Picture a physician by day and a storyteller by night, spinning tales of shapeshifters and dragons rooted in Polish folklore—meet Aleksandra Ross! This Vancouver-based author burst onto the young adult fantasy scene with her debut novel, Don't Call the Wolf, a lyrical journey through a dark, enchanted world inspired by her grandmother’s tales. Ross’s unique blend of medical expertise and cultural heritage crafts stories that pulse with magic and heart.
The Making of Aleksandra Ross
Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Aleksandra Ross grew up immersed in the Polish folklore her grandmother shared, from the eerie Baba Yaga to the majestic Golden Dragon. Her mother’s Polish heritage deeply shaped her imagination, though it wasn’t until her time at Whitman College, where she studied biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, that she revisited these myths. Ross’s journey to authorship began quietly, scribbling stories between rigorous science classes, fueled by a rediscovery of her cultural roots after her grandmother’s passing.
Ross’s dual path as a physician and writer is nothing short of remarkable. After earning her medical degree from the University of Alberta, she balanced her demanding career with her passion for storytelling. Her first novel, written in stolen moments between classes and commutes, became a love letter to her heritage, weaving Slavic myths into a vivid fantasy tapestry.
Aleksandra Ross’s Unforgettable Stories
Ross’s debut, Don't Call the Wolf (2020), is a fast-paced young adult fantasy inspired by the Polish fairy tale 'The Glass Mountain.' Set in the haunted forest of Kamiena, it follows Ren, a fierce lynx-human shapeshifter queen, and Lukasz, a dragon slayer, as they forge a tenuous alliance to battle the Golden Dragon and a horde of monsters. Critics praise its lush prose and atmospheric world, teeming with vampiric hobgoblins, rusalkas, and the iconic Baba Yaga, though some note its pacing stumbles due to dense world-building.
Ross’s second work, Skażone technonatury. Środowiskowe opowieści o katastrofach nuklearnych, dives into environmental narratives around nuclear disasters, showcasing her versatility. Her writing style is a standout—dark, lyrical, and fairy-tale-like, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to enchanted forests and gothic cities inspired by real Polish locales like Krakow and the Tatry Mountains. Themes of heritage, resilience, and the blurred line between human and monster define her work, resonating with fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black.
Ross’s stories are deeply personal, reflecting her journey of reconnecting with her Polish identity. Her medical background also shines through, with characters using medicinal herbs and suturing wounds with clinical precision, grounding her fantastical worlds in tangible detail.
Why Aleksandra Ross Matters
Aleksandra Ross brings Polish and Slavic folklore to a global stage, offering young adult readers a fresh lens on Eastern European mythology. Her ability to weave cultural heritage into gripping narratives has earned her a dedicated following, particularly among those craving diverse fantasy worlds. As a physician-author, Ross inspires aspiring writers to pursue creative passions alongside demanding careers, proving that storytelling can thrive in the margins of a busy life.
Her work also sparks curiosity about Polish culture, from Wycinanki-inspired book covers to settings drawn from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. By blending her scientific precision with mythical wonder, Ross crafts stories that linger, inviting readers to explore the magic in their own histories.
- Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Key Work: Don't Call the Wolf (2020)
- Education: Whitman College (BBMB), University of Alberta (Medical School)
- Influence: Polish folklore, grandmother’s storytelling
Ready to wander through haunted forests and battle mythical beasts? Snag Don't Call the Wolf and dive into Aleksandra Ross’s spellbinding world of Polish fantasy!