Picture a Canadian storyteller who conjures worlds where daemons and humans blur the lines of morality—meet Annette Marie! This Alberta-based author has enchanted readers with her young adult urban fantasy and romantic fantasy tales, blending heart-pounding action with slow-burn romances. From the gritty Steel & Stone series to the myth-soaked Red Winter Trilogy, Marie’s books are a must-read for fantasy fans craving bold heroines and intricate worlds.
With a knack for defying genre conventions, Annette Marie crafts stories that challenge black-and-white morality, weaving tales of forbidden love and flawed characters. When she’s not penning bestsellers, you’ll find her in Alberta’s chilly north, elbow-deep in art projects or cuddling her cat, Caesar—her self-proclaimed furry minion of darkness.
The Making of Annette Marie
Annette Marie grew up in Alberta, Canada, where her love for fantasy took root early. As a child, she devoured Nancy Drew mysteries before graduating to Sweet Valley High and epic fantasies like David Edding’s The Belgariad. These stories sparked her imagination, though she often found their heroines too prone to fainting. By fourteen, she was writing her own fiction, dreaming of bolder characters and darker worlds. Her passion for fantasy, fueled by anime and music, laid the foundation for her career as an author who breaks the mold.
Marie’s writing journey began in earnest with her debut novel, Chase the Dark, the first in the Steel & Stone series. Self-published through her imprint, Dark Owl Fantasy, her books quickly gained a devoted following, thanks to their fresh take on urban fantasy and her knack for witty dialogue. Her Alberta roots, with its long winters, provide the perfect backdrop for her creative process, where she channels inspiration into her vibrant storytelling.
Annette Marie’s Unforgettable Stories
Annette Marie’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy goodness. Her Steel & Stone series, a five-book saga, follows Piper Griffiths, a fierce heroine navigating a world of daemons and humans to protect the powerful Sahar Stone. With its prequel trilogy, Spell Weaver, and companion collection, the series is lauded for its gritty action, slow-burn romance, and morally complex characters like the enigmatic incubus Lyre and draconian Ash.
The Red Winter Trilogy, a romantic fantasy steeped in Japanese mythology, is another gem. It centers on Emi, a kamigakari destined to host a goddess, and her fraught alliance with Shiro, a cunning yokai. Readers praise its rich world-building and respectful nod to Shinto traditions, with stunning artwork enhancing the books’ immersive feel. Marie’s Guild Codex universe, including Spellbound and Demonized, brings sassy humor and found-family vibes, with titles like Three Mages and a Margarita earning top reviews for their wit.
Marie’s style is defined by her rejection of clichés. Her heroines are tough yet flawed, facing real relationship challenges without slipping into damsel-in-distress tropes. Her worlds blur good and evil, reflecting life’s gray areas, while her love for dragons (noted by her editor!) adds a mythical flair. Music and anime inspire her, firing up her imagination for hours of writing.
Why Annette Marie Matters
Annette Marie has carved a niche in young adult and urban fantasy by crafting stories that resonate with readers seeking depth and authenticity. Her unconventional approach—eschewing clear-cut morality and predictable plots—has earned her a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, with books like Yield the Night nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards. Her influence extends to inspiring new authors in the self-publishing world, proving that bold voices can thrive outside traditional publishing.
Marie’s respectful integration of Japanese mythology in Red Winter has also broadened the genre’s cultural scope, inviting readers to explore diverse lore. Her ability to balance action, romance, and humor ensures her stories linger, haunting readers long after the final page. As she plans new series like Blackfire, her legacy as a trailblazer in fantasy continues to grow.
- Key Works: Steel & Stone series, Red Winter Trilogy, The Guild Codex
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
- Notable Recognition: Yield the Night, 2015 Goodreads Choice Award nominee
- Fun Fact: Marie’s cat, Caesar, is her furry muse!
Ready to dive into a world of daemons, yokai, and fearless heroines? Snag Three Mages and a Margarita or Red Winter and lose yourself in Annette Marie’s spellbinding urban fantasy!