As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, we at IGN are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who make up our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're turning our attention to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, and the responses created a vibrant tapestry of genres and styles. Let's dive into the list and celebrate both the women of IGN and their cherished women authors!
Sharon Creech
Her stories beautifully explore themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human nature. They are truly exceptional. –Marhyan Franzen
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons
1In her signature, beautifully crafted style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and one poignant, to create a heartwarming, compelling story about love, loss, and the intricate layers of human emotion.$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 brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that resonated in the MCU with her credited as a consultant. Beyond Marvel and DC, her voice in indie comics shines through in titles like Pretty Deadly, offering a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi dystopian feminist narrative. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist. DeConnick's writing is not just remarkable; she is an inspiring figure. –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, leading her to the stars and into the heart of an intergalactic war!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter's unique and insightful novels resonate deeply with those who embrace the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have stood out as some of the year's best. The Book of X offers a surreal yet relatable look at a woman's life amidst generational meat farmers, while Ripe delves into the surreal world of a young woman navigating a chaotic San Francisco startup. Her work, reminiscent of Rose Glass's Saint Maud, leaves readers eagerly anticipating her future creations. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
1A surreal journey with a "dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe explores the sacrifices a woman must consider for success in Silicon Valley. A must-read from an award-winning author praised by Roxane Gay.$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
The anticipation for the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale is high, 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
1Inspired by The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated book weaves a rich tapestry of folk tales and myths, celebrating the legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K. Jemisin
It's hard to miss the buzz around N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy. While all her fantasy works are noteworthy, the captivating storytelling, deep characters, and innovative magic system in this trilogy, particularly in The Obelisk Gate, make it a standout. The Fifth Season might start off confusing with its unique narrative style, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun's gripping journey as she seeks justice for her murdered son and kidnapped daughter, all while navigating a world on the brink of cataclysm. –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 critically acclaimed and 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, and her adventurous retakes on classic tales and horror are a delight. Her work often leans into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her humor and well-developed characters provide a balanced counterpoint to the heavy themes. From the atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" in What Moves the Dead to the enchanting Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's stories leave a lasting impact. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
1This gripping and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" showcases the talents of Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
It's no surprise that Han Kang, a recent Nobel Prize winner, comes highly recommended. Her work, notably The Vegetarian, captures readers with its unsettling yet mesmerizing narrative of a woman's transformation after giving up meat. Her subsequent novels, from the thematically resonant Greek Lessons to the poignant Human Acts and We Do Not Part, showcase her brilliance and fearless exploration of human experiences. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1This critically acclaimed novel, celebrated for its dark allegory and Kafka-esque narrative, follows a woman's struggle to break free from societal and personal constraints.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels are a testament to her burgeoning talent. Her standalone stories, like The Deep Sky—a thrilling murder mystery set in a tech-filled spaceship—and The Stardust Grail—an Indiana Jones-esque adventure—quickly build immersive worlds and keep readers hooked. With her third novel on the horizon, Kitasei's career is one to watch. –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 that follows a deep-space mission turned deadly, leaving survivors to question the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
A perfect introduction to fantasy for young readers. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine enchants readers of all ages.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas has become a titan in the fantasy romance genre with her intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now five books strong with more on the way, follows a young woman's journey in a magical realm, battling internal and external conflicts among the Fae. Maas's earlier Throne of Glass series, started in her teens, and the ongoing Crescent City series further showcase her talent for crafting immersive worlds and dynamic characters. –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 comes a seductive, breathtaking story blending romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility is unmatched, tackling genres from historical romance with a fantasy twist in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales set in Mexico City in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance stories may share similar dynamics, her work primarily delves into dark historical fantasy, often set in North America, particularly Mexico. Her novels are a must-have for any bookshelf. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
1This "terrifying twist on classic gothic horror" (Kirkus Reviews) set in 1950s Mexico showcases Moreno-Garcia's mastery of the genre.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern
Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are enchanting escapes into dreamlike worlds. The Night Circus, a historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined to duel at a mysterious circus, is a perfect read to break a reading slump. The Starless Sea takes readers into an underground library of stories, weaving a tale that's 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 novel is a feast for the senses and the heart, transporting readers to a magical world.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
The announcement of a new Helen Oyeyemi book always brings excitement. Her unique voice defies categorization, blending fantastical elements with literary fiction in ways that are both playful and profound. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, her novels like Gingerbread offer fresh takes on familiar stories. Her work is described as a "fever dream adventure" that challenges the norms of literary fiction. –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
1Helen Oyeyemi's extraordinary storytelling shines in this magical love story, inventive and profound in its exploration of human connections.$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, featuring bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
1This collection introduces and reflects on Leomi Sadler's energetic and deeply personal cartooning style, filled with bright colors and dark humor.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For fans of high fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a rich and immersive world filled with dragons, magic, and suspense. With a satisfying twist and deep character development, this series is a must-read. The excitement continues with prequels like A Day of Fallen Night and the upcoming Among the Burning Flowers. –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)
1In a world divided, a queendom without an heir faces an ancient enemy's awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone's long career in comics and other media has earned her GLAAD awards and the distinction of being the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men. Her work captures the quieter, yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives, making her an essential voice in the industry. –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, reimagines and expands the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, continuing with Heart of the Sun Warrior. This duology offers a captivating blend of romance and adventure, introducing readers to Chinese mythology through the journey of Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess. Tan's storytelling and character development make these novels standout 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
1This debut epic fantasy, inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, follows Xingyin's inspiring quest to free her mother.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with striking visuals that delve into the unsettling themes of being lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1Nightcore Energy uses a stark, unsettling style to explore a young man's immersion in technology as a means to escape alienation, reflecting Vogel's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's novels for young adults tackle challenging subjects such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Her stories provided solace during a tough upbringing, offering relatable characters and a sense of companionship. Recognized with numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, Wilson's work continues to resonate with readers. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights, which are scary and unsettling.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance centered around a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. Despite the series' inherent brutality, the focus remains on the characters' development and the intricate world-building. Yarros weaves romance seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the plot while maintaining the thrill of the fantasy world. With complex storylines and unexpected twists, readers will find themselves deeply connected to the characters and eager for more. –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)
1Dive into 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
