As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to highlight the women here at IGN. Last year, we showcased our staff's favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're shifting focus to another beloved pastime: reading. When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" the responses created a diverse list that spans various genres and styles. Join us as we celebrate the women of IGN and their favorite women authors!
Sharon Creech
Her stories beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human life. –Marhyan Franzen
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons
1In her uniquely enchanting style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other poignant—crafting a heartwarming, compelling, and deeply moving story of 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 male-dominated world of comics. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel redefined the character, bringing Carol Danvers to the forefront and influencing the MCU, where she's credited as a consultant. Beyond the mainstream, her voice resonates in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet, offering mystical western and sci-fi feminist narratives, respectively. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, dives into the supernatural. If you haven't yet experienced her writing, you're missing out on a truly remarkable talent. –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 finds herself at a pivotal moment, embarking on a journey to the stars amidst an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter crafts novels that are both surreal and strikingly clear, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels to her name, both have been standout favorites of the years they were released. The Book of X delves into the surreal life of a woman born into a family of meat farmers, while Ripe captures the unsettling experience of working at a San Francisco startup, echoing themes similar to Rose Glass’s film Saint Maud. I eagerly anticipate many more of her unique works. –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 navigating success in Silicon Valley, penned by an award-winning writer praised by Roxane Gay as "utterly unique and remarkable."$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
I'm thrilled to see the upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, with Charli XCX portraying Rosa! –Kelly Pham
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero
1In the spirit of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated collection weaves together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in a 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, but her other fantasy works are equally compelling. Her storytelling, character development, and innovative magic system, especially in The Obelisk Gate, make her work highly recommendable. The Fifth Season may initially challenge readers with its narrative style, but the payoff is well worth it. It follows Essun's quest to find her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, amidst a recurring cataclysmic event, all while concealing her earth-manipulating powers. It's a gripping, 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 of 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 never ceases to amaze, especially for someone with a love for adventure. Her reinterpretations of classic fairy tales and horror stories are consistently engaging. Her works often blend gothic horror with dark fantasy, yet her humor and well-crafted characters provide a balanced counterpoint to the darker themes. Whether it's the atmospheric exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, her stories leave a lasting impact. –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 the acclaimed author T. Kingfisher, winner of Hugo, Locus, and Nebula awards.$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 when even BTS celebrated her achievement on Instagram, but Han Kang's work truly deserves the accolades. Her novel, The Vegetarian, introduced many to her haunting narrative about a housewife's drastic transformation, which captivated me when it was translated into English in 2015. Her subsequent works, such as Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to explore profound themes with a unique aesthetic. Han Kang is undeniably a genius and an absolute badass. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from internal and external violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei is a rising star in sci-fi, already preparing for her third novel. Her standalone stories masterfully build immersive worlds and captivate with fast-paced narratives. The Deep Sky offers a thrilling murder mystery on a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail delivers an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. Both are imaginative and engaging, and I eagerly await her next release this fall. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
1Yume Kitasei's debut, The Deep Sky, is an enthralling sci-fi thriller about a mission into deep space that turns deadly, prompting the survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
Ideal for young fantasy enthusiasts just starting their journey. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale about a spirited heroine is sure to captivate readers, both new and old.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a powerhouse in fantasy romance, renowned for her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now a five-book saga with more on the way, follows a young woman's transformative journey in a magical realm among the Fae. Her debut, Throne of Glass, an eight-book series, showcases her early talent, while her Crescent City series, currently at three books, further explores her enchanting universe. Maas excels at crafting compelling characters and thrilling plots intertwined with romance. For those seeking epic fantasy with a romantic twist, her works are a must-read. –Jessie Wade
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Mass### A Court of Thorns and Roses
0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, this seductive novel blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable experience.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly tackles various genres, from historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things. While her romance-centric stories may share similar dynamics, her diverse portfolio ensures a fresh experience. Her works often delve into dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico, bringing a refreshing perspective. Each new release from her is a guaranteed addition to my bookshelf. –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 chilling twist on classic gothic horror, set against the backdrop of 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. Her work is so compelling that I buy her hardcovers immediately and collect various editions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about rival magicians at a mysterious circus, never fails to pull me out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about the power of stories, takes readers from the familiar world into an underground library of tales. Both novels are beautifully written and perfect for a cozy read with a cup of tea. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
1Written in rich, seductive prose, this spellbinding novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always fills me with excitement. Her voice is truly unique, like chasing a mischievous ghost through a dream. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tales but with a distinct modern twist, defy conventional literary fiction. Gingerbread, for instance, reimagines Hansel and Gretel in a capitalist context. 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
1Helen Oyeyemi's extraordinary talent shines in this unique love story, a magical book that is endlessly inventive, witty, and profound.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs showcases over a decade of Leomi Sadler's vibrant and darkly humorous work. –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 her deeply personal and exciting cartooning voice.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For those still reeling from the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin’s next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series offers a high fantasy escape. The Priory of the Orange Tree, an 845-page epic, is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and satisfying twists. A prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was released three years later, and another, Among the Burning Flowers, is slated for this year. If you're ready to dive into a new series, now is 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, and an ancient enemy awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone has been a transformative force in comics, capturing the quiet yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her impact is undeniable. Her work speaks for itself, so don't miss 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, and its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, beautifully reimagine and expand the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. These novels offer a captivating blend of romance and adventure, providing context to Chinese mythology while maintaining a brisk pace. The story follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her quest to free her mother. Tan's nuanced characters and adept romantic pacing make these novels standout entries in romantic fantasy. –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, where a young woman’s quest to free her mother unfolds amidst powerful immortals.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, featuring stunning illustrations that can be deeply unsettling. It captures the essence of feeling lost, whether online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1With a haunting pen, Nightcore Energy explores a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, mirroring Morgan’s own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Her books were a solace during my own difficult upbringing, offering relatable characters and a sense of companionship. Her numerous awards, including the prestigious Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire from King Charles III, affirm her significant contributions to literature. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2Marigold's daughter adores her beautiful mum but worries about her excessive spending and late nights, finding them frightening.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance about a young woman attending a war college for dragon riders. The series begins with intense brutality, but the violence never overshadows the intricate storyline, characters, or world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing physical and mental challenges, emphasizing themes of friendship and support. The romance is seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the plot without overpowering the fantasy elements. Her complex storytelling and unexpected twists keep readers engaged, and the series' expansion into the world of dragons is both surprising and emotionally impactful. The Empyrean series is a five-book saga, with the third book released on January 21, 2025, and 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)
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
