As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to celebrate by highlighting the women at IGN and their favorite women authors. Last year, we shared staff picks for games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're focusing on another beloved hobby: reading. When we asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" the responses created a diverse and inspiring list that spans various genres and styles. Let's dive into the authors and comic artists that made the cut as we honor both the women of IGN and their literary heroes!
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### Walk Two Moons
In her unique and beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully weaves together two tales, one humorous and one bittersweet, creating a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving story of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotion. $9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick
Kelly Sue DeConnick has been breaking barriers in the predominantly male world of comics for years. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel series brought the iconic title to Carol Danvers, a legacy that continued into the MCU, with DeConnick credited as a consultant. Beyond the major publishers, she's a prominent voice in indie comics with titles like Pretty Deadly, offering a mystical western theme, and Bitch Planet, a sci-fi dystopian feminist narrative. Her current project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her storytelling. If you haven't yet explored her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of DeConnick, both as a writer and a person. –Chelsea Reed
Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML
Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel
As Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel rightfully takes her place among the stars, navigating life's crossroads and finding herself in the midst of an intergalactic war! $125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter crafts strange yet clear-eyed narratives that resonate deeply with readers seeking something out of the ordinary. With only two novels to her name so far, both have been standout favorites. The Book of X delves into the surreal life of a woman born into a family of generational meat farmers, while Ripe captures the eerie experience of a young woman at a San Francisco startup, haunted by a void. Her work evokes the unsettling yet relatable atmosphere of films like Saint Maud. I eagerly await many more of her unique novels. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
This surreal novel, praised for its "dark, delicious edge" by Time, follows a woman in Silicon Valley navigating the sacrifices required for success, crafted by the award-winning writer Roxane Gay calls "utterly unique and remarkable." $18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
I'm thrilled about the upcoming 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
In the tradition of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated work weaves a tapestry of folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret legacy of female storytellers in an imagined medieval world. $11.31 See it at AmazonN.K. Jemisin
You've likely heard of N.K. Jemisin's acclaimed The Broken Earth Trilogy, but her other fantasy works are equally worthy of attention. The Broken Earth Trilogy, particularly The Obelisk Gate, showcases Jemisin's captivating storytelling, richly developed characters, and innovative magic system. Though her playful narrative style in The Fifth Season might be initially confusing, the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun as she hunts her husband, who killed their son and kidnapped their daughter, all while navigating a recurring cataclysm and hiding her earth-manipulating powers. An unforgettable, Hugo Award-winning journey awaits. –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
This collectable boxed set includes all three books of N. K. Jemisin's New York Times 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, and my adventure-loving heart appreciates her fresh takes on classic fairy tales and horror. Her work often explores gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic pacing and well-crafted characters bring a necessary balance to the darker themes. From the creeping dread of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel fantasy romance series, Kingfisher's stories leave you both fulfilled and slightly spooked. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
This gripping and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" comes from the Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher. $14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
It may seem obvious to recommend the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, celebrated even by BTS on Instagram, but Han Kang's work speaks for itself. My introduction to her was through The Vegetarian, a disturbingly mesmerizing novel about a housewife's descent into refusing meat and eventually all food, which was released in South Korea eight years before its English translation in 2015. From there, I've followed her through Greek Lessons and the stark portrayal of South Korean political atrocities in Human Acts and We Do Not Part. Han Kang's genius and boldness are undeniable. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
Celebrated worldwide, 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, despite being newly published, is already poised for a stellar career in sci-fi. While many sci-fi authors craft expansive series, Kitasei's standalone stories swiftly build their worlds and engage readers with fast-paced narratives. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship headed toward humanity's future home. Her follow-up, The Stardust Grail, channels Indiana Jones as the protagonist races to find an ancient alien artifact crucial for her friend's survival yet potentially catastrophic. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel this fall. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller, The Deep Sky, follows a deep-space mission that begins with a lethal explosion, leaving survivors to question the loyalty of their crew. $18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
Perfect for kids dipping their toes into the world of fantasy. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale about a feisty heroine continues 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, leaving readers astounded with her intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, now spanning five books with more on the way, Maas dives into the journey of a young woman entering a magical realm, discovering her strength and confidence amidst wars among the immortal Fae. Her first series, Throne of Glass, began when she was a teenager and spans eight books. The latest, Crescent City, has three books so far, with a fourth on the horizon. Maas excels in creating compelling characters and thrilling plot twists, blending fantastical elements 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
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends 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 fearlessly tackles various genres, from the historical romance with a hint of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to the dark vampire adventure in Certain Dark Things set in Mexico City. While some of her romance stories might feel similar if read consecutively, spacing them out ensures a fresh experience. Her work often delves into dark historical fantasy across North America, frequently set in Mexico, providing a refreshing perspective. Each of her publications earns a coveted spot on my limited bookshelf. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes a "terrifying twist on classic gothic horror" set in the 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, feel like stepping into a dream. As one of the few authors whose books I buy in hardcover immediately, and collect multiple editions of, Morgenstern's work is truly special. The Night Circus is a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a mystical battle at a mysterious circus, perfect for breaking out of a reading slump. The Starless Sea is a winding, enchanting tale about stories, beginning in our world before protagonist Zachary enters an underground realm—the library of all stories—in peril. Both are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
Written 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
A new Helen Oyeyemi book fills me with excitement. Her voice is uniquely elusive, like chasing a playful ghost, yet exhilarating. Her novels, while fantastical, transcend traditional fantasy, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen folktales yet transformed into something entirely different. Gingerbread, for instance, is a distant cousin of Hansel and Gretel, reimagined through a capitalist lens. Her works are fever dream adventures that defy literary norms. As Alexandra Kleeman noted in The Nation, Oyeyemi's writing 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
The 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 human connections. $18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
Collecting 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 mourning the end of Game of Thrones and eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series, beginning with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers the high fantasy you crave. This 845-page epic is filled with rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, tragedy, and a satisfying twist, keeping you immersed in another world. The prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, was published three years later, and anticipation builds for Among the Burning Flowers, coming later this year. It's the perfect time to dive into this captivating series. –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)
A 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 trailblazer 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 work speaks volumes beyond what a short blurb can convey—check it out for yourself! –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
A 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, is a stunning reimagining of the Chinese legend of the moon goddess, continued in Heart of the Sun Warrior. These novels offer a delicious blend of romance and adventure, contextualizing Chinese mythology for newcomers while maintaining a brisk pace. The protagonist, Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, embarks on an inspiring journey to free her mother from imprisonment on the moon. Tan's well-developed characters and mastery of romantic pacing make these duologies standout romantic fantasy novels. –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
A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, following a young woman's quest to free her mother amidst the most powerful immortals in the realm. $17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan's work is visceral and intelligent, beautifully drawn yet deeply unsettling, capturing the weight of feeling lost online, in the world, or within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
With a stiff, 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 young adult novels tackle challenging topics such as grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up with her books, I found solace and connection in her characters during my own difficult times. Her work has earned her 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
Marigold'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 a striking adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman’s journey to a war college for dragon riders. The series kicks off with intense brutality as humans and dragons prepare for war, yet the violence never overshadows the storyline, characters, or world-building. Yarros excels at creating relatable characters facing serious physical and mental challenges, while themes of friendship and support run throughout. The romance is seamlessly woven into the plot, enhancing the fantasy world's excitement. Even if romance isn't your focus, you'll find yourself captivated by the characters' journeys and eager for more. Yarros's complex storylines and unexpected twists keep readers engaged, revealing more about her worlds with each book. The third book in the five-book series was released on January 21, 2025, with 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)
Immerse 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
Take 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
