Picture a Chicago storyteller who weaves magic into the bustling streets of the Windy City—meet Crystal Cestari! This young adult author has enchanted readers with her sassy heroines, mythical creatures, and tales that challenge the very idea of fate. With a notebook always in hand, Cestari crafts stories that blend modern-day romance with a sprinkle of supernatural sparkle, making her a rising star in YA fantasy.
Born and raised just outside Chicago, Cestari’s love for storytelling began in childhood, inspired by books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today, her novels capture the vibrancy of her hometown, inviting readers to explore a world where love matches are magical and high school drama comes with a side of witchcraft.
The Making of Crystal Cestari
Cestari’s journey to authorship started early. In fifth grade, she declared her dream of becoming a writer, driven by a passion for reading and sharing stories. Her wise elementary-school self still guides her, as she scribbles ideas longhand in notebooks, finding blank pages less daunting than a screen. With a master’s degree in mass communication, Cestari honed her craft, but her heart remained in YA fantasy, where she could blend humor, romance, and magic. A self-professed Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, she draws inspiration from sharp-witted heroines and paranormal adventures.
Living near Chicago with her daughter, Cestari’s life is as vibrant as her stories. She loves ice cream, bulldogs, and wandering Target aisles, while steering clear of broccoli and wet sneakers on linoleum. Her Chicago roots deeply influence her work, grounding her magical tales in familiar settings like Navy Pier and Lincoln Park.
Crystal Cestari’s Unforgettable Stories
Cestari’s breakout series, Windy City Magic, is a love letter to Chicago and YA fantasy. The trilogy follows Amber Sand, a matchmaker who can see true love but struggles with her own romantic fate. In The Best Kind of Magic (2017), Amber navigates high school and a supernatural mystery with Charlie Blitzman, the mayor’s son, sparking romance and adventure. Readers praise its witty heroine and vivid Chicago backdrop, likening Amber to Veronica Mars or Buffy Summers.
The series continues with The Sweetest Kind of Fate (2018), diving deeper into Amber’s romantic dilemmas and encounters with mermaids and sirens, and concludes with The Fairest Kind of Love (2019), where Amber grapples with faltering powers and her quest for a happy ending. Cestari’s standalone novel, Super Adjacent (2020), explores superhero fandom, blending humor and heart. Her writing style—sassy, romantic, and laced with magical realism—creates a cozy yet thrilling vibe, perfect for teens and adults craving light paranormal tales.
Cestari’s stories stand out for their relatable characters and exploration of fate versus free will. Amber’s struggle to reconcile her matchmaking gift with her own desires resonates with readers, while Chicago’s urban charm adds authenticity. Her ability to craft “fluffy yet meaningful” narratives, as fans describe, has earned her a loyal following.
Why Crystal Cestari Matters
Cestari’s impact lies in her ability to make magic feel accessible. By setting her stories in a recognizable Chicago, she invites readers to believe in the extraordinary within the everyday. Her heroines, with their quick wit and resilience, empower young readers to embrace their uniqueness, while her themes of love and destiny spark reflection on personal choices. As a Chicago native, she also celebrates her city, making it a character in its own right.
Though still early in her career, Cestari’s growing fanbase and festival appearances, like C2E2 2020, signal her rising influence in YA literature. Her stories offer an escape, blending humor and heart in a way that feels like a warm hug from a magical friend.
- Born: Just outside Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Windy City Magic series, Super Adjacent
- Inspiration: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Fun Fact: Writes all her stories longhand
Snag The Best Kind of Magic and dive into Crystal Cestari’s enchanting world of romance and witchcraft! Whether you’re a YA fan or just love a good magical mystery, her stories will leave you spellbound.