Picture a storyteller who spins tales of forbidden magic and star-crossed love in a world sunk by celestial war—meet Frankie Diane Mallis! This bestselling author of the Drowned Empire romantic fantasy series has enchanted readers with her lush, immersive worlds and heart-pounding plots. A former professional belly dancer and yoga instructor, Mallis infuses her writing with a unique blend of physical grace and spiritual depth, making her a standout in contemporary fantasy.
From her home outside Philadelphia, Mallis crafts stories that pulse with political intrigue, forbidden romance, and fierce heroines. Her debut, Daughter of the Drowned Empire, skyrocketed to #1 on Amazon, earning a spot as a Barnes & Noble Blog Top 5 Indie Fave. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of Frankie Diane Mallis!
The Making of Frankie Diane Mallis
Growing up outside Philadelphia, Frankie Diane Mallis was always a creator at heart. Before she became a bestselling author, she dazzled audiences as a professional belly dancer for over a decade and earned her 200-hour yoga certification. Her passion for movement and storytelling converged when she began writing, drawing on her experiences to craft vivid, dynamic worlds. As an award-winning professor at Arcadia University, Mallis honed her ability to connect with audiences, a skill that shines through in her engaging narratives.
Mallis’s journey to writing fantasy romance wasn’t a straight path. Inspired by mythology, history, and the emotional depth of human connection, she found her voice in the romantasy genre, blending high-stakes adventure with slow-burn romance. Her unique perspective as a dancer and yogi infuses her work with a rhythmic, almost cinematic quality that pulls readers into her worlds.
Frankie Diane Mallis’s Unforgettable Stories
The Drowned Empire series is Mallis’s crown jewel, a romantasy saga that combines the political intrigue of Throne of Glass with the magical allure of Fourth Wing. Daughter of the Drowned Empire (2022) introduces Lady Lyriana Batavia, a 19-year-old mage navigating a treacherous empire where magic is tightly controlled. Readers rave about its slow-burn romance and immersive world-building, with one calling it 'a breathtaking fantasy that had me blushing from the first page!'
Guardian of the Drowned Empire (2022) deepens the stakes, following Lyr’s warrior training and forbidden love with Lord Rhyan Hart. Fans love the emotional intensity and plot twists, with reviews praising Mallis’s ability to make every scene purposeful. Lady of the Drowned Empire (2023) and the upcoming Warrior of the Drowned Empire (2025) continue Lyr’s journey, while companion novels like Son of the Drowned Empire (2023) and Solstice of the Drowned Empire (2022) expand the lush Lumerian world.
Mallis’s style is a masterclass in balance: her prose is descriptive yet fluid, weaving intricate court dynamics with raw emotional stakes. Themes of empowerment, sacrifice, and forbidden love resonate deeply, drawing comparisons to Cleopatra’s cunning and grit. Her ability to craft flawed, relatable characters like Lyr—intelligent but not invincible—sets her apart in the romantasy genre.
Why Frankie Diane Mallis Matters
Frankie Diane Mallis has carved a niche in romantasy, captivating readers with her ability to blend high fantasy with heart-wrenching romance. Her Drowned Empire series has not only topped charts but also built a fervent community, with fans on BookTok and Discord gushing over characters like Rhyan Hart. Mallis’s indie success highlights her hustle and creativity, proving that self-published authors can rival traditional heavyweights.
Beyond her books, Mallis’s influence extends to her role as a co-host of Bothered & Bewildered: A Buffyverse Podcast, where her wit and nerdy charm shine. Her background as a dancer and professor brings a fresh perspective to fantasy, inspiring readers to embrace their own strength and creativity. In a genre often dominated by predictable tropes, Mallis’s unique voice is a breath of fresh air.
- Key Works: Daughter of the Drowned Empire, Guardian of the Drowned Empire, Lady of the Drowned Empire, Son of the Drowned Empire
- Hobbies: Belly dancing, yoga, baking gluten-free desserts
- Fun Fact: Mallis was a professional belly dancer for over a decade!
Ready to get lost in a world of mages, warriors, and forbidden love? Snag Daughter of the Drowned Empire and dive into Frankie Diane Mallis’s spellbinding romantasy!