Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves history and the supernatural into unforgettable tales—meet Gemma Liviero! From her sunlit home in Queensland, this historical fiction maestro crafts novels that pulse with human struggle, courage, and a touch of magic. Her journey from corporate writer to acclaimed author is as captivating as her stories, pulling readers into worlds where the past feels vividly alive.
Liviero’s knack for blending gritty historical realities with fantastical elements has earned her a loyal following. Whether it’s the haunting WWII backdrop of Pastel Orphans or the mystical allure of her Buried Lore series, her work resonates with those who crave stories that linger long after the final page.
The Making of Gemma Liviero
Born and raised in Australia, Gemma Liviero’s early life was steeped in curiosity about the world’s stories. With a professional background in copywriting, corporate writing, and editing, she honed a sharp command of language before diving into fiction. Her advanced diploma in arts (writing) and ongoing studies in history and humanities fueled her passion for historical fiction. Inspired by family histories and interviews with WWII veterans, Liviero found her calling in exploring the human cost of conflict through a fantastical lens.
Her transition to novelist wasn’t overnight. Early works included Gothic fantasy for young adults, written during her studies but published years later. These laid the groundwork for her signature style: character-driven narratives that blend historical depth with supernatural intrigue.
Gemma Liviero’s Unforgettable Stories
Liviero’s bibliography is a treasure trove of historical fiction and fantasy. Her debut historical novel, Pastel Orphans (2013), a finalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, follows a young boy navigating the horrors of 1930s Berlin. Its raw depiction of resilience and hope skyrocketed to #1 in multiple Amazon historical fiction categories.
Broken Angels (2016) is another standout, set in the Lodz Ghetto during WWII. This heart-wrenching tale of resistance and survival showcases Liviero’s ability to craft complex characters facing impossible choices. Her Buried Lore series, comprising Marek and Lilah (both 2014), dives into Gothic fantasy, blending supernatural elements with medieval settings. These young adult novels explore identity and power through characters like Lilah, a girl with mysterious healing abilities.
Liviero’s style is immersive, weaving meticulous historical research with emotional depth and subtle fantastical threads. Themes of endurance, family, and hope thread through her work, set against war-torn or mystical backdrops. Her latest, An Age of Winters (2024), tackles 17th-century witch hunts, proving her versatility across eras.
Why Gemma Liviero Matters
Gemma Liviero’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history’s darkest moments while infusing them with hope and wonder. Her novels don’t just recount events—they immerse readers in the emotional and moral complexities of their characters. By blending historical and supernatural elements, she appeals to both history buffs and fantasy lovers, carving a unique niche in the literary world.
Her work has resonated globally, with translations in Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, and Slovak. Recognition like the Indie Book Awards finalist nod underscores her growing influence. Liviero’s stories remind us that even in the bleakest times, courage and connection can shine through, making her a vital voice in historical fiction.
- Born: Queensland, Australia
- Key Works: Pastel Orphans, Broken Angels, Buried Lore series, An Age of Winters
- Awards: Finalist, 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Ready to lose yourself in a world where history meets magic? Snag Pastel Orphans or Broken Angels and dive into Gemma Liviero’s spellbinding historical fiction!