As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to spotlight the women on our team and celebrate their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV. This year, we're focusing on another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, we received an eclectic list that spans a wide range of genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists that have captured their hearts and minds as we honor both the women of IGN and their literary inspirations.
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
1In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and one poignant, to craft a heartwarming, compelling story 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 predominantly male world of comics. At Marvel, she was instrumental in bringing the Captain Marvel title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that carried over into the MCU with her credited as a consultant on the films. Beyond the major publishers, she's made significant contributions to indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly, which offers a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, blending sci-fi with a dystopian feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, delves into supernatural storytelling. If you haven't yet experienced her work, you're missing out on the talents of an exceptional writer and person. –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 takes her rightful place at the forefront. As she navigates a pivotal moment in her life, a bold decision propels her into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter crafts novels that are both strange and insightful, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have been standout favorites of mine. The Book of X, with its surreal portrayal of a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers and the haunting imagery of women with twisted stomachs, was both surreal and profoundly relatable. Ripe, which follows a young woman navigating the insanity of a San Francisco startup while grappling with an omnipresent void, offers a compelling narrative that echoes the unsettling tone of Rose Glass's film Saint Maud. I eagerly await many more novels from her. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) about a woman in Silicon Valley who must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice for success—from an award-winning writer whose work Roxane Gay calls “utterly unique and remarkable.”$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
I am eagerly anticipating the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, especially with Charli XCX portraying Rosa! –Kelly Pham
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero
1In the tradition of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated work weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in an imagined medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin
It's likely you've heard of N.K. Jemisin's acclaimed The Broken Earth Trilogy. While her other fantasy works are equally deserving of attention, the trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, stands out for its captivating writing, richly developed characters, and innovative magic system. The trilogy's playful narrative structure in The Fifth Season may initially confuse some readers, but the rewards are well worth it. The story follows Essun, a woman on a quest to find her husband, who murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while surviving a recurring cataclysmic event and concealing her earth-manipulating powers. It's a thrilling, Hugo Award-winning journey. –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 books in N. K. Jemisin's NYT bestselling 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 truly impressive, and my adventurous spirit is grateful for her inventive retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work often leans into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters provide a necessary balance to the heavier themes. From the slow, eerie exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, which explores personal identity and loss, Kingfisher's stories leave you both moved and slightly unnerved. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
1A gripping and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
It might seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, especially since even BTS celebrated her on Instagram, but Han Kang's work truly lives up to the acclaim. I first encountered her through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, and was captivated by its mesmerizing and unsettling narrative of a housewife who stops eating meat, leading to confusion and dismay among those around her, and eventually, all food. Knowing it was released in South Korea eight years earlier adds to its aesthetic appeal. Since then, I've followed her work, from the thematically similar Greek Lessons to the poignant South Korean political narratives in Human Acts and We Do Not Part. Han Kang is a genius and an absolute force. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1Celebrated by critics worldwide, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from the violence within and around her.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei, despite being newly published, is quickly making a name for herself in the sci-fi genre with her third novel on the horizon. Unlike many of my favorite sci-fi authors who focus on expansive series, Kitasei's standalone stories rapidly build their worlds and deliver engaging plots. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set aboard a tech-filled spaceship on a mission to humanity's future home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, offers an Indiana Jones-style adventure as the protagonist races against time to find an ancient alien artifact crucial to her friend's survival, yet potentially catastrophic for her own. Both are imaginative and captivating, and I eagerly anticipate her next novel this fall. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
1Yume Kitasei's The Deep Sky is an enthralling sci-fi thriller debut about a deep space mission that starts with a deadly explosion, leaving the survivors to question the loyalty of the crew.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
