Picture a storyteller who spun a dark, whimsical Wonderland that’s equal parts creepy and captivating—meet A.G. Howard! Born in Massachusetts and now weaving tales in the Texas Panhandle, this New York Times bestselling author is best known for her Splintered trilogy, a gothic reimagining of Alice in Wonderland that’s hooked young adult readers worldwide. With a knack for blending fantasy, romance, and a touch of horror, Howard’s stories are like stepping into a Tim Burton dreamscape, where bugs whisper secrets and flowers have agendas.
Howard’s journey to literary stardom is as intriguing as her novels. A former school librarian, she found inspiration in the stacks, wondering what might happen if the subtle eeriness of Lewis Carroll’s classic took center stage. Her unique voice, shaped by personal fears and a love for Victorian aesthetics, has made her a standout in young adult literature, pushing the genre’s boundaries with her vivid imagination.
The Making of A.G. Howard
Born on June 9 in Massachusetts, Anita Grace Howard grew up with a fascination for the macabre and the mystical. Now living in Amarillo, Texas, with her husband, two children, and two Labrador retrievers, she channels her love for Victorian-era antiques and eerie settings into her work. Her writing career kicked off when, as a middle-school librarian, she immersed herself in young adult fiction, drawn to its raw passion and emotional depth. In 2010, she penned the first draft of Splintered in just six months, fueled by her critique group’s enthusiasm and her obsession with Tim Burton’s darker take on Alice in Wonderland.
A.G. Howard’s Unforgettable Stories
Howard’s Splintered trilogy—comprising Splintered (2013), Unhinged (2014), and Ensnared (2015)—is her crown jewel. The series follows Alyssa Gardner, a descendant of Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Carroll’s Alice. Alyssa hears whispers from bugs and flowers, a curse tied to her ancestor’s adventures in a far creepier Wonderland than Carroll ever described. To break the curse, she faces twisted tests like draining an ocean of tears and taming a ferocious bandersnatch, all while navigating a love triangle with her steadfast crush, Jeb, and the enigmatic Morpheus. Critics have praised the series for its ‘grotesque madness’ and ‘psychedelic setting,’ with USA Today calling Splintered ‘dark, twisted, entirely riveting.’
Beyond the trilogy, Howard’s RoseBlood (2017) reimagines The Phantom of the Opera as a gothic young adult tale set in a haunted French boarding school. Her 2019 novel, Stain, is a high-fantasy retelling of The Princess and the Pea, featuring a mute princess in a magical medieval world. Howard’s style is unmistakable: lush, sensory prose, complex characters, and a knack for weaving romance with horror. Her stories often explore identity and self-discovery, wrapped in a gothic aesthetic that’s both beautiful and unsettling.
Why A.G. Howard Matters
A.G. Howard has carved a niche in young adult literature by transforming classic tales into bold, modern narratives that resonate with teens and adults alike. Her Splintered series, translated into over a dozen languages, has inspired a global fanbase, with readers on platforms like Goodreads raving about its vivid world-building and unpredictable twists. By tackling themes like mental health, family legacy, and personal growth, Howard adds depth to her fantastical worlds, making them relatable yet otherworldly. Her influence extends to aspiring writers, as she shares tips on her website, encouraging new voices to embrace their unique styles.
- Born: June 9, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Splintered, Unhinged, Ensnared, RoseBlood, Stain
- Notable Achievement: New York Times bestselling author
- Hobbies: Rollerblading, gardening, visiting 18th-century graveyards
Ready to tumble down the rabbit hole? Snag Splintered and dive into A.G. Howard’s spellbinding blend of fantasy and gothic romance!