Picture a storyteller who spun a Mesoamerican-inspired saga of destiny and forbidden love—meet Emily Wibberley! This American author has captured the hearts of young adult readers with her thrilling blend of romance, action, and supernatural intrigue. Best known for her award-winning Last Oracle series, Wibberley crafts stories that pulse with feisty heroines and epic stakes, all while collaborating with her husband, Austin Siegemund-Broka, to create tales that resonate with teens and adults alike.
From her South Bay roots to her Princeton days, Wibberley’s journey to literary stardom is as captivating as her novels. With a knack for blending myth and modernity, she’s become a fresh voice in young adult romance, inviting readers to dive into worlds where love defies fate.
The Making of Emily Wibberley
Growing up in Southern California’s South Bay, Emily Wibberley was more likely to be found slaying zombies on her Xbox or binge-watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer than soaking up the sun. Her love for fierce heroines was sparked by devouring books like The Hunger Games and Pride and Prejudice. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Princeton University in 2014 with a degree in Psychology, Wibberley traded academic halls for storycraft, penning her debut novel, Sacrificed, which launched her into the young adult scene with a bang.
Emily Wibberley’s Unforgettable Stories
Wibberley’s Last Oracle series is her crown jewel, a trilogy that weaves Mesoamerican-inspired mythology with heart-pounding romance and supernatural twists. The series kicks off with Sacrificed (2015), where heroine Clio, inspired by the Greek prophet Cassandra, navigates her destiny as an oracle in a world of deities and danger. The novel’s fast-paced plot and vivid settings earned it multiple awards, including finalist spots in the 2015 International Book Awards and Beverly Hills Book Awards. Sequels Forsworn and Divined deepen Clio’s saga, blending epic battles with emotional depth.
Beyond the Last Oracle, Wibberley has teamed up with her husband, Austin Siegemund-Broka, for contemporary young adult romances like Always Never Yours (2018) and If I’m Being Honest (2019). These novels trade fantasy for high school drama, exploring first love and self-discovery with a Shakespearean flair, reflecting the couple’s shared passion for the Bard. Their adult romance, The Roughest Draft (2022), showcases their versatility, diving into the complexities of creative partnerships and second-chance love.
Wibberley’s style is a vibrant tapestry of lush world-building, strong female leads, and romance that crackles with tension. Whether she’s crafting ancient pyramids or modern-day prom scenes, her stories balance action with heart, making them irresistible to fans of young adult fiction.
Why Emily Wibberley Matters
Emily Wibberley has carved a niche in young adult literature by blending diverse cultural influences with universal themes of love and destiny. Her Last Oracle series stands out for its fresh take on mythology, offering readers a window into Mesoamerican-inspired worlds rarely explored in young adult fiction. Her collaboration with Siegemund-Broka adds a unique dynamic, their real-life romance infusing their co-written books with authenticity and warmth.
For teen readers, Wibberley’s heroines like Clio are empowering role models—brave, flawed, and unapologetically bold. Her ability to bridge fantasy and contemporary romance has broadened her appeal, making her a rising star whose stories inspire and entertain. As she continues to write, Wibberley’s influence is set to grow, promising more adventures that tug at the heartstrings.
- Born: South Bay, California
- Key Works: Sacrificed, Always Never Yours, The Roughest Draft
- Awards: Finalist in 2015 International Book Awards, Beverly Hills Book Awards
- Fun Fact: She names her rescue German Shepherds after characters from Aliens!
Ready to get lost in a world of oracles and romance? Snag Sacrificed and dive into Emily Wibberley’s spellbinding young adult adventures!