Picture an Australian storyteller who conjured a mythical China filled with dragons and daring heroines—meet Alison Goodman! Born in Melbourne in 1966, this award-winning author has enchanted readers worldwide with her young adult fantasy novels, most notably the New York Times bestselling Eon duology. With a knack for weaving intricate worlds and complex characters, Goodman’s stories blend adventure, identity, and magic, earning her a devoted global following.
From her early days as a creative writing student to her rise as a celebrated novelist, Goodman’s journey is as captivating as her books. Her ability to craft tales that resonate across cultures has made her a standout in the fantasy genre, and her playful yet profound storytelling keeps readers hooked.
The Making of Alison Goodman
Alison Goodman was born on August 12, 1966, in Melbourne, Australia, where her love for storytelling took root. After earning a Master’s degree in creative writing from RMIT University, she honed her craft while teaching at universities like the University of Ballarat. Her early influences included sci-fi, cyberpunk, and her aunt’s Japanese heritage, which sparked her fascination with Asian-inspired worlds. Goodman’s debut, Singing the Dogstar Blues (1998), a sci-fi thriller, won an Aurealis Award, marking her as a bold new voice.
A D.J. O’Hearn Memorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Goodman balanced academia with her growing writing career. Her versatility shone through as she explored genres, from crime thrillers to fantasy, always with a focus on vibrant characters and rich settings.
Alison Goodman’s Unforgettable Stories
Goodman’s Eon duology—Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (2008) and Eona: The Last Dragoneye (2011)—is her crowning achievement. Set in a mythical China, Eon follows a girl disguised as a boy training to become a Dragoneye, a magical apprentice to ancient dragons. The series, translated into 12 languages, blends political intrigue, gender identity, and dragon lore, earning the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Its crossover appeal captivates both young adult and adult readers.
The Dark Days Club trilogy (2016–2018), a Regency-era adventure, showcases Goodman’s genre-blending prowess. Lady Helen, a demon-hunting heroine, navigates societal expectations and supernatural threats in a world that’s “Pride and Prejudice meets Buffy.” Her recent work, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (2023), dives into Regency mystery with feminist flair, featuring twin sisters solving crimes. Goodman’s style—lush, character-driven, and layered with cultural depth—makes her worlds feel alive.
Her short stories, like “The Real Thing” in Firebirds Rising (2006), further highlight her range, while her crime thriller A New Kind of Death (originally Killing the Rabbit, 2007) reveals a darker edge. Each work reflects Goodman’s ability to craft narratives that explore identity, power, and resilience.
Why Alison Goodman Matters
Alison Goodman’s impact lies in her ability to create heroines who defy expectations, from Eona’s gender-disguised rebellion to Lady Helen’s supernatural courage. Her stories resonate with readers seeking diverse, empowering narratives, particularly in young adult fantasy. By blending Asian-inspired settings and Regency history, she broadens the genre’s horizons, inviting readers to explore new cultural landscapes.
Goodman’s accolades—multiple Aurealis Awards, a James Tiptree Jr. Honor, and a 2024 Davitt Readers’ Choice Award—underscore her influence. Her mentorship of aspiring writers and her recent PhD from the University of Queensland cement her legacy as a storyteller and scholar. For fans, she’s a guide to worlds where courage and identity reign supreme.
- Born: August 12, 1966, Melbourne, Australia
- Key Works: Eon duology, The Dark Days Club trilogy, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies
- Awards: Aurealis Awards (1998, 2008), Davitt Readers’ Choice Award (2024)
- Fun Fact: She can dance a mean Regency contra-dance!
Snag Eon: Dragoneye Reborn and dive into Alison Goodman’s thrilling fantasy worlds—dragons, demons, and daring heroines await!