As we celebrate Women's History Month in the US this March, IGN is thrilled to spotlight the talented women within our team. Last year, we shared our favorite games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're turning our focus to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, and the responses created a vibrant and diverse list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists they adore, celebrating both the women of IGN and their cherished female authors.
Sharon Creech
Her stories delve into themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human existence with unmatched excellence. –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 tales—one humorous, one bittersweet—to create a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving narrative of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotion.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick
A trailblazer in the predominantly male world of comics, Kelly Sue DeConnick has made significant strides. She notably brought Captain Marvel to life for Carol Danvers at Marvel, influencing the MCU and earning her a consultant credit in the films. Beyond the mainstream, her work in indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcases her versatility, blending mystical western themes with sci-fi and feminist narratives. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist. DeConnick's writing prowess and humanity shine through her work, making her a must-read. –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, navigating her life's crossroads and venturing into an intergalactic war.$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter crafts narratives that resonate deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published, both have stood out as favorites upon release. The Book of X, a surreal exploration of a woman's life amidst generational meat farming, and Ripe, a tale of a young woman's struggles in a psychotic Silicon Valley startup, both offer unique and relatable perspectives. Etter's storytelling is a blend of the surreal and the poignant, and her work is eagerly awaited. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) that follows a woman's journey in Silicon Valley, questioning the sacrifices necessary for success.$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
Anticipation is high for the film adaptation of Greenberg's feminist medieval tale, 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 tapestry of folk tales and myths celebrating the legacy of female storytellers in a medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a masterpiece not to be missed. While her other fantasy novels are equally compelling, the trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, showcases her talent for captivating storytelling, rich characters, and inventive magic systems. The Fifth Season may initially challenge readers with its narrative style, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she navigates a world plagued by cataclysmic events, seeking justice and survival. –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 collectable boxed set includes all three Hugo award-winning books in N. K. Jemisin's groundbreaking Broken Earth Trilogy.$49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at AmazonT. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher's prolific output is a delight, especially for those who love adventures with a twist. Her tales often venture into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her humorous pacing and well-crafted characters provide a refreshing balance. From the atmospheric exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work is both thrilling and heartfelt. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
1A gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” from award-winning author T. Kingfisher.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
Han Kang's Nobel Prize win is a testament to her genius, and her works live up to the acclaim. Introduced to many through The Vegetarian, her story of a housewife's transformation is mesmerizing and haunting. From the allegorical The Vegetarian to the politically charged Human Acts, Kang's work is a must-read for anyone seeking profound literary experiences. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1A darkly allegorical tale of power, obsession, and a woman's struggle for freedom, celebrated worldwide.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei's rapid rise in the sci-fi genre is marked by her engaging, fast-paced stories. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a thrilling murder mystery set in a tech-filled spaceship, while The Stardust Grail offers an adventurous quest for an ancient artifact. Kitasei's knack for world-building and storytelling is evident in her captivating narratives. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
1An enthralling sci-fi thriller debut about a lethal explosion in deep space that leaves survivors questioning 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 about a spirited heroine will 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, captivating readers with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, set in a magical realm among the Fae, explores themes of strength and confidence. From her debut series, Throne of Glass, to the ongoing Crescent City series, Maas's work is a compelling blend of fantasy and romance. –Jessie Wade
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Maas### A Court of Thorns and Roses
0A seductive, adventurous tale blending romance and faerie lore from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility across genres is astounding. From historical romance with fantasy elements in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things, her work is consistently captivating. Her stories, often set in North America with a focus on Mexico, offer a refreshing perspective in dark historical fantasy. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
1A terrifying twist on classic gothic horror 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 enchanting dreamscapes. Her works, which I eagerly collect in various editions, blend historical fantasy with romance. The Night Circus, a tale of two magicians destined for a mystical battle, and The Starless Sea, a story about stories in an underground library, are both beautifully written and immersive. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
1A spell-casting novel that's a feast for the senses and the heart, written in seductive prose.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi's work is a delightful enigma, blending fantasy with reality in ways that defy categorization. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales, her novels like Gingerbread offer a unique take on familiar stories. Oyeyemi's fever dream adventures challenge literary norms, making her a standout voice in contemporary literature. –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
1A magical love story that showcases Helen Oyeyemi's inventive and profound storytelling.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
1An introduction and retrospective of Leomi Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For fans of high fantasy, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a must-read. With rich characters, dragons, and intricate world-building, this series fills the void left by other epic fantasies. The excitement continues with prequels and upcoming releases. –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 awakens.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone's work in comics, including her groundbreaking run on Uncanny X-Men, showcases her ability to capture the quiet, powerful moments in superheroes' lives. Her contributions to the genre and her awards, including GLAAD awards, make her an essential read. –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
2Essential 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 Celestial Kingdom Duology, starting with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a stunning reimagining of Chinese mythology. The story of Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the moon goddess, is both an epic adventure and a romantic journey. Tan's storytelling and character development are exceptional. –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 romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is both visually stunning and deeply unsettling, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital world and within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1A stark, frightening look at a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology.$25.42 See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's books for young adults tackle tough topics like grief, substance abuse, and bullying, resonating deeply with readers. Her recognition, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, underscores her impact on literature. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2A poignant story of a daughter's love for her beautiful, yet troubled, mother.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca 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 balances intense violence with deep character development and world-building, weaving romance seamlessly into the plot. Yarros's storytelling is complex and thrilling, making her series a standout in the genre. –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 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
