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.
$9.99 save 30%
$6.95 at Amazon
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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 yet 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
In Captain Marvel, Earth's Mightiest Hero navigates a pivotal moment in her life, leading her into an intergalactic war.
$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 so far, both have been standout reads. 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 at a San Francisco startup. Her work is both unsettling and relatable, and I eagerly await more from her. –*Leanne Butkovic*
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Ripe: A Novel is a surreal journey with a dark edge, following a woman's quest for success in Silicon Valley.
$18.00 save 12%
$15.81 at Amazon
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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
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 style may be initially challenging, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she seeks justice and survival in a world facing cataclysmic events. –*Miranda Sanchez*
Notable works: The Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season), The City We Became
The Broken Earth Trilogy is a critically acclaimed series that has won three Hugo Awards, offering a deep dive into a world of magic and survival.
$49.99 save 45%
$27.49 at Amazon
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T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher's prolific output is a delight for fans of adventure and dark fantasy. Her retellings of classic tales and horror stories are consistently engaging, blending gothic horror with comedic pacing and well-developed characters. From the eerie exploration of emotional abuse in What Moves the Dead to the romantic fantasy of the Saint of Steel series, her work leaves a lasting impact. –*MS*
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
What Moves the Dead is a chilling reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," filled with atmospheric tension.
$14.99 save 44%
$8.46 at Amazon
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Han Kang
Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, is a force to be reckoned with. Her novel The Vegetarian, which explores a housewife's descent into self-starvation, is both mesmerizing and disturbing. Her subsequent works, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to showcase her genius and fearless storytelling. –*LB*
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
The Vegetarian is a haunting allegory of power and obsession, following a woman's struggle to break free from societal constraints.
$18.00 save 17%
$15.00 at Amazon
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Yume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels are quickly making a mark. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient artifact. Her ability to build engaging worlds and fast-paced stories is truly impressive. –*MS*
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
The Deep Sky is a thrilling sci-fi debut that follows a mission into deep space, complicated by a deadly explosion.
$18.99 save 34%
$12.59 at Amazon
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Gail Carson Levine
Perfect for young readers dipping their toes into fantasy. –*MF*
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted is a beloved tale of a feisty heroine, perfect for enchanting new and old readers alike.
$9.99 save 30%
$6.99 at Amazon
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Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in the fantasy romance genre, known for her intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm of the Fae, is a testament to her skill in crafting detailed narratives and strong characters. Her other series, Throne of Glass and Crescent City, further showcase her talent for blending fantasy with romance. –*Jessie Wade*
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a seductive blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore that captivates from start to finish.
$19.00 save 42%
$10.95 at Amazon
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Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility is unmatched, tackling genres from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her works, often set in North America and Mexico, offer fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. Whether it's the gothic horror of Mexican Gothic or the enchanting tale of Gods of Jade and Shadow, her books are a must-read. –*MS*
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Mexican Gothic is a chilling twist on classic gothic horror, set in the glamorous 1950s Mexico.
$17.00 save 43%
$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 stories are perfect for breaking out of a reading slump. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance, and The Starless Sea, a tale about stories, are both beautifully crafted and best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –*MS*
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
The Night Circus is a spellbinding novel that immerses readers in a world of magic and romance.
$19.00 save 51%
$9.33 at Amazon
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Helen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi's work is a delightfully disorienting experience, akin to chasing a playful ghost. Her novels, inspired by folktales yet uniquely modern, defy traditional literary boundaries. From the capitalist twist on Hansel and Gretel in Gingerbread to the inventive storytelling of Mr. Fox, Oyeyemi's work is a thrilling adventure. –*LB*
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Mr. Fox is a magical love story that showcases Oyeyemi's inventive and profound storytelling.
$18.00 save 25%
$13.59 at Amazon
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Leomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of Leomi Sadler's work, blending bright colors with dark humor. –*KP*
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Tummy Bugs is an energetic and personal retrospective of Sadler's 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 a prequel already published and another on the way, it's the perfect time to dive into this epic world. –*CR*
Notable works: The Roots of Chaos series (The Priory of the Orange Tree), The Bone Season series
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a captivating high fantasy novel that explores a divided world and an ancient enemy.
$10.92
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See it at Amazon
Gail Simone
Gail Simone's long career in comics has brought to life the quiet yet 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 legend of the moon goddess. The duology, completed with Heart of the Sun Warrior, offers a romantic adventure steeped in Chinese mythology. The protagonist, Xingyin, embarks on an epic journey to free her mother, showcasing Tan's skill in crafting complex characters and compelling narratives. –*MS*
Notable works: The Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), Immortal
(Book 1 of 3) Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an 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 both visceral and intelligent, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital world and within oneself. Her art is beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling. –*KP*
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Nightcore Energy explores the alienation of a young man immersed in technology, reflecting Vogel's own experiences.
See it at Organ.Fail
Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's books for young adults tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying. Growing up, her stories provided solace and a sense of connection during tough 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
The Illustrated Mum is a poignant story about a daughter's love for her troubled mother.
$21.31
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See it at Amazon
Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series blends brutal violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance seamlessly into the plot. Yarros's ability to create complex storylines and unexpected twists keeps readers hooked, making the dragons feel like real characters. The third book was released on January 21, 2025, with two more to come. –*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 a captivating fantasy series 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
