Picture a rocket scientist spinning tales of dragons and magic—meet J.A. Andrews! This American fantasy author, best known for her bestselling Keeper Chronicles series, traded aerospace engineering for epic storytelling. With a knack for crafting worlds where hope battles darkness, Andrews captivates readers with her unique blend of science and fantasy.
Her journey from crunching numbers to weaving narratives is as inspiring as her books. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Montana-based wordsmith who proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The Making of J.A. Andrews
Born on March 14, 2000, J.A. Andrews grew up with a love for math, science, and fantasy novels. Influenced by her engineer father, she pursued aerospace engineering in college, drawn to the fantastical possibilities of space. Yet, the realities of engineering—think bolts and bridges—felt lackluster compared to the worlds of Terry Brooks and Anne McCaffrey she adored. After a stint as a telecommunications engineer, Andrews left the field when her first child arrived, choosing to homeschool her three kids in Montana’s Rocky Mountains.
Writing wasn’t initially on her radar. It was a month-long separation from her physician husband that sparked her first novel, A Threat of Shadows. She emailed him a chapter nightly to keep him entertained, and those chapters became the seed of her Keeper Chronicles. Andrews’ pivot from science to storytelling highlights her belief that passion can reshape a career.
J.A. Andrews’s Unforgettable Stories
The Keeper Chronicles trilogy, starting with A Threat of Shadows (2016), introduces Alaric, a Keeper tasked with protecting ancient histories and wielding magic. This epic fantasy series, praised for its emotional depth and classic high-fantasy vibe, follows Alaric’s quest to save his dying wife, joined by quirky companions facing dragons and frost goblins. The trilogy continues with Pursuit of Shadows (2018) and Siege of Shadows (2019), earning comparisons to Michael J. Sullivan for its hopeful yet high-stakes narrative.
Andrews’ Keeper Origins series, beginning with Dragon’s Reach (2020), explores the same world centuries earlier, focusing on Sable, a truth-sensing thief. Her standalone tale, A Keeper’s Tale: The Story of Tomkin and the Dragon (2016), delights with its snarky, dragon-centric romp. Andrews’ style blends intricate world-building with heartfelt characters, infused with a nerdy nod to energy-based magic inspired by her scientific roots.
Her stories resonate for their balance of light and dark, avoiding grimdark tropes while tackling war and loss. Fans love her rich characters—elves, dwarves, and mages—who feel fresh yet timeless, and her ability to craft friendships that leap off the page.
Why J.A. Andrews Matters
J.A. Andrews has carved a niche in epic fantasy, offering readers a refreshing take on classic tropes. Her transition from aerospace engineer to author inspires aspiring writers, showing that unconventional paths can lead to success. With over 15,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.44, her work connects with fans who crave immersive, character-driven stories. Andrews’ focus on hope and resilience speaks to a broad audience, from teens to adults.
Living in Montana, she continues to expand her universe with the Aenigma Lights series, including Runelight (2023) and Mistlight (2024). Her influence lies in proving that fantasy can be both epic and accessible, inviting readers to find magic in their own lives.
- Born: March 14, 2000
- Key Works: Keeper Chronicles, Keeper Origins, A Keeper’s Tale: The Story of Tomkin and the Dragon
- Residence: Rocky Mountains, Montana
- Influences: David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks
Snag A Threat of Shadows and dive into J.A. Andrews’s enchanting world of magic and adventure!