Picture an Australian storyteller who launched starships and shattered hearts with her pen—meet Amie Kaufman! A New York Times bestselling author, Kaufman has redefined young adult science fiction and fantasy with her spellbinding narratives and daring formats. From the cosmic romance of the Starbound Trilogy to the dossier-style thrill of The Illuminae Files, her stories whisk readers to uncharted galaxies.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Kaufman’s knack for blending high-stakes adventure with raw emotion has earned her a global fanbase. Her work, published in over 35 countries, isn’t just about spaceships or magic—it’s about the human spirit soaring against all odds. Ready to explore the universe through her eyes? Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey.
The Making of Amie Kaufman
Born in Melbourne and raised between Australia and Ireland, Amie Kaufman grew up with a library just a block away—a treasure trove that fueled her imagination. As a child, she and her sister turned their backyard into Narnia or sailed imaginary seas, reenacting beloved stories. This playful creativity laid the foundation for her future as a writer. With honors degrees in history, literature, and law, plus a master’s in conflict resolution, Kaufman spent seven years as a mediator before embracing writing full-time. Now a PhD candidate in Creative Writing, she channels her diverse background into crafting worlds that feel vividly real.
Amie Kaufman’s Unforgettable Stories
Kaufman’s bibliography is a constellation of bold ideas. The Starbound Trilogy, co-authored with Meagan Spooner, kicks off with These Broken Stars (2013), a lush sci-fi romance about two survivors stranded on an alien planet. Its sequels, This Shattered World and Their Fractured Light, weave interstellar conspiracies with heartfelt love stories, earning Aurealis Award nominations. The Illuminae Files, co-written with Jay Kristoff, is a game-changer—a space opera told through hacked emails, schematics, and transcripts. Illuminae (2015), Gemina (2016), and Obsidio (2018) hit bestseller lists, with Illuminae nabbing awards like the Aurealis and Gold Inky.
Her solo series, Elementals, starting with Ice Wolves (2018), brings middle-grade fantasy to life with shape-shifting wolves and icy magic, inspired by Kaufman’s research at a New York wolf sanctuary. The Aurora Cycle, another Kristoff collaboration, blends humor and heroism in a squad-based sci-fi epic, with Aurora Rising (2019) earning starred reviews. Kaufman’s style—cinematic, emotionally rich, and often feminist—merges heart-pounding plots with diverse, relatable characters. Her innovative formats, like Illuminae’s document-driven narrative, make every page visually dynamic.
Recent works like The Isles of the Gods (2023), a YA fantasy with 1920s vibes and slumbering gods, show Kaufman’s versatility. Co-authored projects like The Other Side of the Sky with Spooner explore faith and technology, cementing her as a storyteller who never repeats herself.
Why Amie Kaufman Matters
Amie Kaufman has transformed young adult literature by making sci-fi and fantasy accessible and exhilarating. Her strong female protagonists challenge stereotypes, inspiring readers to embrace their own courage. With film and TV adaptations in development—Illuminae with Brad Pitt’s Plan B and Starbound with Freeform—her influence extends beyond books. Kaufman’s ability to craft “gateway” sci-fi, as she calls it, draws in readers who might shy away from the genre, proving books can rival Star Wars for thrills.
Her collaborative spirit, blending voices with co-authors like Kristoff and Spooner, sets a gold standard for teamwork in publishing. As a Melbourne local, she hosts podcasts like Amie Kaufman on Writing, sharing her craft with aspiring authors. Her legacy is one of imagination, inclusion, and storytelling that lights up the cosmos.
About Amie Kaufman
- Born: Melbourne, Australia
- Key Works: Starbound Trilogy, The Illuminae Files, Elementals, The Aurora Cycle
- Awards: Aurealis Award (2015, 2016), Gold Inky Award (2016)
- Fun Fact: She’s kissed the Blarney Stone six times, cementing her gift of the gab!
Snag Illuminae or These Broken Stars and blast off into Amie Kaufman’s thrilling sci-fi universe!