Picture a California storyteller who spun vampire romance into a global sensation—meet Christine Feehan! With her debut novel Dark Prince in 1999, she launched a paranormal romance empire, blending steamy love stories with supernatural thrills. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Feehan’s seven series, including the Carpathian and GhostWalker sagas, have captivated millions with their rich worlds and heart-pounding suspense.
Born Christine King in Ukiah, California, Feehan grew up in a bustling household with three brothers and ten sisters, fostering her vivid imagination. Her knack for storytelling turned her into a literary trailblazer, earning her the title 'Queen of Paranormal Romance' from USA Today. Let’s dive into her journey, from a mischievous kid with a pen to a genre-defining icon!
The Making of Christine Feehan
Raised in a large, lively family, Christine Feehan was always scribbling stories, even when it landed her in trouble at school. Her love for books and storytelling shaped her early years, fueling a passion for crafting worlds where romance meets the supernatural. After teaching martial arts and working various jobs, she poured her energy into writing, debuting with Dark Prince, which introduced the Carpathian race—a vampire-like species seeking their lifemates. This bold start marked her as a fresh voice in paranormal romance, blending gritty action with emotional depth.
Christine Feehan’s Unforgettable Stories
Feehan’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 100 novels across seven series, each weaving romance, suspense, and paranormal elements. Her Carpathian series, starting with Dark Prince (1999), follows immortal Carpathians searching for love to avoid turning into soulless vampires. Its sensual prose and intricate lore hooked readers, earning three Paranormal Excellence Awards. The GhostWalker series, like Shadow Game (2003), dives into military experiments and psychic warriors, blending science with steamy romance. The Leopard series, including Leopard’s Scar (2022), explores shape-shifters with primal intensity, while the Torpedo Ink series, launched with Judgment Road (2018), mixes gritty biker culture with supernatural twists.
Feehan’s style is a heady mix of vivid world-building, complex characters, and pulse-racing plots. Her heroes are often alpha males with paranormal powers, paired with strong, empathetic heroines. Themes of love, redemption, and survival pulse through her work, making each series distinct yet unmistakably hers. Whether it’s the misty Carpathian Mountains or Louisiana’s sultry swamps, her settings leap off the page, pulling readers into her spellbinding narratives.
Why Christine Feehan Matters
Christine Feehan redefined paranormal romance, elevating it from niche to mainstream. Time Magazine credits her, alongside Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, with popularizing vampire tales, dubbing her the 'neck gripper' queen. Her innovative marketing—think book trailers in movie theaters—set industry trends, while her fan engagement through social media and conventions built a loyal community. With translations in multiple languages and formats like manga (Dark Hunger, 2007), Feehan’s global reach is undeniable. Her advocacy for romance as a legitimate genre has inspired countless writers, cementing her legacy as a pioneer.
About Christine Feehan
- Born: Christine King in Ukiah, California
- Debut Novel: Dark Prince (1999)
- Series: Carpathian, GhostWalker, Leopard, Drake Sisters, Sea Haven, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink
- Awards: Multiple Paranormal Excellence Awards, Romantic Times Awards
- Fun Fact: She has eleven children and lives with several dogs in California’s Redwoods
Ready to fall under Christine Feehan’s spell? Grab Dark Prince and dive into her thrilling paranormal romance world today!