Picture a Los Angeles storyteller who conjured a fierce feminist fantasy world with a single book—meet Bree Barton! This young adult author burst onto the scene with her spellbinding debut, Heart of Thorns, in 2018, weaving tales of magic and empowerment that captivate readers worldwide. With a flair for vibrant prose and a knack for infusing real-world issues into fantastical realms, Barton’s work is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. A dance teacher and social media charmer under the handle Speak Breely, she’s a multifaceted creator whose journey from childhood storyteller to published novelist is pure magic.
The Making of Bree Barton
Bree Barton’s love for storytelling sparked early, penning her first book at the tender age of ten—a memoir, no less! By eleven, she was crafting tales of girls escaping oppression to form magical covens, a hint of the feminist themes that would define her later work. Based in Los Angeles, Barton drew inspiration from her travels through Peru, England, and Ireland, as well as the stark realities of global news. Her career took a practical turn when she stumbled into ghostwriting after querying college alumni, a gig that honed her discipline and manuscript-finishing skills. This blend of whimsy and grit set the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Bree Barton’s Unforgettable Stories
Barton’s debut, Heart of Thorns (2018), kicks off a trilogy set in a dark river kingdom where only women wield magic, feared as Gwyrach who manipulate flesh, bone, breath, and blood. The story follows Mia Rose, a huntress seeking revenge for her mother’s death, only to discover her own forbidden powers. Its fierce feminist lens and lush world-building earned praise from authors like Stephanie Garber, who called it a “fantastical feminist fairy tale.” The sequel, Tears of Frost (2019), deepens the saga with Mia’s quest to save loved ones, introducing dual perspectives and a snow-kissed kingdom. Soul of Cinder (2021) concludes the trilogy, tying together themes of betrayal, sisterhood, and self-acceptance. Barton’s middle-grade debut, Zia Erases the World, shifts to a lighter tone, exploring emotional depth through a young girl’s magical journey. Her style—cinematic, emotionally rich, and unapologetically feminist—blends high-stakes adventure with introspective character arcs, appealing to fans of Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor.
Why Bree Barton Matters
Barton’s impact lies in her ability to craft empowering narratives that resonate with young readers, particularly girls, in a world often stacked against them. Her stories tackle heavy topics like patriarchy, violence, and betrayal, yet offer hope through sisterhood and self-discovery. By drawing on real-world issues, she creates fantasy that feels urgent and relevant, encouraging readers to question power dynamics. Her books, translated into four languages and published in seven countries, have found a global audience, while her dance teaching and playful Speak Breely videos foster a community of creativity and connection.
- Key Works: Heart of Thorns (2018), Tears of Frost (2019), Soul of Cinder (2021), Zia Erases the World
- Fun Fact: Barton’s dog stars in Harry Potter-themed YouTube videos!
- Hometown: Los Angeles, now resides in Ithaca
Ready to dive into a world of magic and empowerment? Snag Heart of Thorns and let Bree Barton’s fierce feminist fantasies sweep you away!