Picture a storyteller who swapped courtrooms for zombie-filled forests—meet Carrie Ryan! This New York Times bestselling author crafts young adult novels that blend heart-pounding fantasy, mystery, and romance. Her debut, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, hooked readers with its post-apocalyptic chills, launching a career that’s as thrilling as her tales.
The Making of Carrie Ryan
Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Carrie Ryan grew up with a love for stories. A graduate of Williams College and Duke University School of Law, she initially pursued a career as a litigator. But the call of writing was stronger. In 2006, during National Novel Writing Month, she penned The Forest of Hands and Teeth, a daring zombie novel she thought might never sell. Spoiler: it did, and her legal days were happily left behind.
Carrie Ryan’s Unforgettable Stories
Ryan’s work is a masterclass in blending genres. The Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy—comprising the titular debut, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Dark and Hollow Places—follows resilient heroines navigating a zombie-ravaged world. Her lyrical prose and cliffhanger chapters make every page a pulse-pounder. Beyond zombies, Ryan’s versatility shines in Daughter of Deep Silence, a revenge thriller about hidden identities, and The Map to Everywhere series, a magical middle-grade adventure co-written with her husband, John Parke Davis. She’s also dipped into true-crime vibes with Dead Air, a serialized thriller crafted with Gwenda Bond and Rachel Caine.
Her style? Think vivid world-building meets emotional depth. Ryan’s stories explore hope, survival, and the human spirit, often through curious, complex characters like Mary, who dares to dream beyond her fenced-in village. Whether it’s zombies or pirates, Ryan’s knack for suspense and heart keeps readers hooked.
Why Carrie Ryan Matters
Carrie Ryan redefined young adult fiction by proving zombies could be more than gore—they could mirror our deepest fears and hopes. Her debut trilogy earned starred reviews and a film option, with fans like Maisie Williams set to star. By tackling diverse genres, from fantasy to mystery, Ryan inspires readers and writers to embrace bold, boundary-pushing stories. Her shift from lawyer to author also reminds us it’s never too late to chase a dream.
- Born: Greenville, South Carolina
- Key Works: The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Daughter of Deep Silence, The Map to Everywhere
- Fun Fact: She admits she’d never survive a zombie apocalypse!
About Carrie Ryan
Snag The Forest of Hands and Teeth and dive into Carrie Ryan’s thrilling world of survival and secrets!