Picture an American storyteller who wove a world of sensuality, intrigue, and epic fantasy—meet Jacqueline Carey! Born in 1964 in Highland Park, Illinois, Carey burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Kushiel's Dart, in 2001, captivating readers with her lush prose and daring themes. Known for blending historical fantasy with romance and political drama, she’s a master of immersive storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
The Making of Jacqueline Carey
Carey’s journey to literary stardom began in the Chicago suburbs, where she earned B.A. degrees in psychology and English literature from Lake Forest College in 1986. A pivotal six-month stint working in a London bookstore during a college exchange program sparked her passion for professional writing. Returning to the U.S., she honed her craft while working at a local college’s art center, spending a decade perfecting her voice before Kushiel's Dart won the 2002 Locus Award for Best First Novel.
Jacqueline Carey’s Unforgettable Stories
Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series, set in the opulent world of Terre d’Ange, reimagines medieval France with a divine twist—angels and humans create a race that lives by the motto, 'Love as thou wilt.' The series’ first book, Kushiel’s Dart, follows Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan-spy marked by the god Kushiel to experience pain and pleasure as one. Its sequels, Kushiel’s Chosen and Kushiel’s Avatar, deepen the saga’s intricate political and romantic webs. Carey’s standalone novel, Miranda and Caliban (2017), reinterprets Shakespeare’s The Tempest, exploring Miranda’s bond with the feral Caliban. Her Santa Olivia duology (2009–2011) blends superhero and werewolf myths in a dystopian border town. Carey’s style—rich, sensual, and layered with themes of sexuality, power, and faith—sets her apart in fantasy.
Her meticulous research into arcane topics, from Renaissance aesthetics to cult dynamics, infuses her worlds with authenticity. Carey’s upcoming novel, tentatively titled Masquerade, promises a shift to psychological suspense, centered on a protagonist raised in a cult of magicians, showcasing her versatility.
Why Jacqueline Carey Matters
Carey’s work has redefined historical fantasy by embracing complex characters and bold explorations of human desire. Her inclusive portrayal of diverse identities and relationships resonates with readers, earning her a devoted fanbase and recognition at Michigan State University’s Michigan Writers Series. By blending high fantasy with emotional depth, Carey inspires writers to push genre boundaries, proving fantasy can be both epic and intimately human.
About Jacqueline Carey
- Born: October 9, 1964, Highland Park, Illinois
- Key Works: Kushiel’s Dart, Miranda and Caliban, Santa Olivia
- Awards: 2002 Locus Award for Best First Novel
- Fun Fact: Carey lives in Saugatuck, Michigan, and is part of the state’s oldest Mardi Gras krewe!
Ready to lose yourself in a world of passion and intrigue? Snag Kushiel’s Dart and dive into Jacqueline Carey’s mesmerizing fantasy!