Picture a Minnesota storyteller who conjured werewolves, Valkyries, and dystopian heroines with a flick of her pen—meet Amanda Carlson! Born and bred in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this urban fantasy and paranormal romance author has thrilled readers with her high-octane tales. From the fierce Jessica McClain to the sultry Sin City Collectors, Carlson’s stories pulse with action, adventure, and a touch of steamy romance.
Amanda’s knack for crafting kickass heroines and supernatural worlds has earned her a loyal following. Whether she’s weaving Norse mythology or dystopian futures, her fast-paced narratives keep readers hooked. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this dynamic author whose stories are as vibrant as her Minneapolis roots!
The Making of Amanda Carlson
Amanda Carlson grew up in Minnesota, where her imagination ran wild long before she became a published author. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in Speech and Hearing Science and Child Development, she also earned an A.A.S. in Sign Language Interpreting. She worked as an interpreter until her first child was born, but her passion for storytelling took root in high school, scribbling tales of teenage missteps in spiral notebooks she still keeps. After her second child, Amanda began writing in earnest, channeling her love for strong heroines and shifters into urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
Amanda Carlson’s Unforgettable Stories
Carlson’s debut, Full Blooded (2012), launched the Jessica McClain series, a high-octane urban fantasy published by Orbit (Hachette). The series follows Jessica, the only female werewolf in an all-male race, as she battles demons, goddesses, and her own destiny. With six books, including Hot Blooded and Blue Blooded (2016, RT Reviewers Choice Award winner), the series blends action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, earning comparisons to Kelley Armstrong and Patricia Briggs.
Not one to stay in one lane, Carlson ventured into paranormal romance with the Sin City Collectors novellas. Set in a vibrant Las Vegas, these standalone stories feature shifters, witches, and incubi, like Diesel and Sofia in Aces Wild, tackling supernatural threats with steamy chemistry. Her Phoebe Meadows series dives into contemporary fantasy with Valkyries and Norse mythology, while the Holly Danger and Mina Kane series explore dystopian and futuristic thrillers, showcasing her versatility.
Carlson’s writing style is a whirlwind of action, vivid world-building, and fierce, relatable heroines. Her stories balance heart-pounding battles with romantic tension, appealing to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance alike. Whether it’s Jessica navigating Hell or Holly scavenging in a dystopian world, Carlson’s characters leap off the page.
Why Amanda Carlson Matters
Amanda Carlson has carved a niche in urban fantasy and paranormal romance, delivering stories that empower readers through strong, complex heroines. Her ability to blend genres—urban fantasy, romance, dystopian sci-fi—sets her apart, offering something for every speculative fiction fan. Her Jessica McClain series redefined werewolf lore, while her Sin City Collectors brought fresh heat to paranormal romance. Living in Minneapolis with her husband and three kids, Carlson balances family and writing, inspiring aspiring authors to chase their creative dreams.
Her interactive online presence, engaging fans on social media, fosters a community around her work. Though not a household name, Carlson’s impact lies in her ability to craft escapist, empowering tales that resonate with readers craving action and heart.
- Born: Minnesota, USA
- Key Works: Jessica McClain series, Sin City Collectors, Phoebe Meadows, Holly Danger, Mina Kane
- Awards: 2017 RT Reviewers Choice Award for Blue Blooded
- Fun Fact: She’s addicted to Scrabble and dreams of Hawaiian beaches!
Snag Full Blooded or Aces Wild and dive into Amanda Carlson’s thrilling urban fantasy and paranormal romance worlds!