As March marks Women’s History Month in the US, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the talented women at IGN. Last year, we shared staff picks for games, movies, and TV. This year, we're turning our focus to another beloved pastime: reading. We asked the women of IGN to share their favorite female authors, and the responses were as diverse as they were inspiring. Let's dive into the fascinating array of authors and comic artists they recommended as we celebrate both 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 unique and poignant style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives—one humorous, the other bittersweet—crafting a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving tale 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 traditionally male-dominated world of comics. At Marvel, she transformed Carol Danvers into Captain Marvel, a legacy that resonated in the MCU where she served as a consultant. Beyond the big names, her work in indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcases her versatility, blending mystical westerns with sci-fi feminist narratives. Her latest project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, dives into supernatural themes. If you haven’t yet explored her work, you’re missing out on the brilliance of a truly exceptional writer and human being. –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 crossroads that propels her into an intergalactic war. This journey showcases her strength and the challenges she faces.$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter's novels are wonderfully weird yet strikingly clear, resonating deeply with those who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published, both have been standout favorites. The Book of X delves into the surreal life of a woman born to meat farmers, while Ripe captures the surreal and haunting experience of working at a San Francisco startup. Etter's unique storytelling leaves readers eagerly anticipating her future works. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
1This surreal novel, praised for its "dark, delicious edge" (Time), follows a woman in Silicon Valley as she navigates the sacrifices required for success. A must-read from an award-winning author whose work Roxane Gay calls "utterly unique and remarkable."$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
The upcoming film adaptation of Greenberg's feminist medieval tale, featuring Charli XCX as Rosa, is highly anticipated. –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 together folk tales and myths, celebrating the secret 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, with its captivating writing, intricate characters, and innovative magic system. The second book, The Obelisk Gate, is particularly noteworthy. The series follows Essun on her quest for justice and survival amidst a cataclysmic event, showcasing Jemisin's storytelling prowess. –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 acclaimed and 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 adventure lovers, with her retakes on classic fairy tales and horror stories. Her work spans gothic horror and dark fantasy, balanced with humor and well-developed characters. Whether it's the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" or the enchanting Saint of Steel 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
1This gripping reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher" by award-winning author T. Kingfisher is both atmospheric and haunting.$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
Han Kang's Nobel Prize win is celebrated worldwide, and her novels live up to the acclaim. The Vegetarian, her introduction to English readers, explores a housewife's radical transformation, sparking profound reactions. Her works, including Greek Lessons and Human Acts, continue to captivate with their thematic depth and narrative power. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1This critically acclaimed novel offers a dark allegory of power and obsession, following a woman's struggle to break free from societal expectations.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei is making waves in the sci-fi genre with her imaginative storytelling. Her debut, The Deep Sky, is a gripping murder mystery set in space, while The Stardust Grail is an exciting adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Her quick world-building and engaging plots promise a bright future. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
1This thrilling sci-fi debut follows a deep space mission turned deadly, leaving the crew questioning their loyalties.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
Ideal for young readers venturing into fantasy, Gail Carson Levine's works captivate with their enchanting tales. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning story of a spirited 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 fantasy romance with her intricately detailed world-building and storytelling. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City series all delve into the enchanting world of the Fae, blending epic fantasy with romance and thrilling twists. –Jessie Wade
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Maas### A Court of Thorns and Roses
0This seductive and adventurous tale by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas blends romance with faerie lore, offering an unforgettable reading experience.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility shines through her diverse genre explorations. From historical romance in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire adventures in Certain Dark Things, her works often focus on dark historical fantasy set in North America, particularly Mexico. Her compelling narratives are a must-read. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
1Set in glamorous 1950s Mexico, this novel offers a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror, showcasing Moreno-Garcia's storytelling prowess.$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 escapes. Her lush, historical fantasy romance in The Night Circus and the enchanting narrative of The Starless Sea, set in a library of all stories, are perfect reads for those seeking magic and wonder. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
1This spellbinding novel, written in seductive prose, offers a feast for the senses and the heart.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi's unique voice and fantastical narratives defy categorization. Inspired by folktales, her works like Gingerbread offer a fresh take on classic stories. Her novels are fever dream adventures that challenge the norms of literary fiction, providing a thrilling reading experience. –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
1This magical love story by Helen Oyeyemi is endlessly inventive and profoundly insightful about human relationships.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of her work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
1This collection introduces and retrospects Leomi Sadler's deeply personal and exciting cartooning style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For fans of epic fantasy mourning the end of Game of Thrones, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series is a must-read. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this series offers rich characters, dragons, magic, and suspense in a world that captivates and enthralls. –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 without an heir, an ancient enemy awakens, setting the stage for an epic fantasy adventure.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone's long career in comics highlights her ability to capture 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 exceptional. –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
2In this essential series, a core group of 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, offer a stunning reimagining of Chinese mythology. These novels weave romance and adventure with a steady pace, following the protagonist Xingyin on her quest to free her mother. –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 on her journey to free her mother, blending romance and adventure seamlessly.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's work is both visceral and intelligent, with unsettling yet beautiful illustrations that capture the essence of feeling lost. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1This work uses a striking style to explore the alienation of a young man immersed in technology, reflecting Vogel's own experiences.$25.42 See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, and abandonment. Her relatable characters and honest storytelling provided solace during tough times for many readers. Honored with a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, her impact on literature is profound. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2This novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles faced by Marigold's daughter, offering a poignant narrative.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a gripping adult fantasy romance centered around a war college for dragon riders. The series blends intense violence with deep character development and a strong sense of camaraderie, creating an immersive world that keeps readers hooked. –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)
1This captivating fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros includes three stunning books that immerse readers in a world of dragons and war.$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
