities in South Korea. Han Kang's genius and boldness are undeniable. –*LB*
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang
The Vegetarian
Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a dark allegory, reminiscent of Kafka, exploring power, obsession, and a woman's struggle to break free from internal and external violence. $18.00 save 17% $15.00 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Yume Kitasei
Already on her third novel, Yume Kitasei is a rising star in sci-fi. Her standalone stories quickly build immersive worlds and engage readers with fast-paced narratives. The Deep Sky, a thrilling murder mystery set on a tech-laden spaceship, and The Stardust Grail, an Indiana Jones-esque adventure to find an ancient alien artifact, are both imaginative and unputdownable. Her next novel is eagerly anticipated this fall. –*MS*
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei
The Deep Sky
Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is an enthralling sci-fi thriller about a deep space mission that begins with a lethal explosion, leaving survivors to question crew loyalty. $18.99 save 34% $12.59 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Gail Carson Levine
Ideal for young fantasy enthusiasts just starting their literary journey. –*MF*
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine
Ella Enchanted
This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine is sure to enchant both new and returning readers. $9.99 save 30% $6.99 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, captivating readers with her intricately detailed world-building and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which follows a young woman entering a magical realm and discovering her strength among the Fae, Maas also crafted the Throne of Glass and Crescent City series. Her ability to weave strong characters with thrilling plots and romantic elements makes her work irresistible for fans of epic fantasy with a romantic twist. –*Jessie Wade*
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, this seductive blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore is an unforgettable read. $19.00 save 42% $10.95 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with a touch of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales set in Mexico City in Certain Dark Things. Her work often focuses on dark historical fantasy in North America, especially Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Every new release from her is a must-have for my 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, this terrifying twist on classic gothic horror is 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, feel like entering a dream. I instantly buy her hardcovers and collect various editions. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a duel at a mysterious circus, pulls me out of any reading slump. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about stories and an underground library, is best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –*MS*
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
Written in 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
Helen Oyeyemi's work excites me like few others. Her voice is unique, her novels fantastical yet defying traditional fantasy labels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen but transformed into something entirely new. Gingerbread, for example, is a modern twist on Hansel and Gretel. Her stories are feverish adventures that break literary fiction's rules, as Alexandra Kleeman described in The Nation, like navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea. –*LB*
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi
Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi's magical Mr. Fox is a love story like no other, endlessly inventive and profound in its truths about human relationships. $18.00 save 25% $13.59 at Amazon See it at Amazon
Leomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –*KP*
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs
This collection introduces and retrospects Leomi Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice. $25.42 See it at Amazon
Samantha Shannon
For fans missing Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next release, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers the perfect high fantasy fix. With its rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense, this series keeps readers immersed in another world. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, followed, with another, Among the Burning Flowers, set to release later this year. –*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 transformative force in comics, adept at capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. She has won GLAAD awards and was the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her contributions are too vast to summarize in a short blurb. Explore her work! –*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, reimagines the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, expanding into a thrilling duology with Heart of the Sun Warrior. These novels blend Chinese mythology with action-packed adventure, following Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her quest to free her mother. Tan's storytelling, rich with complex characters and romantic pacing, makes these books standout romantic fantasies. –*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
This captivating debut inspired by the legend of Chang'e is a romantic epic fantasy, following a young woman's quest to free her mother. $17.99 save 32% $12.18 at Amazon
Morgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital world, in reality, or within oneself. –*KP*
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel
Nightcore Energy
With a haunting pen, Nightcore Energy illustrates a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, echoing Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist. See it at Organ.Fail
Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle difficult subjects like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Her stories resonated with me during my challenging upbringing, offering solace and understanding. Wilson's work has earned her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her contributions to literature. –*Meg Koepp*
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson
The Illustrated Mum
Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights, finding them frightening. $21.31 See it at Amazon See it at Amazon
Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance centered around a young woman training at a war college for dragon riders. The series combines brutal warfare with intricate world-building and character development, highlighting themes of friendship and support. The romance is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the plot without overshadowing the fantasy elements. Yarros's storytelling is filled with unexpected twists, making readers deeply attached to her characters and dragons. The third book was released on January 21, 2025, with two more to follow. –*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 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
