Picture a British storyteller who transformed a childhood dream of fairy tales into a siren-filled fantasy epic—meet Alexandra Christo! This London-based copywriter turned young adult fantasy author captured hearts with her 2018 debut, To Kill a Kingdom, a dark, swashbuckling retelling of The Little Mermaid. Known for her witty, deadly characters and lush world-building, Christo weaves stories that feel like a stormy sea adventure, perfect for readers craving magic with a bite.
When she’s not crafting tales of monstrous girls and cursed boys, Christo organizes food crawls across London, binge-watches Korean dramas, and tends to her thriving cactus collection in Hertfordshire. Her journey from a Creative Writing graduate to an international bestseller is as enchanting as her books, blending grit, imagination, and a touch of humor.
The Making of Alexandra Christo
Born with a storyteller’s heart, Alexandra Christo decided at age four that writing was her calling after her teacher dashed her dreams of becoming a fairy. Growing up in England, she devoured myths and legends, fueling her love for dark, fantastical narratives. She earned a BA in Creative Writing, honing her craft and embracing her wild imagination. Before her literary breakthrough, Christo worked as a copywriter in London, a role she jokingly says makes her sound more grown-up than she feels. Her early manuscripts faced rejections, but her persistence paid off when To Kill a Kingdom caught an agent’s eye, launching her into the YA fantasy spotlight.
Alexandra Christo’s Unforgettable Stories
Christo’s novels are a thrilling blend of dark fantasy, romance, and retellings that subvert classic fairy tales. Her debut, To Kill a Kingdom (2018), follows Princess Lira, a lethal siren, and Prince Elian, a siren-hunting pirate, in a deliciously tense enemies-to-lovers tale. Praised for its vivid world-building and diverse kingdoms, it became an international bestseller, translated into over a dozen languages. Into the Crooked Place (2019) and its sequel, City of Spells (2021), dive into a gritty urban fantasy world of magical gangs and betrayal, showcasing Christo’s knack for flawed, relatable anti-heroes.
Princess of Souls (2022) reimagines Rapunzel as a teen witch stealing souls for an immortal king, weaving chaotic romance and rebellion. Her latest, The Night Hunt (2023), is a standalone fantasy blending Greek mythology with a dark romance between a fear-feeding monster girl and a cursed boy. Christo’s style is lyrical yet accessible, with sharp dialogue and morally gray characters that resonate with young readers seeking authentic, empowered heroes.
Why Alexandra Christo Matters
Alexandra Christo has carved a niche in young adult fantasy by redefining fairy tale tropes. Her stories empower young women to embrace their flaws and strength, challenging the damsel-in-distress archetype. By crafting diverse worlds that avoid stereotypical European settings, she broadens the genre’s cultural scope, inviting readers into fresh, immersive landscapes. Her focus on complex family dynamics, like the abusive mother-daughter bond in To Kill a Kingdom, offers poignant messages about loyalty and self-worth, resonating with teens navigating their own challenges.
Christo’s rise from a rejected manuscript to a global sensation inspires aspiring writers to persevere. Her books, lauded by outlets like Publishers Weekly for their vivid descriptions and action, have built a devoted fanbase, with readers on Goodreads raving about her addictive plots. As she continues to spin tales of magic and mayhem, Christo’s influence in YA fantasy grows, proving that stories can be as wild and untamed as the ocean.
- Birthplace: England
- Key Works: To Kill a Kingdom, Into the Crooked Place, Princess of Souls, The Night Hunt
- Fun Fact: Christo owns an abundance of cacti, her only plants that survive!
Ready to dive into a world of sirens, witches, and rogue princesses? Snag To Kill a Kingdom and let Alexandra Christo’s thrilling YA fantasy sweep you away!