Picture a storyteller who spun an enchanted library and brooding fae into a viral sensation—meet Analeigh Sbrana! This American author and visual artist captivated the romantasy world with her debut, Lore of the Wilds, a spellbinding blend of fantasy, romance, and cottagecore vibes. From daydreams to a whirlwind publishing deal, Sbrana’s journey is as magical as her stories.
Born into a family of creatives, with a poet grandmother and a mother who dabbled in poetry and short stories, Sbrana’s love for storytelling bloomed early. Her viral success on social media, particularly Instagram, turned her debut into a phenomenon, proving she’s a fresh voice in fantasy romance.
The Making of Analeigh Sbrana
Analeigh Sbrana grew up surrounded by books and creativity, penning her first poetry collection at age five—typed up by her mom and bound into a tiny book. Living outside San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and a chonky cat named Rey, she’s a self-proclaimed book collector, often scouring used bookstores for hidden gems or sipping cappuccinos in cozy cafés. Her lifelong obsession with fantasy, sparked by classics like The Wizard of Oz, shaped her imaginative storytelling. Despite initial self-doubt about centering a Black woman in a magical fantasy, Sbrana’s persistence led her to self-publish Lore of the Wilds in 2023, before Harper Voyager snapped it up after a heated auction.
Analeigh Sbrana’s Unforgettable Stories
Sbrana’s debut, Lore of the Wilds (2024), is a romantasy gem that follows Lore Alemeyu, a human navigating a fae-ruled world to save her village. Tasked with organizing an enchanted library warded against fae, Lore’s journey is packed with magic, betrayal, and a steamy love triangle. Critics praise its rich worldbuilding and cozy-yet-dark tone, though some note pacing hiccups. The cliffhanger ending has fans clamoring for the sequel.
The second book, Lore of the Tides (expected 2025), continues the duology, diving deeper into Lore’s magical quests and romantic entanglements. Sbrana’s style blends whimsical cottagecore with gritty stakes, centering Black protagonists in a genre often lacking diversity. Her vivid prose—think moonlit escapes and starlit tomes—creates immersive worlds that feel like a warm hug and a thrilling chase.
Sbrana’s stories explore themes of found family, empowerment, and defying oppressive systems, resonating with readers who crave inclusive fantasy. Her ability to weave romance with high-stakes adventure has earned her a loyal following, with Instagram fans hyping her as a “writer to watch.”
Why Analeigh Sbrana Matters
Analeigh Sbrana’s impact lies in her bold representation and genre-blending magic. By centering Black women in fantastical settings, she challenges traditional fantasy norms, inspiring readers who rarely see themselves as magical heroes. Her social media savvy turned Lore of the Wilds into a TikTok darling, proving new voices can break through in publishing. Despite mixed reviews on pacing, her debut’s success and the buzz around Lore of the Tides cement her as a rising star in romantasy.
Sbrana’s unconventional path—from self-publishing to a major deal—shows how persistence and community support can reshape an industry. Her stories invite readers to escape into worlds where courage and love conquer all, making her a beacon for diverse, cozy fantasy fans.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: Lore of the Wilds (2024), Lore of the Tides (2025)
- Fun Fact: She’s obsessed with collecting signed special-edition books!
Snag Lore of the Wilds and dive into Analeigh Sbrana’s enchanting romantasy world—your next bookish obsession awaits!