Picture a storyteller who spun a dystopian world where love defies a chilling future—meet Anna Carey! This American author, known for her Young Adult and Romance novels, captured hearts with her gripping Eve trilogy. With a knack for blending adventure, romance, and societal commentary, Carey’s vivid narratives have made her a standout in YA fiction.
Now based in Los Angeles, Carey’s journey from Long Island to literary fame is as colorful as her stories. Her diverse experiences—from gift wrapping to cocktail waitressing—infuse her writing with a unique authenticity that resonates with readers worldwide.
The Making of Anna Carey
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Anna Carey grew up in a household where creativity thrived. Her father, an astronomer, and her mother, a special education teacher, nurtured her curiosity. Carey dabbled in painting, graphic design, and even physical therapy before finding her true calling in writing. She honed her craft at New York University, earning a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and later an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College. Her time in New York, filled with snowball fights in Washington Square Park and editorial work in children’s publishing, shaped her storytelling sensibilities.
Anna Carey’s Unforgettable Stories
Carey burst onto the YA scene with her debut Eve trilogy, a dystopian saga published between 2011 and 2013. The series—Eve, Once, and Rise—follows eighteen-year-old Eve in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus. Fleeing a horrifying fate, Eve’s journey intertwines with Caleb, a rebellious boy who wins her heart. Critics praised Carey’s ability to weave romance, adventure, and sacrifice into a chillingly familiar future, with fans adoring the trilogy’s emotional depth and cliffhanger endings.
Beyond the Eve trilogy, Carey penned the Blackbird duology (Blackbird and Deadfall), a thrilling tale of a girl unraveling her identity amid danger. Her This Is Not the Jess Show series, a mind-bending YA thriller set in the ’90s, showcases her versatility with its pop culture references and fast-paced plot. Carey’s writing style is marked by vivid world-building, relatable characters, and themes of trust, love, and resilience, making her stories both heart-pounding and heartfelt.
With seven books across three series, Carey’s work has been translated into over a dozen languages and optioned for film and television, cementing her place in YA literature. Her ability to craft flawed yet brave heroines like Eve and Jess resonates with teens and adults alike, offering a fresh take on dystopian and romantic narratives.
Why Anna Carey Matters
Anna Carey’s impact lies in her ability to blend thrilling plots with emotional depth, creating stories that linger long after the last page. Her heroines, often navigating oppressive societies or personal betrayals, inspire readers to question their world and embrace their strength. By tackling themes like love in the face of danger and the search for identity, Carey’s work speaks to the universal quest for connection and purpose.
Her diverse career path and playful personality—think flea markets, loud car singing, and a love for molten chocolate cake—add a relatable charm that endears her to fans. As YA dystopian novels surged in popularity, Carey’s unique voice stood out, earning praise from authors like Lauren Kate and a loyal readership hungry for her next adventure.
- Key Works: Eve trilogy, Blackbird duology, This Is Not the Jess Show series
- Education: NYU (BA), Brooklyn College (MFA)
- Lives In: Los Angeles, California
- Fun Fact: Carey once worked as a sofa saleswoman!
Snag Eve or This Is Not the Jess Show and dive into Anna Carey’s thrilling, heart-tugging worlds! Whether you’re a YA fan or just love a good story, her books promise an unforgettable ride.