Picture a storyteller who spun tales of werewolves and medieval intrigue, captivating readers with her lush prose—meet Alice Borchardt! Born in New Orleans, this late-blooming novelist, sister to famed author Anne Rice, didn’t publish her first book until her mid-50s. Yet, her seven novels, blending historical fiction and fantasy, left a lasting mark on the genre.
Borchardt’s journey from nurse to novelist is as inspiring as her stories. With a knack for breathing life into little-known historical periods, she crafted worlds where shapeshifters roamed ancient Rome and Guinevere ruled with magic. Her vivid storytelling and strong female characters continue to enchant readers.
The Making of Alice Borchardt
Born Alice Allen O’Brien on October 6, 1939, in New Orleans, Borchardt grew up in a family that cherished stories. Her father, a postal worker, gifted her a library card at age seven, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Alongside her younger sister, Anne Rice, she spun tales in their vibrant hometown. After moving to Richardson, Texas, as a teenager, Borchardt pursued nursing, working for 30 years in Houston hospitals. It wasn’t until staff reductions in the early 1990s that her sister’s encouragement led her to writing, launching a remarkable second career.
Alice Borchardt’s Unforgettable Stories
Borchardt’s novels are a masterful blend of historical detail and supernatural flair. Her debut, Devoted (1995), set in medieval France, follows Elin, a sorceress, navigating Viking invasions with passion and magic. Its sequel, Beguiled (1997), continues this saga of love and survival. However, her Legends of the Wolves trilogy—The Silver Wolf (1998), Night of the Wolf (1999), and The Wolf King (2001)—cemented her legacy. These books follow Regeane, a shapeshifting woman in Charlemagne’s Rome, whose dual nature as human and wolf mirrors the era’s decadence. Borchardt’s prose, rich with sensory details, vividly recreates ancient settings, while her strong, complex heroines like Regeane and Guinevere (from The Dragon Queen and The Raven Warrior) resonate with readers.
Her style, often compared to Anne Rice’s lush narratives, balances gritty realism with mystical elements. Borchardt’s love for nature and history shines through, especially in her vivid depictions of medieval landscapes and battles. Though her dialogue occasionally leans modern, her ability to weave political intrigue and romance keeps readers hooked.
Why Alice Borchardt Matters
Despite her late start, Borchardt’s impact on fantasy and historical fiction is undeniable. Her novels offered a fresh take on werewolves, portraying them as noble yet primal, distinct from horror clichés. By centering strong women in turbulent historical settings, she inspired readers and writers to explore underrepresented eras. Her collaboration with Anne Rice, who wrote introductions for her books, highlighted a sisterly bond that resonated with fans. Borchardt’s death from cancer in 2007, at age 67, left her Guinevere trilogy unfinished, but her existing works continue to captivate.
- Born: October 6, 1939, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Key Works: The Silver Wolf, Devoted, The Dragon Queen
- Died: July 24, 2007, Houston, Texas
Snag The Silver Wolf and dive into Alice Borchardt’s spellbinding blend of history and fantasy!