Picture a storyteller weaving tales where folklore dances with political intrigue—meet Ava Reid! Born in Manhattan and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, this #1 New York Times bestselling author has enchanted readers with her gothic fantasy novels. With a knack for blending rich Hungarian and Ukrainian heritage with speculative fiction, Reid’s stories, like her debut The Wolf and the Woodsman, explore faith, power, and identity in worlds that feel hauntingly real.
Reid’s unique voice, shaped by her political science degree and love for Gothic literature, has made her a rising star in fantasy. Whether you’re drawn to dark academia or feminist retellings, her immersive narratives promise to pull you in and leave you thinking long after the last page.
The Making of Ava Reid
Born in 1996, Ava Reid grew up steeped in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Hoboken, with Ukrainian Jewish roots on her maternal side. At Barnard College, she studied political science, focusing on religion and ethnonationalism—topics that would later infuse her novels with depth and nuance. Her love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by fanfiction and authors like Shirley Jackson and Carmen Maria Machado. After graduating, Reid entered PitchWars, a contest that landed her an agent and her first book deal, launching her career with a bold, folklore-rich debut.
Ava Reid’s Unforgettable Stories
Reid’s novels are a masterclass in gothic fantasy, blending lush prose with themes of trauma, power, and transformation. Her debut, The Wolf and the Woodsman (2021), draws on Hungarian history and folklore, following Évike, a pagan woman navigating a world of religious conflict and sacrifice. Inspired by Saint Stephen’s brutal legacy, it’s a tale of survival and identity that critics hailed as enchanting.
Juniper & Thorn (2022) reimagines Grimm’s “The Juniper Tree” as a gothic horror set in Victorian-era Odessa, Ukraine. With its claustrophobic atmosphere and exploration of domestic abuse, it showcases Reid’s ability to weave personal and cultural histories into dark fairytales. Her young adult debut, A Study in Drowning (2023), a dark academia fantasy inspired by Welsh mythology, hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, following Effy Sayre as she unravels a mystery tied to her favorite author. Finally, Lady Macbeth (2024) reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic villainess as a gothic, feminist figure, cementing Reid’s love for ambitious, complex women.
Reid’s style—lyrical, atmospheric, and unflinchingly emotional—bridges adult and YA fantasy, appealing to readers who crave catharsis over escapism. Her worlds are vivid, her characters flawed and relatable, and her themes resonate deeply, especially for those navigating marginalization or trauma.
Why Ava Reid Matters
Ava Reid’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that are both timeless and timely. By weaving her Jewish and Ukrainian heritage into fantasy, she offers representation for readers rarely seen in the genre. Her focus on trauma and empowerment, particularly in characters like Effy, speaks to young readers and adults alike, fostering a sense of connection and resilience. Reid’s work challenges fantasy norms, blending speculative elements with literary depth, and her growing fanbase proves her stories resonate across cultures and borders.
As she continues to publish— with A Theory of Dreaming and Fable for the End of the World slated for 2025—Reid is redefining gothic fantasy, inviting readers to explore worlds where magic and humanity collide.
- Born: 1996, Manhattan, New York
- Key Works: The Wolf and the Woodsman, Juniper & Thorn, A Study in Drowning, Lady Macbeth
- Notable Achievement: #1 New York Times bestseller for A Study in Drowning
Snag A Study in Drowning and dive into Ava Reid’s haunting gothic fantasy today!