Picture a British storyteller who blends cutting-edge science with heart-pounding adventure—meet Emma E. L. Young! An award-winning health and science journalist, Young has captivated young adult readers with her STORM series, where brainy teens tackle global threats with high-tech gadgets. Her knack for weaving scientific accuracy into thrilling narratives has made her a standout in both fiction and non-fiction.
With a psychology degree and decades of experience writing for outlets like the Guardian and New Scientist, Young brings a unique lens to her stories. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it sparks curiosity and inspires readers to explore the wonders of science. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author!
The Making of Emma E. L. Young
Emma E. L. Young, born in the UK, developed an early fascination with the human mind, earning a BSc in psychology from the University of Durham. Her career began in journalism, where she honed her ability to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging stories. Working as a senior online reporter for New Scientist in London and later as Australasian Editor in Sydney, she built a reputation for clarity and insight. This foundation in science communication would later shape her fiction, where real-world research underpins every plot twist.
Young’s transition to fiction was a natural evolution. Her love for storytelling, combined with a journalist’s rigor, led her to create narratives that feel both fantastical and grounded. Whether reporting on breakthroughs or crafting novels, her curiosity about the world drives her work.
Emma E. L. Young’s Unforgettable Stories
Young’s most celebrated work is the STORM series, a collection of science-based thrillers for young adults published under the pen name E. L. Young in the UK. The series follows a group of brilliant teenagers who form STORM (Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery), a covert organization using their intellect to thwart global threats. Titles like The Infinity Code (2007), The Ghost Machine (2007), The Black Sphere (2008), and The Viper Club (2008) brim with high-tech gadgetry and suspense, earning praise for their action-packed plots and shocking twists. The first book received a Kirkus starred review, and the series has been translated into French.
Beyond STORM, Young has explored other genres. Her young adult novel She, Myself and I (2017) delves into psychological themes, while Here Lie the Secrets (2020) is a gripping thriller about grief and parapsychology. In non-fiction, she’s penned works like Sane and Super Senses (2021), which make science accessible and fun. Her children’s books, such as Your Sense-ational Human Body, adapt complex ideas for young readers, earning accolades like a spot on the Guardian’s Best Children’s Books of 2023.
Young’s style is defined by meticulous research and a flair for suspense. She grounds her fiction in scientific fact, ensuring gadgets and plot points feel plausible, while her journalism background lends her narratives a crisp, engaging flow. Her stories often explore themes of resilience, discovery, and the power of knowledge, resonating with readers across ages.
Why Emma E. L. Young Matters
Emma E. L. Young’s work bridges the gap between science and storytelling, making complex ideas approachable for young readers. Her STORM series has inspired a generation to see science as an adventure, not just a subject. Her journalism, recognized with awards like the UK Medical Journalist’s Association Feature of the Year (2017) and Australian Health Journalist of the Year (2010), has shaped public understanding of health and psychology.
Young’s legacy lies in her ability to ignite curiosity. By blending fact and fiction, she empowers readers to question, explore, and imagine. Her global influence, from speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival to her books’ translations, underscores her impact as a communicator and storyteller.
- Born: United Kingdom
- Key Works: STORM series, She, Myself and I, Super Senses
- Awards: UK Medical Journalist’s Association Feature of the Year (2017), Australian Health Journalist of the Year (2010)
Snag The Infinity Code and dive into Emma E. L. Young’s thrilling world of science and suspense!