Picture a Kansas City storyteller who weaves zombies and heartbreak into unforgettable tales—meet Britney S. Lewis! This rising star in young adult fiction has captivated readers with her surrealist narratives, blending the eerie with heartfelt explorations of grief, love, and self-discovery. Her unique voice, rooted in vivid imagery and emotional depth, makes her a standout in contemporary YA literature.
With her debut novel, The Undead Truth of Us, Lewis introduced a fresh take on zombies, earning praise for its lyrical prose and poignant themes. Her follow-up, The Dark Place, solidified her as a must-read author. Let’s dive into the world of Britney S. Lewis and discover what makes her stories so spellbinding!
The Making of Britney S. Lewis
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Britney S. Lewis grew up enchanted by storytelling and the idea that magic pulses through our world. She earned a B.A. in corporate communications, blending business and art, which later fueled her creative career. Before becoming a full-time author, Lewis worked in marketing and as an editor for greeting cards, honing her knack for crafting impactful words. Her passion for diverse voices led her to support initiatives like We Need Diverse Books and engage with communities like #DVpit, shaping her commitment to inclusive storytelling.
Lewis’s love for West Coast Swing dancing and urban hiking infuses her work with a vibrant, grounded energy. Her debut novel was inspired by her fascination with zombie narratives, but she reimagined them through a lens of grief and love, setting the stage for her distinctive style.
Britney S. Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Lewis’s debut, The Undead Truth of Us (2022), follows sixteen-year-old Zharie Young, a Black dancer grappling with her mother’s death and visions of zombies. This Kansas Notable Book of 2023 blends horror, romance, and magical realism, using zombies as a metaphor for heartbreak. Critics praised its lyrical prose and vivid sensory details, likening it to The Astonishing Color of After meets Warm Bodies. Lewis’s use of Vincent van Gogh-inspired imagery adds a dreamlike quality, making Zharie’s journey both haunting and hopeful.
Her sophomore novel, The Dark Place (2023), dives deeper into surrealist horror, following Hylee as she investigates time, space, and her brother’s fate. With alternating timelines and poetic narration, it’s been compared to John Green’s relatability fused with Jordan Peele’s eerie wit. Lewis’s upcoming book, Blood Moon (2025), promises a high-stakes paranormal romance centered on a Black college student caught in a werewolf-vampire war, showcasing her versatility in fantasy.
Lewis’s style is a kaleidoscope of raw emotion, creepy imagery, and cultural nuance. Her characters, often people of color, navigate heavy themes like loss and identity with authenticity, earning her acclaim for crafting stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Why Britney S. Lewis Matters
Britney S. Lewis is redefining young adult fiction by blending speculative elements with real-world struggles, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Her focus on Black protagonists and diverse narratives fills a vital gap, amplifying voices that resonate with readers seeking authentic representation. Her work has sparked conversations about grief and healing, making her a vital voice for Gen Z readers and beyond.
As a Kansas award-winning author, Lewis’s impact extends beyond her books. Her engagement with readers on platforms like TikTok and her advocacy for diverse literature inspire aspiring writers, proving that storytelling can be both magical and meaningful. With Blood Moon on the horizon, Lewis’s star is only rising.
- Born: Kansas City, Kansas
- Key Works: The Undead Truth of Us (2022), The Dark Place (2023), Blood Moon (2025)
- Awards: Kansas Notable Book of 2023 for The Undead Truth of Us
- Hobbies: West Coast Swing dancing, urban hiking, binge-watching TV shows
Snag The Undead Truth of Us and dive into Britney S. Lewis’s hauntingly beautiful world of zombies, love, and self-discovery!