Perfect for young fantasy enthusiasts just starting their literary journey. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story about a spirited heroine is sure to enchant readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the fantasy romance genre, consistently leaving readers in awe with her creations. Her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling quickly made her one of my favorite fantasy authors. Best known for A Court of Thorns and Roses, a now five-book series with more to come, it follows a young woman who finds herself in a magical realm, discovering her confidence and strength amidst internal and external conflicts with the Fae—essentially immortal humans with super strength and magical powers. Her first series, Throne of Glass, an eight-book saga, marked her entry into fantasy writing as a teenager. Her latest series, Crescent City, has three books so far, with a fourth on the way. All three series share the same fantasy world of the Fae, making them appealing to fans of one another. Maas excels in crafting strong characters and thrilling plot twists, seamlessly blending fantasy with romance and a touch of spice. –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 comes a seductive, breathtaking tale that intertwines romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable narrative.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores a variety of genres, from the historical romance with a hint of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire adventure in Mexico City with Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance stories may share similar dynamics when read consecutively, her diverse range makes it easy to space them out. Her works often delve into dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, offering a refreshing perspective. Any new publication from her is a must-have for my limited bookshelf space. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
1From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern
Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are like stepping into a dream. She is among the few authors whose books I instantly buy in hardcover and collect in various editions. The Night Circus is a lush, historical fantasy romance about two magicians trained from childhood for an inevitable duel at a mysterious circus. It's my go-to for breaking out of a reading slump. Her second novel, The Starless Sea, is an enchanting tale about stories, beginning in our world before the protagonist, Zachary, discovers an underground realm that serves as a library of all stories, now under threat. Both novels are beautifully written and best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
1Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
I get excited every time I hear about a new Helen Oyeyemi book. Her voice is truly unique, like trying to catch a playful ghost that's enjoying the chase. Her novels are fantastical yet defy the fantasy genre, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales but with a completely different vibe. For instance, Gingerbread takes a Hansel and Gretel-like story and puts it through a capitalist meat grinder. They're all fever dream adventures that break the rules of literary fiction. As Alexandra Kleeman aptly described to The Nation, Oyeyemi's work has “the discombobulating quality of walking through a moving vehicle while carrying a full-to-the-brim cup of very hot tea.” –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
1The extraordinarily gifted Helen Oyeyemi delivers a love story like no other. Mr. Fox is a magical book, endlessly inventive, as witty and charming as it is profound in its truths about how we learn to be with one another.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, full of bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
1Collecting Leomi Sadler's energetic work for the first time, Tummy Bugs serves as both an introduction and a retrospective to Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For those still mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next release, Samantha Shannon offers a soothing balm with The Roots of Chaos series. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this high fantasy series offers rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, tragedy, and a satisfying twist, all wrapped in an 845-page book that keeps you captivated. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was published three years later, and excitement builds for another prequel, Among the Burning Flowers, set to release later this year. If you're looking to dive into a new series, now's the perfect time. –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)
1A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone has been a powerhouse in comics and other media for years, masterfully capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. She's won GLAAD awards and was the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her impact is far greater than a brief summary can convey. Definitely check her out! –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
2A core group of essential X-Men 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 debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a stunning reimagining and expansion of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, continued in Heart of the Sun Warrior. These novels are among the most captivating romantic adventures I've encountered. The duology elegantly introduces Chinese mythology to new readers while maintaining a brisk pace. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an epic journey to free her mother from her lunar prison. Tan's nuanced characters and skillful romantic pacing make these novels stand out in the romantic fantasy genre. –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
1A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with stunning artwork that can also be deeply unsettling. It captures the feeling of being lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1With a stark, frightening pen, Nightcore shows us the world of a young man attempting to escape a world he feels fundamentally alienated from by immersing himself in technology—aligning with Morgan’s own experience as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's novels, aimed at young adults, tackle difficult topics such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her books were my refuge during my own challenging times. They helped me feel less alone. Wilson has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III for her "services to Literature." –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2Marigold's daughter thinks she is the most beautiful mum in the world, but she wishes she wouldn't spend so much money and stay out all night - it's scary.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is an enthralling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series is intense from the start, with violence playing a crucial role, yet it never overshadows the storyline, characters, or world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing serious challenges, both physical and mental, while weaving themes of friendship and support throughout. The romance is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the plot without overwhelming the fantasy elements. Her complex storylines are full of unexpected twists, making you deeply invested in the characters, including the dragons, which feel as real as the human characters. The Empyrean series is a five-book saga, with the third book released on January 21, 2025, and two more to come. –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)
1Immerse yourself in this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.$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
