Picture a Texan-turned-Jerseyite spinning tales of magic, mystery, and fierce heroines—meet Claire Legrand! This New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with her lush fantasy worlds and heartfelt stories, blending the spooky with the soulful. From her breakout Empirium Trilogy to chilling young adult horror, Legrand’s storytelling is a rollercoaster of emotions you won’t want to miss.
The Making of Claire Legrand
Born on May 2, 1986, in Irving, Texas, Claire Legrand initially set her sights on music, dreaming of a career filled with melodies. But stories kept whispering in her mind, pulling her toward literature. She earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of North Texas, briefly working as a librarian in Princeton, New Jersey, where she now resides. Her pivot to writing came naturally, with her debut novel, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, hitting shelves in 2012, marking the start of a prolific career.
Claire Legrand’s Unforgettable Stories
Legrand’s bibliography is a treasure trove of middle-grade and young adult fiction, each work brimming with vivid world-building and complex characters. The Empirium Trilogy—Furyborn (2018), Kingsbane (2019), and Lightbringer (2020)—is her crown jewel, a high-fantasy saga following two queens wielding elemental magic across centuries. Critics praise its intricate plotting and unapologetically ambitious heroines. Sawkill Girls (2018), a young adult horror novel, weaves feminist themes with eerie suspense, earning nominations for the Bram Stoker and Lambda Literary Awards. For younger readers, Some Kind of Happiness (2016) tackles mental health with tender authenticity, landing an Edgar Award nomination. Legrand’s style is a kaleidoscope of dark enchantment, emotional depth, and musicality—she even curates playlists for her novels, reflecting her lifelong love of music.
Her versatility shines in anthologies like The Cabinet of Curiosities (2014), a collection of spooky middle-grade tales co-authored with Stefan Bachmann, Katherine Catmull, and Emma Trevayne. From reimagining The Nutcracker in Winterspell (2014) to her adult debut, A Crown of Ivy and Glass (2023), Legrand fearlessly explores new genres, always grounding her stories in relatable human struggles.
Why Claire Legrand Matters
Claire Legrand’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate across ages and experiences. Her focus on strong, flawed female protagonists challenges stereotypes, empowering readers to embrace their complexities. The Empirium Trilogy’s epic scope has redefined young adult fantasy, while Sawkill Girls amplifies queer voices in horror. Her advocacy for mental health awareness, woven into her narratives, fosters empathy and understanding. Legrand’s work inspires a devoted fandom, sparking discussions on identity, power, and resilience, cementing her as a vital voice in contemporary literature.
About Claire Legrand
- Born: May 2, 1986, in Irving, Texas
- Key Works: Empirium Trilogy, Sawkill Girls, Some Kind of Happiness
- Awards: Nominated for Edgar, Bram Stoker, and Lambda Literary Awards
- Fun Fact: Creates playlists for each novel, inspired by her musical roots
Ready to dive into a world of magic and mayhem? Snag Furyborn or Sawkill Girls and let Claire Legrand’s spellbinding stories sweep you away!