Picture a storyteller who conjures blood-soaked fairy tales and shadowy saints from the depths of Slavic folklore—meet Emily A. Duncan! This New York Times bestselling author has captivated young adult fantasy fans with her gothic, heart-wrenching Something Dark and Holy trilogy. Born and raised in Ohio, Duncan weaves tales that blend dark magic, complex characters, and existential questions, all while balancing her day job as a youth services librarian. Her unique ability to fuse eerie atmospheres with emotional depth has earned her a devoted following among readers craving something thrillingly different.
With a knack for crafting worlds where gods whisper and monsters lurk, Duncan’s stories are as much about inner turmoil as they are about epic battles. Her love for video games and Dungeons & Dragons shines through in her intricate world-building, making her novels feel like immersive quests. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Ohio-born wordsmith who’s redefining YA fantasy.
The Making of Emily A. Duncan
Emily A. Duncan grew up in Ohio, where her imagination was fueled by a passion for storytelling and a deep dive into Slavic folklore. She pursued a Master’s degree in library science from Kent State University, which, as she humorously notes, mostly taught her how to track down obscure folklore texts through interlibrary loan systems. This skill became a cornerstone of her writing, infusing her novels with authentic, eerie details from Eastern European myths. Working as a youth services librarian, Duncan found inspiration in the creativity of young readers, while her love for gaming and role-playing shaped her dynamic, character-driven narratives.
Her journey to authorship began in grad school, where she penned her debut novel, Wicked Saints, during downtime at a part-time library job. Duncan’s persistence and unique voice caught the attention of literary agent Thao Le, launching her into the spotlight as a fresh voice in YA fantasy. Her Ohio roots and librarian life keep her grounded, even as her stories soar into fantastical realms.
Emily A. Duncan’s Unforgettable Stories
Duncan’s Something Dark and Holy trilogy is the heart of her literary legacy. The series kicks off with Wicked Saints (2019), a New York Times bestseller that follows Nadya, a girl who speaks to gods, as she navigates a brutal holy war alongside a prince and a mysterious boy with a monstrous secret. The novel’s gothic atmosphere, blood-soaked magic, and star-crossed romance earned praise for its fresh take on YA fantasy, drawing comparisons to Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy.
The sequel, Ruthless Gods (2020), dives deeper into horror and cosmic dread, exploring themes of trust and identity as Nadya, Serefin, and Malachiasz grapple with their fractured fates. Blessed Monsters (2021) concludes the trilogy with a breathtaking finale, uniting the characters to confront a chaotic world they’ve shattered. Duncan’s writing style is vivid and cerebral, blending grotesque body horror with philosophical questions about faith, power, and morality. Her use of Slavic-inspired elements, like vampire lore and divine magic, creates a chillingly immersive experience that lingers with readers.
Beyond the trilogy, Duncan has hinted at new projects, including a gothic, structurally complex novel about twins that she describes as a “YA House of Leaves meets Gormenghast.” Her ability to push boundaries while staying true to her dark, introspective style keeps fans eagerly awaiting her next move.
Why Emily A. Duncan Matters
Emily A. Duncan has carved a niche in YA fantasy by blending Slavic folklore with modern gothic sensibilities, offering readers a fresh alternative to traditional fantasy tropes. Her focus on morally gray characters and existential themes resonates with teens and adults alike, sparking discussions about faith, identity, and the cost of power. As a librarian, she champions literacy and inspires young writers, proving that passion and persistence can turn dreams into reality.
Duncan’s influence extends to her ability to create worlds that feel both ancient and urgently relevant, drawing in readers who crave stories that challenge and unsettle. Her trilogy’s success, marked by critical acclaim and a spot on the Indie Next List, cements her as a rising star in fantasy literature.
- Born: Ohio, USA
- Key Works: Wicked Saints (2019), Ruthless Gods (2020), Blessed Monsters (2021)
- Notable Recognition: New York Times bestselling author, Indie Next Pick for Wicked Saints
- Fun Fact: She’s a Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast and metal music lover!
Ready to lose yourself in a snow-frosted, blood-drenched world? Snag Wicked Saints and dive into Emily A. Duncan’s hauntingly beautiful YA fantasy!