Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves queer fantasy worlds with the flair of a cosplay sword collector—meet Ashley Shuttleworth! Born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and now calling Ontario home, Shuttleworth has carved a niche in young adult fantasy with their debut, A Dark and Hollow Star. Blending mythology, gaming vibes, and unapologetic LGBTQ representation, their work feels like a love letter to fans of intricate worlds and diverse heroes.
With a knack for crafting stories as vibrant as their cosplay creations, Shuttleworth’s The Hollow Star Saga has captivated readers since its 2021 launch. When they’re not writing, you might find them battling in Final Fantasy, piecing together a convention-ready costume, or adding to their sword collection alongside their cat, Zack. Let’s dive into the journey of this rising star!
The Making of Ashley Shuttleworth
Ashley Shuttleworth’s storytelling roots trace back to their childhood in British Columbia, where notebooks became playgrounds for fanfiction inspired by The Legend of Zelda and Artemis Fowl. With a BA in English Literature from Trent University, focusing on Greek and Roman mythology, they honed their craft while teaching in Seoul, South Korea. These experiences, mixed with a passion for gaming and fandom, shaped their unique voice, blending high fantasy with modern flair.
Their early love for complex narratives—think Kingdom Hearts or 400k-word fanfics—pushed them to create stories that don’t shy away from intricate world-building or emotional depth. Shuttleworth’s journey from fanfiction on AO3 to published author reflects their determination to tell stories where queer teens feel seen, a mission sparked by their own search for identity as a nonbinary, pansexual writer.
Ashley Shuttleworth’s Unforgettable Stories
Shuttleworth’s debut, A Dark and Hollow Star (2021), kicks off The Hollow Star Saga, a queer urban fantasy set in a magical Toronto. The story follows four teens—Arlo, a pansexual half-fae; Nausicaä, a lesbian Fury; Vehan, a bisexual prince; and Aurelian, his gay guardian—as they unravel a serial killer’s plot threatening the hidden fae courts. Inspired by Greek mythology, European folklore, and RPGs, the book’s vivid world and snarky humor draw comparisons to City of Bones and The Cruel Prince.
The saga continues with A Cruel and Fated Light (2022), diving deeper into philosopher’s stones and scheming immortals, and A Grim and Sunken Vow (2023), where the stakes climb higher against a formidable foe. Shuttleworth’s style shines through lush prose, complex characters, and casual yet powerful queer representation, tackling themes like trauma, self-worth, and found family. Their ability to weave mythology with modern pop culture makes each book a thrilling, inclusive adventure.
While the saga remains their flagship, Shuttleworth’s knack for blending humor, heart, and high stakes hints at more projects in the works. Their stories resonate with readers craving fantasy that feels both epic and deeply personal, proving that even in sprawling worlds, every character’s journey matters.
Why Ashley Shuttleworth Matters
Ashley Shuttleworth’s impact lies in their fearless commitment to representation. By centering queer, diverse characters in a genre often dominated by straight, white narratives, they’ve created a space where marginalized teens see themselves as heroes. Their Toronto setting, rich with cultural depth, challenges Eurocentric fantasy norms, while their nonbinary perspective adds authenticity to genderfluid and queer identities in their work.
Beyond books, Shuttleworth’s journey from fanfiction to published author inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and persistence can break barriers. Their stories, lauded for sensitivity to trauma and witty dialogue, have earned praise from authors like Nicki Pau Preto, cementing their place in YA fantasy’s evolving landscape.
About Ashley Shuttleworth
- Born: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
- Key Works: A Dark and Hollow Star (2021), A Cruel and Fated Light (2022), A Grim and Sunken Vow (2023)
- Hobbies: Gaming (Zelda, Final Fantasy), cosplay, sword collecting
- Fun Fact: They once taught English in Seoul, South Korea!
Snag A Dark and Hollow Star and dive into Ashley Shuttleworth’s spellbinding queer fantasy world today!