Picture a Newfoundland storyteller who spun dystopian myths into gripping young adult tales—meet Caighlan Smith! Born in 1994 in St. John’s, this fantasy author has captivated readers with her vivid imagination and deep character-driven narratives. At just 22, she was already making waves with novels like Hallow Hour and Children of Icarus, blending Greek mythology with post-apocalyptic stakes.
Caighlan’s journey is as enchanting as her stories. From pillow mazes as a child to earning a Master’s in Fantasy Literature, her love for storytelling shines. Let’s dive into the world of this rising star whose Newfoundland roots and mythic flair are reshaping young adult fantasy.
The Making of Caighlan Smith
Born on June 1, 1994, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Caighlan grew up in St. Philip’s, overlooking the dramatic northwest Atlantic. As a child, she believed in magic, crafting tales in the woods and hunting for leprechauns during a family trip to Ireland at age four. By 13, she wrote a 550-page fantasy novel, and at 17, her third novel, Hallow Hour, landed a publisher. Studying English, Classics, and Creative Writing at Memorial University of Newfoundland, she honed her craft, later pursuing a Master’s in Fantasy Literature at the University of Glasgow as a Saltire Scholar.
Caighlan Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Caighlan’s debut, Hallow Hour (2013), kicks off the Surreality series, blending video game-inspired action with post-apocalyptic survival. Written in her final high school year, it showcases her knack for fast-paced plots and supernatural stakes. The series continues with New Year (2014), Firefly (2016), and Into Surreality (2016), each diving deeper into a nightmarish world of phantoms and orphaned heroes.
Her standout work, Children of Icarus (2016), reimagines Greek mythology in a dystopian labyrinth called Daedalum. Praised for twisting familiar YA tropes, it follows a nameless narrator fighting to survive monstrous trials. Its sequel, Children of Daedala (2018), deepens the saga’s emotional stakes. Caighlan’s style fuses mythic depth, vivid characterization, and a cinematic urgency, drawing from her love of gaming and classical myths. Her short fiction, like A Pest Most Fiendish on Tor.com, adds dark fantasy flair with steampunk pest exterminators.
With 14 novels and a novella by her early 20s, Caighlan’s productivity is staggering. Her stories resonate with young adults, reflecting their rapid growth and struggles, a theme she consciously weaves into her character arcs.
Why Caighlan Smith Matters
Caighlan’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into young adult fantasy. Her Newfoundland heritage infuses her work with a rugged, coastal spirit, while her academic grounding in classics elevates her storytelling. Winning the 2018 Scottish Teenage Book Prize for Children of Icarus and the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship in 2022 underscores her growing influence. As a supporter of universal girl-child education, she also champions empowerment, reflected in her fierce, nuanced heroines.
Her work inspires readers to embrace their inner strength and imagination, making her a voice to watch in fantasy literature. As she continues her PhD and new projects, Caighlan is poised to leave a lasting mark.
About Caighlan Smith
- Born: June 1, 1994, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
- Key Works: Hallow Hour, Children of Icarus, Children of Daedala
- Awards: 2018 Scottish Teenage Book Prize, 2022 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Fun Fact: The ‘C’ in her name is hard, and the ‘gh’ is silent!
Snag Children of Icarus and dive into Caighlan Smith’s mythic, heart-pounding world of young adult fantasy!