Picture a Canadian storyteller whose life reads like a fantasy novel, complete with volcanic eruptions and magical worlds—meet Catherine Egan! Born and raised in Vancouver, Egan has enchanted readers with her young adult fantasy novels, most notably Julia Vanishes and the Tian Di series. Her stories, brimming with intricate world-building and fearless heroines, capture the thrill of adventure and the complexity of identity, making her a standout in the genre.
From a volcanic island in Japan to the bustling streets of Spira City in her novels, Egan’s life and work are defined by unexpected twists and vivid imagination. Her unique ability to weave magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas into her tales has earned her a devoted following among fans of authors like Leigh Bardugo and Kristin Cashore.
The Making of Catherine Egan
Born in 1976 in Vancouver, Canada, Catherine Egan grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, which likely sparked her love for expansive, immersive worlds. With a BA in Honors English from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Japanese from Sheffield University, Egan’s academic journey reflects her curiosity and global perspective. Her early career took her to far-flung places—Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, and even an oil rig in Bohai Bay—but it was a volcanic eruption on Japan’s Miyake-jima island in 2000 that changed her life. Fleeing the chaos, she fell into the arms of her now-husband, a romantic twist straight out of her own novels.
Egan’s writing career began with a leap of faith. After submitting short stories to small presses, she caught the attention of Coteau Books, which published her middle-grade fantasy trilogy, The Last Days of Tian Di. This early success paved the way for her breakout in young adult fantasy, where her knack for crafting flawed, relatable characters shines.
Catherine Egan’s Unforgettable Stories
Egan’s novels are a masterclass in blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. Her Witch’s Child trilogy—Julia Vanishes (2016), Julia Defiant (2017), and Julia Unbound (2018)—follows Julia, a 16-year-old thief and spy with the ability to become “unseen,” navigating a world where magic is outlawed and witches face brutal public drownings. Set in the Victorian-inspired Spira City, the series weaves murder, betrayal, and witchcraft into a gripping narrative that explores identity and morality. Critics have praised its “sparkling” world-building and Julia’s feisty, flawed nature.
The Tian Di trilogy—Shade & Sorceress (2012), The Unmaking (2013), and Bone, Fog, Ash & Star (2014)—introduces readers to Eliza Tok, a young girl tasked with protecting a magical world despite her own lack of powers. This middle-grade series showcases Egan’s ability to craft expansive universes where witches, faeries, and humans coexist uneasily. Her latest works, The Factory and The Experiment (both 2025), promise to continue her tradition of bold storytelling.
Egan’s style is defined by richly detailed settings, morally complex characters, and a touch of folklore. Her worlds feel alive, whether it’s the gothic streets of Spira City or the mystical realms of Tian Di, and her heroines grapple with questions of power, loyalty, and self-discovery that resonate with readers of all ages.
Why Catherine Egan Matters
Catherine Egan’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. Her focus on strong, imperfect female protagonists challenges traditional fantasy tropes, offering young readers role models who navigate tough choices with courage and heart. By blending historical and fantastical elements, she creates worlds that feel timeless yet fresh, earning her comparisons to fantasy giants like Marie Lu.
Now based in New Haven, Connecticut, Egan continues to write while raising her two children and, as she playfully claims, “fighting dragon armies.” Her global experiences and adventurous spirit infuse her work with a unique vibrancy, making her a voice to watch in young adult fantasy.
- Born: 1976, Vancouver, Canada
- Key Works: Witch’s Child trilogy, Tian Di trilogy, The Factory (2025)
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Middle-Grade Fantasy
Ready to lose yourself in a world of magic and mystery? Snag Julia Vanishes and dive into Catherine Egan’s spellbinding storytelling!