Picture a California-born storyteller who whisks readers to magical, Belle Époque-inspired worlds—meet Emily J. Taylor! With a knack for crafting dark, enchanting young adult fantasy, Taylor’s debut novel, Hotel Magnifique, became an instant New York Times bestseller in 2022. Her nomadic spirit and creative director career fuel her glittering narratives, spun during Minneapolis’s long winters.
From a childhood in California to living across four states and two continents, Taylor’s life is a tapestry of experiences that shape her spellbinding stories. Let’s dive into the journey of this rising star in YA fantasy, whose worlds are as vibrant as they are mysterious.
The Making of Emily J. Taylor
Born and raised in California, Emily J. Taylor never stayed rooted for long. Her travels across four states and two continents provided a treasure trove of inspiration, from bustling cities to quiet, far-flung corners. Before writing, Taylor worked as an art director, a role that honed her visual storytelling skills. It wasn’t until her thirties, feeling creatively burned out after having a baby, that she turned to writing as a personal outlet. A friend’s suggestion to try a creative hobby sparked her journey, leading her to craft the dazzling worlds she’s now known for.
Initially dabbling in contemporary fiction, Taylor found her true calling in fantasy, inspired by her love for lush, second-world settings. Her background in visual arts and passion for reading shaped her vivid, immersive style, setting the stage for her breakout success.
Emily J. Taylor’s Unforgettable Stories
Taylor’s debut, Hotel Magnifique (2022), is a decadent YA fantasy that transports readers to a magical hotel that appears in a new destination every morning. Following sisters Jani and Zosa, who uncover the hotel’s dark secrets, the novel blends Belle Époque aesthetics with sinister enchantments. Its rich world-building, inspired by 19th-century French magicians’ tricks and Taylor’s Pinterest boards, earned praise for its Caraval-like allure and intricate magic system.
In 2025, Taylor released The Otherwhere Post, a pulse-pounding fantasy about Maeve, a teen infiltrating a magical postal service to clear her father’s name. Set in a world connected by scriptomancy—magic through inked words—the novel showcases Taylor’s knack for intricate plots and emotional depth. Both works highlight her signature style: lush, visual prose, darker undertones, and a touch of romance that never overshadows the main narrative.
Taylor’s stories resonate with YA readers for their daring, strange worlds and relatable characters, like Jani’s fierce protectiveness or Maeve’s determination. Her ability to twist familiar settings—like hotels or postal systems—into magical, menacing realms sets her apart in the genre.
Why Emily J. Taylor Matters
Emily J. Taylor has carved a niche in YA fantasy with her ability to blend whimsy with grit, creating worlds that feel both fantastical and grounded. Her debut’s success, lauded by authors like Erin A. Craig and Adalyn Grace, marked her as a fresh voice in a crowded genre. By drawing on her diverse experiences and visual arts background, Taylor crafts stories that captivate readers and inspire budding writers to embrace their unique perspectives.
Her focus on sisterhood, resilience, and uncovering hidden truths resonates deeply with teens, while her inclusive character descriptions and diverse relationships broaden the genre’s appeal. As she continues to build her bibliography, Taylor’s influence is poised to grow, enchanting a new generation of fantasy lovers.
- Born: California, USA
- Key Works: Hotel Magnifique (2022), The Otherwhere Post (2025)
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee
Snag Hotel Magnifique and dive into Emily J. Taylor’s dazzling YA fantasy world today!