Picture a Colorado storyteller who reimagined Wonderland’s darkest corners with a thrilling twist—meet Colleen Oakes! Known for her captivating young adult fantasy novels, Oakes has carved a unique niche with her bold retellings of classic tales like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Her Queen of Hearts trilogy, a gripping origin story of Wonderland’s infamous villain, has hooked readers and even sparked interest in screen adaptations, proving her stories resonate far beyond the page.
With a knack for blending dark fantasy with emotional depth, Oakes crafts worlds that feel both whimsical and dangerously real. Living in North Denver with her family, she balances her prolific writing career with a love for swimming, traveling, and diving into nerdy pop culture. Let’s explore how this imaginative author became a standout voice in YA literature.
The Making of Colleen Oakes
Born in Denver, Colorado, Colleen Oakes grew up surrounded by books and big dreams. Her passion for storytelling was evident early on, with teachers encouraging her writing as early as fourth grade. She honed her craft at Concordia College in New York, graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing. Under the guidance of Dr. Mandana Nakhai, Oakes refined her voice, blending vivid imagination with sharp emotional insight. Before fully embracing writing, she worked as a wedding florist for nearly five years, an experience that inspired her debut romantic comedy, Elly in Bloom.
Colleen Oakes’s Unforgettable Stories
Oakes’s breakthrough came with the Queen of Hearts trilogy, a dark reimagining of Wonderland’s future queen, Dinah. The series—Queen of Hearts (2014), Blood of Wonderland (2014), and War of the Cards (2017)—follows Dinah’s transformation from a naive princess to a fierce, complex figure navigating betrayal and political intrigue. Critics praised the series for its vivid world-building and fresh take on familiar characters, with Kirkus and Publishers Weekly lauding its emotional depth and thrilling pace.
Her Wendy Darling trilogy—Stars (2015), Seas (2016), and Shadow (2017)—offers a feminist spin on Peter Pan, portraying Wendy as a strong, conflicted heroine battling Neverland’s darker forces. Oakes’s standalone novel, The Black Coats (2019), shifts gears to a gripping YA thriller about a vigilante group seeking justice, showcasing her versatility. Her recent middle-grade series, Second Favorite Daughter’s Club (2024), explores sibling rivalry with humor and heart, while Eleven Houses (2024), a paranormal YA thriller, dives into a haunting pandemic narrative.
Oakes’s style is marked by lush, immersive settings and flawed, relatable characters. Her ability to reframe classic tales with modern themes—identity, power, and resilience—has made her a favorite among YA fantasy fans. Whether it’s Wonderland’s twisted politics or Neverland’s shadowy secrets, her stories pulse with emotional stakes and unexpected turns.
Why Colleen Oakes Matters
Colleen Oakes has redefined YA fantasy by giving new life to beloved stories, making them accessible and relevant for today’s readers. Her focus on complex female protagonists, like Dinah and Wendy, challenges traditional fairy-tale archetypes, inspiring young readers to embrace their strength and flaws. The Queen of Hearts series, optioned for development, highlights her growing influence, bridging literature and media. By tackling themes of betrayal, empowerment, and redemption, Oakes crafts narratives that resonate emotionally, earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Her transition to middle-grade and paranormal genres shows her willingness to experiment, ensuring her work remains fresh and impactful. As a voice in contemporary YA, Oakes continues to shape the genre with stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
- Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
- Key Works: Queen of Hearts trilogy, Wendy Darling trilogy, The Black Coats, Second Favorite Daughter’s Club
- Education: B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing, Concordia College
- Fun Fact: Oakes owns an Underwood typewriter and two lazy golden retrievers!
Ready to fall down the rabbit hole? Snag Queen of Hearts or Wendy Darling: Stars and dive into Colleen Oakes’s thrilling, heartfelt YA fantasy worlds!