Picture a globetrotting storyteller who spun her lens-focused adventures into spellbinding fantasy—meet Erin Summerill! Born in England and raised across Air Force bases from Hawaii to California, this young adult fantasy author weaves tales of magic, romance, and courage in her acclaimed Clash of Kingdoms series. Her debut, Ever the Hunted, hooked readers with its fierce heroine and lush world-building, proving Erin’s knack for crafting stories that linger like a perfect photograph.
The Making of Erin Summerill
Erin Calabio Summerill’s life reads like a novel itself. Born in England and claiming Hawaiian heritage, she grew up as an Air Force brat, hopping between bases in Hawaii, California, and England. With a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University, Erin initially taught high school English in Hawaii while mastering the art of wedding photography. Her international travels as a critically acclaimed photographer sparked the vivid settings of her fantasy worlds. Writing, though, was her true calling—she traded her Nikon for a pen, channeling her wanderlust into stories of warring kingdoms and magical quests.
Erin Summerill’s Unforgettable Stories
Erin’s Clash of Kingdoms series is her crown jewel, blending high fantasy with heartfelt romance. Ever the Hunted (2016) introduces Britta Flannery, a 17-year-old hunter navigating a world of dark magic and betrayal to find her father’s killer. Praised by Sarah J. Maas as “absolutely marvelous,” it earned a Beehive Book Award nomination and a Tome Con win. Its sequel, Ever the Brave (2017), deepens Britta’s journey as she grapples with newfound powers and a magical bond to a king, delivering swoon-worthy moments and intricate world-building. Once a King (2018) shifts focus to King Aodren and wind-wielding Lirra, wrapping the series with political intrigue and slow-burn romance. Erin also penned Clickologie: Elevating Your Photography from Beginner to Pro (2014), a non-fiction guide showcasing her photographic expertise. Her style—rich, immersive, and emotionally resonant—draws fans of Susan Dennard and C.J. Redwine.
Erin’s stories shine with strong, relatable heroines and themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and bravery. Her photography background infuses her prose with vivid imagery, making kingdoms like Malam and Shaerdan feel as real as her wedding portraits. Readers love her ability to balance action, romance, and magic, creating worlds where courage triumphs over fear.
Why Erin Summerill Matters
Erin Summerill’s impact lies in her ability to craft empowering stories for young adults, particularly young women, who see themselves in characters like Britta and Lirra. Her tales of resilience resonate in a genre often dominated by epic battles, offering a fresh voice that blends adventure with emotional depth. As a former educator, Erin inspires teens through workshops on “How to Do Hard Things,” encouraging them to face fears and chase dreams. Her photography-to-fantasy pivot also inspires aspiring authors, proving diverse passions can fuel storytelling. Now pursuing an MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Erin’s star continues to rise.
- Born: England, with Hawaiian heritage
- Key Works: Ever the Hunted, Ever the Brave, Once a King, Clickologie
- Awards: Beehive Book Award nominee, Tome Con winner for Ever the Hunted
Snag Ever the Hunted and dive into Erin Summerill’s enchanting fantasy world—your next adventure awaits!