IGN Women's Top 20 Female Authors Revealed

As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the talented women on our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows, but this year, we're diving into another beloved hobby: reading. We asked the women of IGN about their favorite female authors, and the responses created an inspiring list that spans a variety of genres and styles. Let's explore the authors and comic artists that our team admires as we honor both the women of IGN and their chosen literary heroines!

Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech's storytelling is a masterclass in weaving tales of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence. Her work resonates deeply, offering readers a journey filled with emotion and understanding. –Marhyan Franzen

Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird

Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons

In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and one poignant, to create a heartwarming and compelling story of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. $9.99 save 30% $6.95 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick is a trailblazer in the world of comics, challenging the "boys club" with her powerful narratives. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel not only redefined Carol Danvers but also left a lasting impact on the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural themes, making her an essential voice in comics. –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 stands where she rightfully belongs. Her journey through life's crossroads propels her into an interstellar conflict, showcasing her resilience and strength. $125.00 save 46% $68.02 at Amazon

Sarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels are a blend of the surreal and the strikingly real, resonating with those who appreciate the unconventional. Her books, The Book of X and Ripe, explore themes of generational trauma and the surreal nature of modern life, leaving a lasting impression on readers. Her unique storytelling promises more captivating tales in the future. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

This surreal novel delves into the dark, edgy world of Silicon Valley, challenging the protagonist's ambitions and limits. Roxane Gay praises Etter's work as "utterly unique and remarkable." $18.00 save 12% $15.81 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Isabel Greenberg

Isabel Greenberg's work, particularly The 100 Nights of Hero, is eagerly anticipated for its film adaptation, especially with Charli XCX set to portray Rosa. Greenberg's storytelling merges folklore and myth into a vibrant tapestry celebrating female storytellers in a medieval setting. –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 work weaves together folk tales and myths to celebrate the hidden 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, renowned for its captivating storytelling and innovative magic system. Her playful narrative style in The Fifth Season may initially challenge readers, but the payoff is immensely rewarding. Following Essun's quest amidst a world-ending cataclysm, Jemisin's Hugo Award-winning series is a testament to her skill and imagination. –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 of N.K. Jemisin's critically acclaimed 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 treasure trove for fans of gothic horror and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic tales, such as What Moves the Dead, balance heavy themes with humor and well-crafted characters. Her Saint of Steel series explores identity and loss, offering readers a rich, emotional journey. –MS

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

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

This atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" by award-winning author T. Kingfisher is both gripping and haunting. $14.99 save 44% $8.46 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Han Kang

Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, captivates readers with her haunting narratives. Her novel The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, offers a mesmerizing exploration of a woman's descent into self-denial and isolation. Her subsequent works, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to delve into profound themes, cementing her status as a literary genius. –LB

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

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

This Kafka-esque tale of power and obsession follows a woman's transformative journey away from meat and toward self-discovery, celebrated by critics worldwide. $18.00 save 17% $15.00 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Yume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's rapid rise in the sci-fi genre is marked by her engaging, standalone stories. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a thrilling murder mystery set in space, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an alien artifact. Kitasei's imaginative worlds and fast-paced narratives promise an exciting future in literature. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

This enthralling sci-fi debut follows a space mission turned deadly, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty. $18.99 save 34% $12.59 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Carson Levine

Gail Carson Levine's work, particularly Ella Enchanted, is perfect for young readers venturing into fantasy. Her stories enchant and inspire, offering memorable tales of courage and magic. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine enchants readers with its magical storytelling. $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 with her intricate world-building and compelling narratives. Her series, including A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City, delve into the magical realms of the Fae, blending romance with epic fantasy. Maas's ability to craft strong characters and thrilling plots makes her a favorite among fantasy enthusiasts. –Jessie Wade

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

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

This seductive tale by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read. $19.00 save 42% $10.95 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility spans genres, from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her works, such as Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and Shadow, showcase her talent for crafting atmospheric stories set in North America, often highlighting Mexican culture. Her ability to tackle diverse themes ensures her a spot on any discerning reader's shelf. –MS

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

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

This chilling tale set in 1950s Mexico blends gothic horror with a captivating narrative, earning praise for its terrifying twist on classic horror. $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, offer readers a dreamlike escape. Her lush, historical fantasy romance in The Night Circus is a perfect antidote to reading slumps, while The Starless Sea takes readers on a journey through a library of stories. Morgenstern's enchanting prose is best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

This spellbinding novel, written in seductive prose, 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 novels are a whirlwind of fantastical adventures that defy the conventions of literary fiction. Her unique voice, often inspired by folktales, creates a discombobulating yet exhilarating reading experience. Works like Gingerbread and Mr. Fox showcase her inventive storytelling, making her a standout in contemporary literature. –LB

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

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

This magical love story by Helen Oyeyemi is as inventive as it is profound, exploring the nuances of human connection with wit and charm. $18.00 save 25% $13.59 at Amazon See it at Amazon

Leomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of her work, blending bright colors with dark humor. Her cartooning voice is both deeply personal and thrillingly energetic. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

This collection introduces and celebrates Leomi Sadler's cartooning voice, showcasing over a decade of her work. $25.42 See it at Amazon

Samantha Shannon

For fans of epic high fantasy, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a richly woven narrative filled with dragons, magic, and suspense. Her ability to craft engaging worlds and characters makes her series a must-read for those seeking a new fantasy saga. –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)

In a world divided and a queendom without an heir, an ancient enemy awakens in this epic tale. $10.92 See it at Amazon See it at Amazon

Gail Simone

Gail Simone has been a transformative force in comics, known for her nuanced portrayal of superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her impact on the industry is undeniable. Her work continues to inspire and entertain. –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

This essential X-Men story follows a core group facing a world without a home and without Professor X. $5.99 at Amazon

Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan's Celestial Kingdom Duology, beginning with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a captivating reimagining of Chinese mythology. Her storytelling combines romance with epic adventure, making it a standout in the genre. The journey of Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the moon goddess, is both inspiring and deeply romantic. –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 epic fantasy, inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, follows a young woman's quest to free her mother, blending romance and adventure. $17.99 save 32% $12.18 at Amazon

Morgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is a striking blend of visceral storytelling and unsettling beauty. Her art captures the essence of feeling lost in the digital age and within oneself, making her a unique voice in the world of comics. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

With a haunting pen, Nightcore Energy portrays a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist. See it at Organ.Fail

Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's work for young adults tackles challenging themes such as grief, substance abuse, and abandonment. Her stories provided solace and connection for many readers, including those who faced similar struggles. Her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, recognize her significant contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp

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

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

This poignant tale follows Marigold's daughter as she navigates her mother's beauty and the challenges it brings. $21.31 See it at Amazon See 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 balances intense action with deep character development and themes of friendship and support. Yarros's intricate world-building and unexpected twists make her work a thrilling read. –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)

Dive into this immersive 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