Picture an American storyteller who weaves epic tales of rebellion and identity, drawing from a life of global adventures—meet C.L. Clark! Known for their groundbreaking debut novel, The Unbroken, Clark has carved a unique space in political fantasy, blending North African-inspired worlds with sharp commentary on colonialism and diversity. With a knack for crafting complex characters and a passion for pushing speculative fiction forward, Clark’s work is a must-read for fantasy fans craving something fresh and thought-provoking.
Born in Kansas City, Clark’s journey to literary stardom is as dynamic as their stories. A globetrotter with a resume that spans teaching, editing, and personal training, they bring a worldly perspective to their writing, championing queer and diverse narratives in a genre often dominated by traditional tropes.
The Making of C.L. Clark
Cherae Clark, who writes as C.L. Clark, grew up in Kansas City, where early encounters with fantasy classics like The Sword in the Stone and The Eye of the World sparked a lifelong love for speculative fiction. After earning an MFA in creative writing from Indiana University, Clark honed their craft as a 2012 Lambda Literary Fellow, diving deep into the art of storytelling. Their eclectic career—teaching English, swinging kettlebells as a trainer, and editing for outlets like PodCastle—shaped their disciplined yet adventurous approach to writing. Traveling the world, Clark soaked up histories of war and post-colonialism, which would later fuel the rich, layered worlds of their fiction.
C.L. Clark’s Unforgettable Stories
Clark’s debut novel, The Unbroken (2021), kicked off the Magic of the Lost trilogy with a bang. Set in a North African-inspired empire, it follows Touraine, a conscripted soldier torn between her colonized homeland and the empire that raised her, and Luca, a princess navigating power struggles. Praised for its nuanced exploration of colonialism and identity, the novel earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, plus nominations for the Nebula and Ignyte Awards. Its sapphic romance and military intrigue make it a standout in political fantasy.
The trilogy continues with The Faithless (2023), diving deeper into rebellion and loyalty, and the upcoming The Sovereign (2025). Beyond novels, Clark’s short fiction, like the Ignyte Award-winning “You Perfect, Broken Thing” in Uncanny Magazine, showcases their ability to pack emotional punches in compact forms. Their work as co-editor of We’re Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction 2020 further cements their commitment to amplifying diverse voices in sci-fi and fantasy.
Clark’s style is vivid and deliberate, blending gritty military detail with lyrical prose. Their stories tackle heavy themes—colonialism, power dynamics, and queer identity—with a human touch, making readers root for flawed, relatable characters. Drawing from real-world histories, Clark crafts worlds that feel both fantastical and hauntingly familiar, pushing fantasy to reflect the complexities of our own.
Why C.L. Clark Matters
C.L. Clark is redefining political fantasy by centering marginalized voices and challenging genre norms. Their focus on queer and diverse characters, paired with unflinching examinations of empire and resistance, resonates with readers seeking stories that mirror the world’s messy realities. As an editor and advocate, Clark’s work with PodCastle and anthologies like We’re Here has opened doors for underrepresented writers, making speculative fiction more inclusive. Their global perspective and academic rigor elevate their storytelling, earning them a loyal following and critical acclaim.
About C.L. Clark
- Birthplace: Kansas City, USA
- Key Works: The Unbroken (2021), The Faithless (2023), “You Perfect, Broken Thing” (2020)
- Awards: Ignyte Award for Best Short Story (2021), British Fantasy Award for PodCastle editing
- Fun Fact: Clark studies languages and post-colonial history while traveling the world!
Ready to dive into a world of rebellion, romance, and revolution? Snag The Unbroken and discover C.L. Clark’s bold, brilliant take on political fantasy!