Picture a Virginia storyteller who spun tales of magic, mayhem, and flirtatious heroes facing apocalyptic stakes—meet Emily Thiede! This bestselling young adult fantasy author has captured hearts with her Last Finestra series, blending Italian-inspired worlds with witty banter and slow-burn romance. From childhood dreams of dragon-riding to crafting novels that buzz with danger and charm, Thiede’s journey is as enchanting as her stories.
The Making of Emily Thiede
Born in New Jersey, Emily Thiede moved to Virginia as a teenager when her father joined the University of Virginia. Growing up, she devoured fantasy and sci-fi anthologies, with Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonsong as her first literary love. Her fascination with human connection, sparked during her studies at the University of Virginia, later shaped her debut novel’s unique premise—a heroine whose touch could kill. A former elementary school teacher, Thiede rekindled her passion for storytelling after her children were born, diving into writing during National Novel Writing Month at her mother’s urging.
Emily Thiede’s Unforgettable Stories
Thiede’s debut, This Vicious Grace (2022), introduces Alessa, a Finestra chosen by a goddess to amplify her partner’s magic but cursed to kill with her touch. Set on an island inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the novel blends high-stakes fantasy with romantic tension, earning praise as “one of the best fantasies of 2022” by Buzzfeed. Its sequel, This Cursed Light (2023), deepens the saga, following Alessa and her brooding bodyguard Dante as they rally an army against divine threats. A third book in the Last Finestra series is slated for 2025, promising more of Thiede’s signature mix of humor, heart, and danger. Her style—lush worldbuilding, sharp dialogue, and characters who flirt amid chaos—draws comparisons to Stephanie Garber and Tamora Pierce, with a touch of new adult spice that elevates the YA genre.
Thiede’s narratives often explore identity, community, and resilience, reflecting her own teenage experiences as an outsider navigating new schools. Her Italian-lore-infused settings, vivid food descriptions, and found-family tropes create immersive, relatable worlds that resonate with readers globally, with translations in a dozen languages.
Why Emily Thiede Matters
Emily Thiede’s impact extends beyond her page-turning novels. As a mentor in programs like Pitch Wars and Author Mentor Match, she nurtures aspiring authors, sharing her journey from NaNoWriMo to bestseller. Her work with Writer House, a Virginia nonprofit, and her Basic Pitches podcast amplify new voices in publishing. Thiede’s stories, with their fierce heroines and inclusive themes, inspire young readers to embrace their power and find their place in the world. Her ability to weave humor and heart into apocalyptic stakes has cemented her as a rising star in YA fantasy.
- Born: New Jersey, later moved to Virginia
- Key Works: This Vicious Grace (2022), This Cursed Light (2023), Last Finestra Book 3 (TBA 2025)
- Notable Recognition: 2023 Southern Book Prize Finalist, Indie Next Pick
- Fun Fact: She fosters rescue kittens and loves getting lost in Virginia’s woods
Snag This Vicious Grace and dive into Emily Thiede’s thrilling, romantic fantasy world—perfect for fans of magic and mischief!