Picture a storyteller who weaves magic, queerness, and raw emotion into every page—meet H.E. Edgmon! This militant queer author, a high school and college dropout, has taken young adult fantasy by storm with their debut novel, The Witch King. Based in Brooklyn, Edgmon crafts radical stories that center trans individuals, Indigenous people, and trauma survivors, drawing from their own journey as an outsider to create worlds that are both fantastical and fiercely real.
With a punk-rock vibe and a passion for making fascists uncomfortable, Edgmon’s work blends contemporary issues like systemic oppression and identity with spellbinding fantasy. Their stories aren’t just books—they’re revolutions wrapped in tarot cards and soulmate bonds, inspiring readers and writers to embrace their own messy, beautiful truths.
The Making of H.E. Edgmon
Born in the Deep South, H.E. Edgmon (he/they) describes themselves as 'at least a little feral.' Growing up, they found solace in fanfiction, where queer characters mirrored their own experiences—something rare in traditional publishing at the time. This love for escapist storytelling, coupled with their Seminole heritage and trans identity, shaped their path to authorship. Edgmon’s early life was marked by trauma and a sense of not belonging, but these challenges fueled their drive to write stories that give voice to the marginalized.
Their writing career kicked off with a bang when they penned The Witch King while pregnant, pouring their experiences into a narrative that’s equal parts angry and hopeful. Inspired by fanfic tropes and Halsey’s discography, Edgmon’s debut was a love letter to trans teens and a middle finger to oppressive systems.
H.E. Edgmon’s Unforgettable Stories
Edgmon’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of queer speculative fiction. Their debut, The Witch King (2021), follows Wyatt Croft, a trans witch navigating a fae-ruled kingdom and a complicated betrothal. The novel’s blend of magical metaphors and real-world issues like transphobia and systemic inequality earned it a Publishers Weekly starred review and a spot as a New York Public Library Best Book for Teens.
The sequel, The Fae Keeper (2022), picks up with high-stakes drama, diving deeper into anti-fascist themes and queer romance. Edgmon’s Godly Heathens (2023) introduces Gem Echols, a Seminole teen who’s the reincarnation of an ancient god, tackling dark, messy morals with a tender touch. Their upcoming Merciless Saviors promises more of the same monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional storytelling that School Library Journal praises.
Edgmon’s style is unapologetic—think witty dialogue, flawed characters, and worldbuilding that mirrors our society’s flaws. They subvert tropes like soulmate bonds and arranged marriages, infusing them with trans joy and Indigenous perspectives. Their stories don’t shy away from heavy topics like abuse or colonialism but handle them with sensitivity, making them accessible yet profound.
Why H.E. Edgmon Matters
H.E. Edgmon is more than an author—they’re a beacon for underrepresented voices in YA literature. By centering trans and Indigenous characters in epic fantasies, they challenge the genre’s norms and offer readers mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others. Their work resonates with queer teens who rarely see their identities in speculative fiction, providing validation and hope.
Edgmon’s impact extends beyond books. Their candid online presence, especially on Twitter (@heedgmon), fosters a community where fans connect over shared experiences of marginalization and resilience. Aspiring writers look to Edgmon as proof that outsiders can carve out space in publishing, inspiring a new generation to tell their own radical stories.
- Born: Deep South, USA
- Key Works: The Witch King, The Fae Keeper, Godly Heathens
- Awards: Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award for The Witch King audiobook
- Pronouns: He/They
Snag The Witch King and dive into H.E. Edgmon’s spellbinding blend of queer fantasy and revolution—or better yet, preorder Merciless Saviors to stay ahead of the magic!