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 female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're turning our attention to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, their responses created a diverse and captivating list that spans a variety of genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists they admire as we honor both the women of IGN and the talented women authors who inspire them!
Sharon Creech
Her stories weave together themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human life with unparalleled excellence. –Marhyan Franzen
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons
In her distinctive, beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech crafts a heartwarming, compelling narrative that intertwines two stories—one funny, one bittersweet—exploring the depths of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. $9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Kelly Sue DeConnick
A trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated world of comics, Kelly Sue DeConnick has made significant strides. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel redefined Carol Danvers' role, a change that carried into the MCU with her as a credited consultant. Beyond Marvel, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility, from mystical westerns to dystopian sci-fi with a feminist edge. Her latest project, FML from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes. If you haven't experienced her writing yet, you're missing out on the work of an exceptional writer and remarkable 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 takes her rightful place in the cosmos, navigating life's crossroads and diving headfirst into an intergalactic war. $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at Amazon
Sarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter's novels resonate deeply with readers who appreciate the surreal and the poignant. With only two novels published so far, both have been standout reads. The Book of X explores the life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, dealing with surreal and deeply relatable themes. Ripe follows a young woman's unsettling experience at a San Francisco startup, haunted by a pervasive void. Etter's unique storytelling leaves readers eagerly anticipating her future works. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
A surreal narrative with a "dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe follows a woman in Silicon Valley grappling with the sacrifices required for success. $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Isabel Greenberg
The excitement surrounding the upcoming film adaptation of Greenberg's feminist medieval tale is palpable, especially with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa. –Kelly Pham
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero
A beautifully illustrated collection of folk tales and myths that honors the legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world. $11.31 See it at Amazon
N.K Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. While her other works are equally compelling, the trilogy's innovative magic system and intricate storytelling make it particularly noteworthy. The second book, The Obelisk Gate, is especially captivating, while The Fifth Season's playful narrative style is rewarding for those who stick with it. Follow Essun as she seeks her husband, who has killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while navigating a cataclysmic world and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. –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
A collectible boxed set that includes all three books of N.K. Jemisin's award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy. $49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher's prolific output is a testament to her versatility, with a focus on gothic horror and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic tales, infused with comedic pacing and well-crafted characters, offer a balanced take on heavy themes. From the eerie exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the romantic depth of the Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work is both chilling and heartwarming. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
A gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher," filled with atmospheric tension. $14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Han Kang
Han Kang's Nobel Prize win is no surprise; her work speaks volumes. Introduced to many through The Vegetarian, her tale of a woman's descent into self-starvation, Kang's writing is hauntingly beautiful. From Greek Lessons to the harrowing Human Acts, her novels delve into profound themes with unmatched artistry. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
A darkly allegorical tale of power and obsession, celebrating the struggle to break free from internal and external violence. $18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Yume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei is quickly making a name for herself in the sci-fi genre with her imaginative storytelling. Her standalone novels, The Deep Sky and The Stardust Grail, offer quick world-building and engaging plots that are hard to put down. With her third novel on the horizon, Kitasei's future in sci-fi looks bright. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
A thrilling sci-fi debut about a deep-space mission that turns deadly, leaving survivors to question their crew's loyalty. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Gail Carson Levine
Ideal for young readers venturing into fantasy, Gail Carson Levine's work captivates and inspires. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
A beloved tale of a spirited heroine that enchants readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Sarah J. Mass
Sarah J. Mass reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, crafting detailed worlds and gripping narratives. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm of the Fae, showcases her talent for character development and plot twists. Her earlier Throne of Glass series and the newer Crescent City series further demonstrate her prowess in the fantasy 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
A seductive blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. $19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility shines through in her diverse body of work, from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her novels often explore dark themes set in North America, with a refreshing focus on Mexico. Whether it's the gothic horror of Mexican Gothic or the magical journey in Gods of Jade and Shadow, Moreno-Garcia's storytelling is captivating. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
A chilling twist on classic gothic horror 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 enchanting journeys into dreamlike realms. Her work is so compelling that it's a must-buy in hardcover for many readers. The Night Circus, a tale of magical rivalry set in a mysterious circus, is a perfect escape from reality, while The Starless Sea delves into a world of stories beneath our own. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
A lush, historical fantasy romance that captivates with its seductive prose and spellbinding narrative. $19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Helen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi's novels are a unique blend of the fantastical and the real, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tales but transformed into something entirely new. Her work, such as Gingerbread and Mr. Fox, defies genre conventions and offers readers a thrilling literary adventure. –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
A magical love story that showcases Helen Oyeyemi's inventive and profound storytelling. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Leomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection showcasing over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
An energetic introduction and retrospective of Leomi Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice. $25.42 See it at Amazon
Samantha Shannon
For fans of high fantasy, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. With dragons, magic, and intricate plots, this series offers a satisfying escape into another world. The excitement continues with prequels and more to come. –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 divided world, a queendom without an heir, and an ancient enemy awakening. $10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at Amazon
Gail Simone
Gail Simone's long career in comics highlights 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.
Gail Simone### (Kindle Only) Uncanny X-Men
A core group of X-Men rise from the ashes to face a world without a home and 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, followed by Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers a thrilling blend of mythology and romance, with a protagonist determined to free her mother from imprisonment on the moon. –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 romantic epic fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, 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 a powerful blend of visceral storytelling and unsettling beauty, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital age and beyond. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
A gripping narrative of a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences. See it at Organ.Fail
Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's novels for young adults tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying, resonating deeply with readers facing similar struggles. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
A poignant tale of a daughter's love for her beautiful yet troubled mother. $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 blends intense action with deep character development and a heartwarming theme of friendship and support. The romance enhances the plot without overshadowing the thrilling fantasy elements, making it a must-read for fans of 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)
Immerse yourself in this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books. $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
