Picture a storyteller who conjures magical cities and cunning con artists with a flick of her pen—meet Amanda Foody! This New York Times bestselling American author weaves young adult and middle-grade fantasy novels that pulse with intricate worlds and unforgettable characters. From gritty gambling dens to beast-filled forests, Foody’s stories pull readers into adventures that feel thrillingly alive.
With a knack for blending high-stakes drama and heartfelt growth, Foody has earned accolades from Buzzfeed, Popsugar, and even Amazon, which crowned her co-authored All of Us Villains the Best Young Adult Book of 2021. Let’s dive into the life and magic of this Philadelphia-based wordsmith who balances tax accounting with tales of destiny.
The Making of Amanda Foody
Born in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania, Amanda Foody grew up with a love for stories, dreaming of attending Hogwarts and spinning her own magical worlds. Her dual passions for English literature and accounting shaped an unusual path. After earning a B.A. in English/Creative Writing and a master’s in accounting, she worked as a tax accountant, crunching numbers by day and crafting novels by night. Foody’s persistence paid off after years of querying agents, rejections, and refining her craft, leading to her debut novel, Daughter of the Burning City, in 2017.
Her early internships at literary agencies gave her a behind-the-scenes look at publishing, fueling her determination. Foody’s blend of analytical precision and imaginative flair makes her storytelling uniquely compelling, with worlds that feel as structured as a balance sheet yet as wild as a carnival.
Amanda Foody’s Unforgettable Stories
Foody’s novels are a masterclass in immersive fantasy, blending intricate magic systems with characters who grapple with ambition, identity, and destiny. Her Shadow Game series, starting with Ace of Shades (2018), transports readers to the City of Sin, a dazzling mix of Atlantic City’s boardwalk and post-revolutionary Paris. The story follows Enne Salta, a proper lady turned cunning player in a deadly card game, and Levi Glaisyer, a charismatic con man. Foody’s prose crackles with lines like, “She was a blade disguised as a girl,” capturing her knack for fierce, layered heroines.
The Wilderlore series, a middle-grade adventure, channels Pokémon-esque beast-bonding in a whimsical yet perilous world. Books like The Accidental Apprentice (2021) and The Night Compass (2024) follow young heroes navigating magical forests, earning starred reviews for their “wholesome, delightful” charm. Foody’s co-authored All of Us Villains duology with C.L. Herman, starting in 2021, dives into a brutal magical tournament, blending dark ambition with emotional depth. Her upcoming A Fate So Cold (Fall 2025) promises more of her signature intensity.
Foody’s style shines through atmospheric settings, clever magic, and characters who defy stereotypes. She champions heroines who embrace vulnerability or ruthlessness without shame, reflecting her belief that girls should be free to be themselves. Her love for cooking infuses her work, with food often grounding her fantastical worlds in relatable warmth.
Why Amanda Foody Matters
Amanda Foody’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with teens and adults alike, blending escapism with raw emotional truth. Her diverse casts and nuanced themes—ambition, identity, and resilience—speak to readers navigating their own complex worlds. By mentoring aspiring writers through programs like Author Mentor Match, Foody fosters the next generation of storytellers, sharing hard-won wisdom from her publishing journey.
Her novels, praised for pushing the boundaries of young adult and middle-grade fantasy, have carved a niche for fans craving fresh, immersive tales. Foody’s blend of analytical and creative skills inspires readers to embrace their own contradictions, proving you can balance spreadsheets and spells with equal flair.
About Amanda Foody
- Key Works: Ace of Shades, All of Us Villains, The Accidental Apprentice
- Hometown: Appalachian Pennsylvania
- Current Home: Philadelphia, PA
- Fun Fact: She loves cooking and has two cats, Jelly Bean and Sesame
Snag Ace of Shades or The Accidental Apprentice and dive into Amanda Foody’s thrilling fantasy worlds—your next adventure awaits!