Picture a Soviet-born storyteller who swapped Cold War shadows for epic fantasy adventures—meet Andrew Shvarts! With a knack for blending humor, heart, and high-stakes action, Shvarts has carved a unique niche in young adult fantasy. His debut series, Royal Bastards, is a thrilling ride that channels Game of Thrones vibes with a distinctly teen twist, captivating readers with its diverse characters and witty banter.
Born in the Soviet Union and raised in the United States, Shvarts brings a global perspective to his storytelling. His love for pop culture and fantasy giants like George R.R. Martin and Stephen King shines through in his work, making him a fresh voice for fans craving adventure with a side of sass.
The Making of Andrew Shvarts
Andrew Shvarts’s journey to authorship is as eclectic as his stories. Growing up, he devoured Stephen King’s chilling tales and George R.R. Martin’s sprawling epics, which shaped his love for grounded characters in fantastical settings. With a BA in English Literature and Russian from Vassar College, Shvarts initially dove into game design, crafting mobile games like High School Story and Choices at Pixelberry Studios. This gig honed his ability to write snappy dialogue and relatable teen characters, skills that would later define his novels.
Before Royal Bastards, Shvarts faced the classic writer’s struggle: two unsold manuscripts. But his persistence paid off when he fused two ideas—a teen thriller and a YA fantasy inspired by Game of Thrones—into the series that launched his career. Now based in San Jose, California, with his wife, son, and two cats, Shvarts continues to spin tales that resonate with readers worldwide.
Andrew Shvarts’s Unforgettable Stories
Shvarts’s Royal Bastards trilogy, starting with the 2017 novel of the same name, is his crown jewel. The story follows Tilla, a spunky bastard daughter of a lord, who teams up with a ragtag crew of outcasts to prevent a civil war after witnessing a brutal coup. Packed with magic, betrayal, and laugh-out-loud banter, the book earned praise for its diverse cast and fast-paced plot. Reviewers called it a “watered-down Game of Thrones” with heart, perfect for YA readers.
The sequels, City of Bastards (2018) and War of the Bastards (2019), deepen the stakes as Tilla navigates rebellion and uncovers secrets about her world’s magic. Shvarts’s standalone novel, It Ends in Fire (2021), showcases his versatility, following a young mage in a magical academy with dark political undertones. His style—modern slang in medieval settings, diverse characters, and a rejection of sexist tropes—sets him apart in YA fantasy.
Shvarts’s stories thrive on ensemble casts, where each character, from the fierce Tilla to the brooding Zitochi warrior Zell, gets a moment to shine. His ability to balance humor, romance, and gritty action makes his books unputdownable, earning comparisons to V.E. Schwab and Scott Lynch.
Why Andrew Shvarts Matters
Andrew Shvarts has left a mark on YA fantasy by championing diversity and defying genre stereotypes. His inclusive worlds, featuring people of color and strong female characters, reflect a modern sensibility that resonates with today’s readers. By tackling themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the gray areas of morality, he invites teens to grapple with complex issues while enjoying a thrilling ride.
Though not a household name, Shvarts’s influence is growing, particularly among fans of accessible epic fantasy. His background in game design adds a cinematic quality to his work, making it ripe for adaptation. For readers seeking stories that blend adventure with emotional depth, Shvarts is a must-read.
- Born: Soviet Union
- Key Works: Royal Bastards (2017), City of Bastards (2018), War of the Bastards (2019), It Ends in Fire (2021)
- Fun Fact: Shvarts wrote for mobile games before becoming a novelist.
Ready for a fantasy adventure with heart and humor? Snag Royal Bastards and dive into Andrew Shvarts’s epic world today!