12 Women Authors to Read Right Now Instead of Neil Gaiman
In light of recent allegations against Neil Gaiman, support these talented women authors who bring rich, diverse voices to fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction
As readers, we turn to our favorite authors for respite from daily life. Neil Gaiman has long been one of those authors for many, me included. But in light of recent serious allegations against him, it's important to consider the voices we choose to elevate.
The literary world is filled with incredible women authors in the same dark fantasy and horror genres Gaiman haunts. So rather than talk about his pinche ass anymore, let’s read their work instead. Here are twelve women authors to support right now:
Rebecca Roanhorse
Notable Works: Trail of Lightning, Black Sun
Rebecca Roanhorse’s dark fantasy and science fiction novels are influenced by Native American mythology and culture. Her stories are known for their compelling characters, rich world-building, and intricate plots.
Visit Roanhorse’s website here.
N.K. Jemisin
Notable Works: The Broken Earth trilogy, The Inheritance Trilogy
N.K. Jemisin’s groundbreaking speculative fiction has earned her multiple Hugo Awards. Her work often explores themes of social justice, cultural conflict, and human resilience in vividly imagined worlds.
Catherynne M. Valente
Notable Works: The Orphan's Tales series, Deathless
Catherynne M. Valente’s lyrical prose and mythic storytelling are perfect for readers who love richly detailed worlds and complex characters. Her narratives often blend European folklore and fairy tales with contemporary themes.
Simon & Schuster’s Valente page
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Notable Works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow
Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s work spans fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction, often with a rich infusion of Mexican culture and history. Her novels are as atmospheric as they are gripping.
Rin Chupeco
Notable Works: The Bone Witch series, The Girl from the Well
Rin Chupeco’s horror and fantasy novels are infused with Asian folklore and feature strong, complex female protagonists. Her writing is both haunting and beautifully crafted.
Tamsyn Muir
Notable Works: Gideon the Ninth, Harrow the Ninth
Tamsyn Muir’s dark fantasy and science fiction are known for their unique voice, complex characters, and intricate plots. Her "Locked Tomb" series is a must-read for fans of innovative and subversive storytelling.
Aliette de Bodard
Notable Works: The House of Shattered Wings, The Tea Master and the Detective
Aliette de Bodard’s fantasy and science fiction are steeped in Vietnamese culture and mythology. Her stories are known for their lush world-building and thought-provoking themes.
Susanna Clarke
Notable Works: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Piranesi
Susanna Clarke weaves historical fantasy with intricate world-building and deep character studies. Her works transport readers to magical realms that feel both familiar and fantastically new, rooted in European folklore.
Seanan McGuire
Notable Works: October Daye series, Wayward Children series
Seanan McGuire writes urban fantasy and horror with a talent for creating immersive worlds and compelling characters based on European folklore. Her "Wayward Children" series, in particular, offers a fresh take on portal fantasy.
Darcie Little Badger
Notable Works: Elatsoe, A Snake Falls to Earth
Darcie Little Badger blends Lipan Apache heritage with fantasy and horror elements in her writing. Her works are celebrated for their unique voice, engaging storytelling, and cultural depth.
Carmen Maria Machado
Notable Works: Her Body and Other Parties, In the Dream House
Carmen Maria Machado’s genre-defying work blends horror, speculative fiction, and magical realism. Her writing is noted for its innovation, emotional depth, and powerful exploration of gender and sexuality.
Tananarive Due
Notable Works: The Good House, My Soul to Keep
Tananarive Due is a master of horror and speculative fiction, blending supernatural elements with deeply human stories. Her work often delves into African American history and culture, providing a unique and compelling perspective.
Happy reading! And… Neil who?
thanks so much for this as a (previously) huge neil gaiman fan
Darcie Little Badger caught my eye with her reference to Lipan Apache. I was born in Corpus Christi and my mom worked on Lipan street.