Home News Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

Top 20 Female Authors Chosen by IGN Women

Author : Dylan May 17,2025

As March marks Women's History Month in the US, we at IGN are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible women within our ranks. Last year, we celebrated with staff picks of games, movies, and TV shows. This year, we're turning the page to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN, "Who are your favorite women authors?" The responses created a vibrant tapestry of genres and styles, celebrating both the women of IGN and their favorite women authors.

Sharon Creech

Her stories beautifully capture the essence 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 unique and captivating style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other poignant—crafting a heartwarming and deeply moving story about love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick

A trailblazer in the often male-dominated world of comics, Kelly Sue DeConnick has left an indelible mark with her work at Marvel, notably by redefining Captain Marvel with Carol Danvers, a character whose influence extended into the MCU. Beyond the mainstream, her voice resonates in indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet, each offering distinct themes from mystical westerns to dystopian feminist futures. Her latest endeavor, FML from Dark Horse Comics, dives into the supernatural. If you haven't experienced DeConnick's work, you're missing out on a phenomenal writer and a remarkable person. –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 into the heart of an intergalactic conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter

Sarah Rose Etter's novels resonate with those who appreciate the bizarre yet profound. With only two novels to her name, both have been standout reads. The Book of X explores the surreal life of a woman born into a lineage of meat farmers, while Ripe delves into the psyche of a woman navigating the chaotic world of a San Francisco startup. Etter's unique storytelling leaves readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author. –Leanne Butkovic

Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X

Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel

1A surreal narrative with a "dark, delicious edge" (Time), Ripe follows a woman's journey through the tumultuous world of Silicon Valley, exploring the depths she's willing to plumb for success.$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg

The anticipation for the film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, featuring Charli XCX as Rosa, is palpable. –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 work weaves a tapestry of folklore and myth, 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 must-read, though her other works are equally compelling. The trilogy's second book, The Obelisk Gate, showcases her masterful storytelling, complex characters, and innovative magic system. The Fifth Season's unique narrative structure might be challenging at first, but the payoff is well worth it. Follow Essun's gripping journey as she seeks justice amidst a cataclysmic world. –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 in N.K. Jemisin's groundbreaking, 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 is a delight for those who love dark fantasy and gothic horror. Her tales, often reimagining classic stories, balance heavy themes with humor and well-crafted characters. From the atmospheric What Moves the Dead to the touching Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work is both chilling and heartwarming. –MS

Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace

T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead

1This gripping reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" showcases T. Kingfisher's award-winning talent for atmospheric horror.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang

Han Kang's Nobel Prize win was celebrated globally, and her works, such as The Vegetarian, offer a mesmerizing exploration of personal transformation and societal pressures. Her novels, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, delve into profound themes with stunning prose. Kang's genius and boldness make her a must-read author. –LB

Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons

Han Kang### The Vegetarian

1A critically acclaimed, Kafka-esque narrative, The Vegetarian explores a woman's struggle against societal norms and her descent into self-starvation.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei

Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels, including The Deep Sky and The Stardust Grail, offer compact yet richly built worlds. Her debut thriller aboard a spaceship and her follow-up adventure in search of an ancient artifact are both gripping and imaginative. –MS

Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail

Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky

1Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller follows a mission into deep space, unraveling a murder mystery amidst advanced technology.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine

Perfect for young fantasy enthusiasts, Gail Carson Levine's works, like Ella Enchanted, introduce readers to enchanting worlds and spirited characters. –MF

Notable works: Ella Enchanted

Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted

1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale enchants readers with its story of a feisty heroine navigating a magical world.$9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in fantasy romance with her intricate world-building and compelling narratives. From the five-book A Court of Thorns and Roses series to the eight-book Throne of Glass and the ongoing Crescent City series, Maas's stories of the Fae realm are rich with character development and thrilling twists. Her works are a perfect 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

0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, this seductive tale weaves romance, adventure, and faerie lore into a captivating story.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores diverse genres, from historical romance in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales in Certain Dark Things. Her works, often set in North America with a focus on Mexico, offer a refreshing take on dark historical fantasy. Her books are a must-have for any discerning reader. –MS

Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate

Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic

1Set in the glamorous 1950s Mexico, Mexican Gothic delivers a chilling twist on classic gothic horror.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are dreamlike experiences. Her debut, a historical fantasy about rival magicians, and her follow-up, a tale of stories and an underground library, captivate with their enchanting prose and imaginative worlds. –MS

Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea

Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus

1This spellbinding novel, written in lush, seductive prose, offers a sensory feast and a heartwarming story.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi

Helen Oyeyemi's unique voice and fantastical storytelling defy genre conventions. Inspired by folktales yet wholly original, her novels like Gingerbread and Mr. Fox offer fever dream adventures that challenge literary norms. Her work is as disorienting as it is delightful. –LB

Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox

Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox

1Helen Oyeyemi's enchanting love story is a testament to her inventive storytelling and profound insights into human relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler

Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of over a decade of her work, blending bright colors with dark humor. –KP

Notable works: Tummy Bugs

Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs

1This collection introduces and retrospects Leomi Sadler's energetic and deeply personal cartooning style.$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 thrilling alternative. With dragons, magic, and compelling characters, her series is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. –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 divided world, a queendom without an heir faces an ancient enemy's awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone

Gail Simone has made significant contributions to comics, capturing the quieter, 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.

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 Celestial Kingdom Duology, starting with Daughter of the Moon Goddess, offers a romantic and thrilling reimagining of Chinese mythology. The protagonist, Xingyin, embarks on an epic quest to free her mother, making for a captivating read. –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

1Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, this epic fantasy follows Xingyin's quest to free her mother.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel

Morgan Vogel's work is a striking blend of visceral storytelling and intelligent commentary, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital age. –KP

Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle

Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy

1Nightcore Energy delves into the world of a young man seeking escape through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's books for young adults tackle challenging topics like grief and bullying, resonating deeply with readers. Her work, which has earned her numerous awards including a Dame Grand Cross, offers solace and understanding to those facing similar struggles. –Meg Koepp

Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum

Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum

2The Illustrated Mum poignantly explores the life of a daughter coping with her mother's unpredictable behavior.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance set in a war college for dragon riders. The series seamlessly blends violence, world-building, and character development with themes of friendship and support. The romance enhances the narrative without overshadowing the thrilling fantasy elements. –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 the captivating world of dragons and war with this three-book set from #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

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