Picture a towering storyteller who conjured sea monsters and pirates in a futuristic world—meet Emily Skrutskie! This American author, standing six feet tall, has taken young adult science fiction by storm with her thrilling debut, The Abyss Surrounds Us. With a knack for blending heart-pounding action, diverse characters, and morally gray dilemmas, Skrutskie’s stories captivate readers and push the boundaries of YA literature.
The Making of Emily Skrutskie
Born in Massachusetts, raised in Virginia, and shaped by the rugged mountains above Boulder, Colorado, Emily Skrutskie’s journey is as dynamic as her novels. Her parents, astronomers, instilled a love for science fiction, sparking her imagination early on. At Cornell University, she pursued an eclectic mix of film, computer science, and game design, earning a B.A. in Performing and Media Arts. This unique blend of creativity and technical skill fueled her storytelling, leading to her breakout in YA sci-fi with HarperTeen and Flux publishing her early works.
Emily Skrutskie’s Unforgettable Stories
Skrutskie’s debut, The Abyss Surrounds Us (2016), introduces Cassandra Leung, a Reckoner trainer who raises genetically engineered sea monsters to protect ships in a pirate-infested NeoPacific. When captured by the pirate queen Santa Elena, Cas faces tough choices, weaving a tale of loyalty, survival, and a slow-burn f/f romance. Its sequel, The Edge of the Abyss (2017), dives deeper into Cas’s world, amplifying the stakes and emotional depth. Skrutskie’s Hullmetal Girls (2018) explores cyborg transformations and class divides in a space opera, while her Bloodright Trilogy, starting with Bonds of Brass (2020), delivers a galaxy-spanning saga of loyalty and love. Her latest, The Salvation Gambit (2023), follows a hacker outwitting an AI on a rogue warship. Skrutskie’s style shines with vivid world-building, diverse casts, and themes of identity, power, and resilience, all wrapped in fast-paced, cinematic prose.
Her commitment to diversity—featuring Chinese-American protagonists like Cas, Pacific Islander characters, and queer relationships—sets her apart. Skrutskie’s worlds feel authentic and inclusive, reflecting a future where identity shapes but doesn’t define the narrative. Her ability to balance action with emotional nuance makes her books addictive for YA and sci-fi fans alike.
Why Emily Skrutskie Matters
Emily Skrutskie is a trailblazer in YA science fiction, bringing fresh perspectives to a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Her focus on diverse, strong female leads and queer narratives has expanded representation, resonating with readers seeking stories that reflect their own complexities. Critics praise her world-building and character-driven plots, with The Abyss Surrounds Us earning starred reviews for its “fresh and fascinating” take on a lawless future. As she continues to publish—her next novel, A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace, is slated for June 2025—Skrutskie’s influence grows, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers to explore the vast possibilities of sci-fi.
- Born: Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: The Abyss Surrounds Us, Hullmetal Girls, Bonds of Brass, The Salvation Gambit
- Education: B.A. in Performing and Media Arts, Cornell University
- Upcoming: A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace (June 2025)
Snag The Abyss Surrounds Us and dive into Emily Skrutskie’s thrilling sci-fi adventures—your next obsession awaits!