Picture a Texas-born storyteller who spun a zombie-infested Western that grips you like a desert wind—meet Emma Berquist! This American author, now calling New Zealand home, crafts young adult fiction that blends horror, adventure, and heart with a style that’s as gritty as it is captivating. Her debut, Devils Unto Dust, introduced a post-Civil War Texas where survival means outsmarting both the living and the undead, cementing her as a fresh voice in YA literature.
Berquist’s tales aren’t just stories; they’re journeys through harsh landscapes and complex emotions, perfect for readers who crave a mix of thrills and feels. Let’s dive into her world, from her Austin roots to her genre-bending novels that have readers buzzing.
The Making of Emma Berquist
Growing up in Austin, Texas, Emma Berquist was no stranger to the scorching sun and wide-open spaces that later inspired her vivid settings. As a kid, she spent summers devouring books, her love for horror movies and stories shaping her imagination. After stints as a librarian in San Antonio, a teacher in Singapore, and a barista in Los Angeles, she found her calling in writing. Now settled in New Zealand with her husband and dog, Berquist channels her diverse experiences into stories that pulse with authenticity and adventure.
Emma Berquist’s Unforgettable Stories
Berquist’s debut, Devils Unto Dust (2018), is a genre-bending masterpiece that fuses a classic Western with zombie horror. Set in 1877 Glory, Texas, it follows Daisy “Willie” Wilcox, a fierce 17-year-old protecting her siblings after a disease turns people into cannibalistic “shakes.” When her deadbeat father steals from a ruthless shake-hunter, Willie embarks on a perilous desert trek with two young hunters. Critics praised its gritty feminism and heart-pounding pace, calling it “True Grit meets 28 Days Later.”
Her second novel, Missing, Presumed Dead (2019), shifts gears to a haunting supernatural thriller. Lexi, a teen with the ability to foresee deaths, teams up with the ghost of a murdered girl to hunt a killer. This atmospheric tale tackles depression and identity with a touch of romance, showcasing Berquist’s knack for blending emotional depth with suspense. Both novels highlight her signature style: vivid settings, stubborn yet relatable heroines, and plots that balance action with introspection.
Berquist’s prose is sharp and evocative, painting desolate landscapes and complex characters with equal care. Her themes—survival, family, and resilience—resonate deeply, especially with YA readers who see themselves in her tenacious protagonists. While she’s hinted at new projects, fans are eagerly awaiting her next adventure.
Why Emma Berquist Matters
Emma Berquist’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into YA fiction by blending genres in unexpected ways. Devils Unto Dust carved out a niche for zombie Westerns, offering a feminist spin on a male-dominated genre. Her focus on strong, flawed heroines who defy their circumstances speaks to readers craving authentic voices. By setting stories in richly detailed worlds, from dusty Texas plains to eerie urban nights, she invites readers to confront fear and hope alongside her characters.
Though still early in her career, Berquist’s work has earned praise from outlets like Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal for its originality and emotional weight. Her growing fanbase, evident in glowing Goodreads reviews, proves she’s a storyteller to watch. For YA fans, Berquist is a gem who makes the genre feel thrillingly alive.
- Key Works: Devils Unto Dust (2018), Missing, Presumed Dead (2019)
- Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Western, Supernatural Thriller
- Current Home: New Zealand
Snag Devils Unto Dust or Missing, Presumed Dead and dive into Emma Berquist’s thrilling, heartfelt world of YA adventure!