In celebration of Women's History Month, we at IGN are proud to highlight the incredible women who make up our team and share their favorite female authors. Last year, we focused on games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're diving into the world of literature, showcasing a diverse array of authors and comic artists that have inspired our staff. Let's explore the remarkable women behind the words and the stories they've crafted.
Sharon Creech's storytelling is a delicate dance of love, grief, and the complexities of human life. Her work resonates deeply, capturing the essence of human emotion in a way that is both poignant and profound.
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons
Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of comics, challenging norms and bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. Her work on Marvel's Captain Marvel, which introduced Carol Danvers to the iconic role, has left an indelible mark, influencing even the MCU. Beyond Marvel, DeConnick's indie works like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility and commitment to storytelling that empowers and entertains.
Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML
Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel
Sarah Rose Etter's novels are a unique blend of the surreal and the relatable, speaking to those who find beauty in the bizarre. With only two novels to her name, The Book of X and Ripe, she has already made a significant impact, exploring themes of identity, corporate madness, and existential voids with a haunting clarity.
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
Isabel Greenberg's work is a testament to the power of folklore and myth, reimagined through a feminist lens. Her graphic novel, The 100 Nights of Hero, is a vibrant tapestry of stories celebrating the legacy of female storytellers in a medieval setting, eagerly awaited in its upcoming film adaptation.
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero
N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a groundbreaking work in fantasy literature, earning her multiple Hugo Awards. Her storytelling, rich with innovative magic systems and compelling characters, is best exemplified in The Obelisk Gate. Jemisin's ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth makes her a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast.
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
T. Kingfisher's prolific output is a delight for fans of dark fantasy and gothic horror. Her ability to blend humor with heavy themes creates a unique reading experience. From the chilling What Moves the Dead to the romantic Saint of Steel series, Kingfisher's work is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
Han Kang, a Nobel Prize winner, has captivated readers worldwide with her mesmerizing narratives. The Vegetarian, her breakthrough novel, is a disturbing yet beautiful exploration of personal transformation and societal expectations. Her subsequent works, including Human Acts and Greek Lessons, continue to showcase her genius and fearless storytelling.
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
Yume Kitasei's imaginative sci-fi novels, The Deep Sky and The Stardust Grail, are quick-paced and richly detailed. Her ability to craft engaging, standalone stories in expansive worlds marks her as a rising star in the genre, with her next novel eagerly anticipated.
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted is a beloved classic that introduces young readers to the enchanting world of fantasy. Her storytelling is both accessible and magical, making it a perfect entry point for budding fantasy fans.
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
Sarah J. Maas has redefined fantasy romance with her intricate world-building and compelling characters. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, along with Throne of Glass and Crescent City, offers readers a deep dive into the enchanting world of the Fae, filled with epic battles, romance, and unexpected twists.
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Mass### A Court of Thorns and Roses
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's versatility shines through her diverse range of genres, from historical romance to dark fantasy. Her works, often set in Mexico, offer a refreshing take on familiar themes, with Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and Shadow standing out as must-reads.
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are enchanting journeys into dreamlike worlds. Her lush prose and imaginative storytelling make her books instant favorites, perfect for readers seeking a magical escape.
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
Helen Oyeyemi's novels are a whirlwind of creativity, blending fantasy with literary fiction in ways that defy categorization. Her works, inspired by folktales yet uniquely modern, offer readers a thrilling and disorienting experience, as seen in Gingerbread and Mr. Fox.
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
Leomi Sadler's Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection of her work, blending bright colors with dark humor. Her unique style and personal touch make her a standout in the world of comics.
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
For fans of epic fantasy, Samantha Shannon's The Roots of Chaos series, starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, offers a rich and immersive experience. With dragons, magic, and intricate plots, her work is a perfect escape into another world.
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)
Gail Simone's contributions to comics, including her groundbreaking work on Uncanny X-Men, have earned her numerous accolades, including GLAAD awards. Her ability to capture the quiet, powerful moments in superheroes' lives makes her work truly exceptional.
Notable works: Uncanny X-Men. You can pre-order the next release (August 5) on Amazon now.
Gail Simone### (Kindle Only) Uncanny X-Men
Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess and its sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, are enchanting retellings of Chinese mythology. Her storytelling is both romantic and action-packed, making these novels standouts in the fantasy genre.
Notable works: The Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), Immortal
Sue Lynn Tan### (Book 1 of 3) Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Morgan Vogel's work is a striking blend of beauty and unease, capturing the essence of feeling lost in the digital age. Her comics, such as Nightcore Energy and Valle, are both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
Jacqueline Wilson's novels for young adults tackle challenging topics with sensitivity and depth. Her works, including the "Girls" series and The Illustrated Mum, have provided solace and understanding to readers facing similar struggles.
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
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, with its intense action and deep character development, is a thrilling read that keeps fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
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 thrilling world of dragon riders with Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean Series, a captivating blend of fantasy and romance.$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