Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a desert tale blending Wild West grit with Arabian Nights magic—meet Alwyn Hamilton! This New York Times bestselling author captured hearts with her Rebel of the Sands trilogy, a Young Adult fantasy series that’s as thrilling as a sandstorm and as enchanting as a Djinn’s whisper. Born in Toronto and raised across continents, Hamilton’s unique journey shaped her vibrant storytelling, earning her the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut Author.
From her debut novel’s gun-slinging heroine to a film option by Willow Smith, Hamilton’s work is a dazzling fusion of cultures and genres. Let’s dive into her life, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a must-read for fantasy fans!
The Making of Alwyn Hamilton
Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto, Canada, and her childhood was a whirlwind of movement between Europe and Canada before her family settled in the small French town of Beaune. Growing up in a quaint setting, she developed a love for reading and writing, drawn to fantasy and heroines who defied norms. She studied History of Art at King’s College, Cambridge, focusing on French Revolutionary painting, and later worked at an auction house in London, where she now resides. Her eclectic background—spanning continents and cultures—infused her writing with a rich, global perspective, blending Western and Middle Eastern mythologies.
Alwyn Hamilton’s Unforgettable Stories
Hamilton burst onto the YA scene with Rebel of the Sands (2016), a genre-busting novel that mixes American Westerns with Arabian Nights lore. The story follows Amani Al’Hiza, a sharpshooting orphan with half-Djinn powers, as she flees her oppressive hometown of Dustwalk on a mythical horse alongside a mysterious foreigner, Jin. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, praised its thrilling stakes and romantic spark, noting its seamless blend of magic, mythology, and adventure. The novel’s vivid desert setting and fierce heroine earned it a spot on YALSA’s 2017 Teen’s Top 10 list.
The trilogy continues with Traitor to the Throne (2017) and Hero at the Fall (2018), diving deeper into Amani’s elemental powers and the rebellion against a tyrannical Sultan. The Deseret News called the sequel “far and away better” than the first, highlighting Hamilton’s knack for escalating action and intricate world-building. Her upcoming duology, The Notorious Virtues (2025), promises a glittering fantasy thriller inspired by 1920s heiresses and Grimm fairytales, showcasing her versatility. Hamilton’s style—marked by lush prose, strong female leads, and cultural fusion—draws comparisons to Sarah Maas and Victoria Aveyard, making her a standout in YA fantasy.
Why Alwyn Hamilton Matters
Alwyn Hamilton’s impact lies in her ability to weave diverse mythologies—Arabian, Navajo, and Hindu—into a cohesive, thrilling narrative that resonates with young readers. Her stories challenge patriarchal norms through characters like Amani, who embody resilience and agency. The Rebel of the Sands trilogy’s film option by Willow Smith signals its cultural reach, promising to bring Hamilton’s vibrant world to new audiences. By blending genres and cultures, she’s carved a unique space in YA fantasy, inspiring readers to embrace their own power and imagination.
- Born: Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Rebel of the Sands, Traitor to the Throne, Hero at the Fall, The Notorious Virtues (upcoming)
- Awards: 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut Author
- Fun Fact: Hamilton once suggested Taylor Swift song titles for her books!
Snag Rebel of the Sands and gallop into Alwyn Hamilton’s spellbinding world of magic and rebellion!