Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a world of fire-wielding queens and forbidden love—meet Emily R. King! With her spellbinding Hundredth Queen series, this fantasy author has captivated readers, blending magic, romance, and fierce heroines. A shark advocate and mother of four, King’s unique journey from stay-at-home mom to celebrated novelist is as inspiring as her stories.
Born in Canada and raised in the USA, King’s life is a delightful mix of ‘eh’ and ‘y’all,’ reflecting her dual roots. Her passion for storytelling and her knack for crafting lush, immersive worlds have made her a standout in young adult fantasy, inviting readers to lose themselves in tales of courage and self-discovery.
The Making of Emily R. King
Emily R. King grew up with a love for books, devouring everything from fantasy to romance. Born in Canada, she moved to the United States, where she honed her writing while raising her four children in Northern Utah. A self-described islander at heart, King’s diverse interests—marine conservation, gummy bears, and scuba diving—infuse her work with authenticity. Her writing journey began in earnest at 24, balancing motherhood and manuscripts, often scribbling scenes between laundry loads and carpool runs. Joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she found a supportive community that fueled her path to publication.
Emily R. King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s breakout work, The Hundredth Queen (2017), introduces Kalinda, an orphan turned warrior queen in the Tarachand Empire, a richly imagined world inspired by Sumerian mythology. This young adult fantasy dazzles with action, forbidden romance, and themes of self-mastery, earning praise for its strong female characters. Its sequels—The Fire Queen, The Rogue Queen, and The Warrior Queen—expand Kalinda’s saga, weaving magic, betrayal, and epic battles. The Rogue Queen shifts to a large-scale war, keeping readers on edge with its vibrant pacing.
Beyond the Hundredth Queen series, King’s Evermore Chronicles explores time-bending adventures, while her Wings of Fury duology dives into ancient Greek mythology, showcasing fierce heroines like Althea Lambros. King’s style is vivid and accessible, blending lush worldbuilding with emotional depth. Her focus on empowered women and intricate magic systems resonates with fans of authors like Sabaa Tahir and Kristin Cashore.
King’s ability to craft relatable characters shines through Kalinda, whose journey from a sickly orphan to a revolutionary queen mirrors King’s own transformation as a writer. Her stories tackle themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and defying oppressive traditions, making them both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Emily R. King Matters
Emily R. King’s impact lies in her ability to create empowering narratives that resonate with young readers. Her heroines, like Kalinda, inspire courage and resilience, challenging patriarchal norms in fantastical settings. King’s diverse influences—drawing from Sumerian myths and her marine conservation advocacy—add depth to her worlds, encouraging readers to explore new perspectives. As a Canadian-American author, she bridges cultures, and her journey as a mother-turned-novelist motivates aspiring writers to pursue their dreams despite life’s demands.
King’s active engagement with her writing community and her mentorship of new authors further amplify her legacy. Her stories, filled with heart and adventure, continue to spark imaginations, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Canada
- Key Works: The Hundredth Queen series, Evermore Chronicles, Wings of Fury duology
- Fun Fact: King is a certified scuba diver and shark advocate!
Snag The Hundredth Queen and dive into Emily R. King’s enchanting fantasy worlds today!