Picture a storyteller who spins fairy tales into wild, laugh-out-loud adventures—meet James Riley! Born in 1977, this American children’s author has enchanted young readers with his bestselling fantasy series like Half Upon a Time and Story Thieves. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and clever twists, Riley’s books don’t just tell stories—they pull you into worlds where fiction and reality collide.
From his early days dreaming up tales to his rise as a New York Times bestselling author, Riley’s journey is as vibrant as his stories. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of this modern-day bard!
The Making of James Riley
Born on May 9, 1977, in Connecticut, James Riley grew up with a love for stories that would later shape his career. He studied English at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., but his path to writing wasn’t a straight line. Riley dabbled in law, worked as a travel editor, and even spent time at Disney, soaking up storytelling magic. These diverse experiences fueled his imagination, leading him to craft tales that resonate with kids and adults alike. By 2010, he had settled in Virginia, ready to launch his literary career with his debut novel.
James Riley’s Unforgettable Stories
Riley’s books are like a rollercoaster through a fairy-tale multiverse—fast-paced, funny, and full of surprises. His debut, Half Upon a Time (2010), kicks off a trilogy where Jack, the son of Jack and the Beanstalk, teams up with May, a girl from our world, in a whirlwind of Grimm-inspired adventures. The series, including Twice Upon a Time and Once Upon the End, earned accolades like the Sunshine State Young Readers Award for its fresh take on classic tales.
In 2015, Riley launched the Story Thieves series, a five-book saga that spent 23 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Here, Owen and Bethany, a half-fictional girl, leap into books to battle wizards and unravel cosmic secrets. With genre-hopping flair—think superhero vibes in Secret Origins or a choose-your-own-adventure twist in Pick the Plot—Riley keeps readers guessing. His third series, The Revenge of Magic (2019–2021), dives into darker fantasy, following Fort Fitzgerald as he trains at a magical school to face otherworldly threats. Riley’s upcoming The Dragon’s Apprentice promises more enchantment, starring a 12-year-old dragon-summoning heroine.
Riley’s style is a masterclass in fun: witty dialogue, relatable characters, and meta-storytelling that breaks the fourth wall. His themes—friendship, courage, and the power of stories—spark imaginations while keeping readers hooked.
Why James Riley Matters
James Riley’s impact goes beyond page-turning plots. His books inspire kids to see stories as gateways to creativity, blending humor and heart to make reading irresistible. Awards like the Mark Twain Readers Award finalist nod and film adaptation buzz show his influence in children’s literature. By reimagining fairy tales and empowering young heroes, Riley fosters a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. Living in Northern Virginia with his three cats, he’s still weaving tales that captivate and connect.
- Born: May 9, 1977, Connecticut
- Key Works: Half Upon a Time, Story Thieves, The Revenge of Magic
- Awards: Sunshine State Young Readers Award, New York Times Best Seller
- Fun Fact: Riley once worked at Disney, where he honed his storytelling chops!
Snag Story Thieves and dive into James Riley’s hilarious, heartwarming fantasy world today!