Picture a Venezuelan storyteller who weaves magic, gods, and folklore into epic fantasies—meet Gabriela Romero Lacruz! Born in Venezuela and now a #1 Sunday Times bestselling author, she’s captivated readers with her debut novel, The Sun and the Void. With a knack for blending her homeland’s lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry into dark, twisty tales, Gabriela’s work is a vibrant bridge to Venezuela’s heart.
From her roots in chemical engineering to her artistic pivot as an illustrator and writer, Gabriela’s journey is as fascinating as her stories. Her unique perspective, shaped by Venezuela’s diverse biomes and folklore, makes her a standout voice in fantasy. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this rising star!
The Making of Gabriela Romero Lacruz
Born and raised in Venezuela, Gabriela Romero Lacruz grew up immersed in the Andes’ misty peaks and the Afro-Caribbean coast’s vibrant rhythms. With a mother from the Andes and a father from the coast, her childhood was a tapestry of Venezuela’s diverse cultures. She earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston, but after a stint in oil and gas, her creative spirit called. Launching The Moonborn, a brand featuring her illustrations, she began her artistic journey, setting the stage for her literary leap.
Gabriela’s writing draws heavily from her homeland’s folklore and history. Her travels across Venezuela’s páramo, Llanos, and coastal regions fueled her imagination, inspiring worlds where ancient gods and forbidden magic reign. Represented by Naomi Davis of Bookends Literary, she transitioned from illustrating to crafting novels that echo the beaches and mountains she holds dear.
Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s Unforgettable Stories
Gabriela’s debut, The Sun and the Void (2023), is a sweeping epic fantasy inspired by 1800s South American history and Venezuelan folklore. This #1 Sunday Times bestseller follows Reina, a half-human, half-nozariel outcast, and Eva, an illegitimate mixed-heritage woman, as they navigate forbidden magic and dark gods. Praised for its lush world-building and commentary on colonialism, the novel blends sapphic romance, political intrigue, and fearsome monsters.
Her upcoming novel, The River and the Star (2025), promises to expand the Warring Gods series, diving deeper into her intricate magic systems and vivid landscapes. Gabriela’s style is evocative, often described as flowery yet poignant, with a knack for crafting complex characters who grapple with identity and power. Her worlds pulse with Venezuelan elements—think aguinaldos, arepas, and folklore-inspired demons—making her stories both immersive and culturally rich.
Beyond novels, Gabriela illustrates book covers, infusing her art with the same romantic and fantastical flair as her writing. Her multidisciplinary approach—merging engineering precision with artistic freedom—sets her apart, creating stories that are as structured as they are imaginative.
Why Gabriela Romero Lacruz Matters
Gabriela Romero Lacruz is more than a fantasy author; she’s a cultural ambassador. Her work introduces global readers to Venezuela’s diverse heritage, from Andean traditions to Afro-Caribbean influences, challenging the genre’s Eurocentric norms. By centering queer, mixed-race heroines, she champions representation, resonating with readers who see themselves in her characters’ struggles for belonging.
Her impact extends to inspiring new voices in South American fantasy. Praised by authors like N.K. Jemisin and Ava Reid, Gabriela’s debut has sparked conversations about colonialism and identity, making her a vital voice in modern fantasy. As she continues her series, her legacy as a trailblazer grows, proving that stories rooted in specific cultures can captivate universally.
- Born: Venezuela
- Key Works: The Sun and the Void (2023), The River and the Star (2025)
- Notable Achievements: #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, starred review from Publisher’s Weekly
- Fun Fact: She runs The Moonborn, a brand featuring her own illustrations.
Ready to lose yourself in a world of ancient gods and lush landscapes? Snag The Sun and the Void and dive into Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s spellbinding fantasy!