Picture a New Zealand storyteller who spun Victorian mysteries with a steampunk twist—meet A.W. Exley! Writing under her pen name, Anita Exley, this historical fantasy author captivated readers with her thrilling Artifact Hunters series, blending romance, adventure, and ancient artifacts. A brush with mortality during the 2010 Canterbury earthquake sparked her writing journey, turning her love for Egyptology and history into unforgettable tales.
Exley’s stories transport readers to a steam-powered Victorian England, where feisty heroines like Cara Devon chase powerful relics. Her unique blend of historical accuracy and fantastical elements has earned her a devoted readership and critical acclaim, making her a standout in the steampunk genre.
The Making of A.W. Exley
Anita Exley, the mind behind A.W. Exley, grew up in rural New Zealand, where her fascination with history and Egyptology took root. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, a passion that later infused her novels with vivid historical details. While studying accountancy at university, she sneaked in Egyptology courses, learning to read hieroglyphics. The 2010 Canterbury earthquake was a turning point, prompting her to pursue writing full-time, channeling her love for long skirts, corsets, and ancient mysteries into her craft.
Exley began writing historical fantasy novels with a steampunk flair, initially publishing with Curiosity Quills before transitioning to self-publishing. Her rural New Zealand home, far from the urban bustle, shaped her unique perspective, infusing her stories with a sense of wonder and isolation that resonates with readers.
A.W. Exley’s Unforgettable Stories
Exley’s Artifact Hunters series is her crown jewel, a bestselling saga set in a mechanical Victorian England. The first book, Nefertiti’s Heart (2013), follows Cara Devon as she unravels a mystery involving a legendary diamond and a serial killer. Praised for its rich characters and immersive world, it earned a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick Award. Other series entries, like Hatshepsut’s Collar and Nessy’s Locket, weave Egyptian mythology with steampunk gadgets, creating a thrilling blend of history and fantasy.
Beyond Artifact Hunters, Exley explored other worlds. Her Serenity House series, starting with Ella, the Slayer, offers an Edwardian Cinderella tale with undead foes, while Silent Wings delivers gentle paranormal romance. Exley’s style is marked by fierce heroines, witty dialogue, and meticulous historical detail, balanced with fantastical “what if” scenarios, like mechanical hearts or magical artifacts. Her ability to ground steampunk in real historical events, while adding her own spin, sets her apart.
Exley’s writing is both accessible and evocative, appealing to fans of Gail Carriger and Meljean Brooks. Her novellas, like The Unicorn’s Tail, enrich her series with secondary characters’ stories, showcasing her knack for deep, layered storytelling.
Why A.W. Exley Matters
A.W. Exley brought a fresh voice to steampunk and historical fantasy, blending her New Zealand roots with global appeal. Her stories empowered readers with strong female leads and intricate worlds, resonating with those who love adventure and romance. By self-publishing later works, she inspired indie authors, proving that passion and persistence can break through in genre fiction.
Exley’s influence endures through her devoted fanbase and the timeless allure of her stories. Her work invites readers to explore history through a fantastical lens, making the past feel alive and thrilling. Her contribution to New Zealand’s literary scene, though understated, highlights the power of niche genres to connect with global audiences.
- Pen Name: A.W. Exley (Anita Exley)
- Key Works: Artifact Hunters series, Serenity House series, Silent Wings series
- Awards: Night Owl Reviews Top Pick for Nefertiti’s Heart
- Notable Trait: Combines Egyptology and steampunk in vivid historical settings
Ready for a steampunk adventure? Snag Nefertiti’s Heart and dive into A.W. Exley’s thrilling world of artifacts and romance!