Picture a storyteller who spun a post-apocalyptic fairy tale where trees thirst for blood and magic sparks both fear and hope—meet Janni Lee Simner! This American author, celebrated for her Bones of Faerie series, weaves young adult fantasy that dances on the edge of dystopia. From her Tucson, Arizona, desert home, Simner crafts worlds that captivate readers with their haunting beauty and emotional depth.
Born in New York, Simner’s journey to literary stardom is as enchanting as her stories. Her unique blend of gritty realism and magical wonder has made her a beloved voice in YA fantasy, inviting readers to explore the power of resilience and imagination.
The Making of Janni Lee Simner
Janni Lee Simner grew up on Long Island, a cautious child who shied away from heights but embraced the scrapes and thrills of Girl Scout camping trips to Wyoming and Mexico. These adventures sparked a love for the American West, leading her to Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied English and biology. After graduating, she began writing in earnest, joining a critique group in St. Louis that shaped her early craft. In 1993, she followed her heart—and her now-husband, author Larry Hammer—to Tucson, Arizona, where the desert’s biting plants and thorny dandelions inspired her vivid settings.
Simner’s early career included freelance science and medical writing, but her true passion lay in storytelling. She started with short stories, publishing over 40 in magazines like Cricket and anthologies like Welcome to Bordertown. Her persistence paid off, proving that even a cautious kid could become a bold creator of fantastical worlds.
Janni Lee Simner’s Unforgettable Stories
Simner’s breakout work, the Bones of Faerie trilogy, redefined YA fantasy with its post-apocalyptic fairy-tale twist. The first novel, Bones of Faerie (2009), follows Liza, a teen in a world ravaged by a human-faerie war, where magic turns nature deadly. Praised by Jane Yolen as “pure, stunning,” it blends eerie imagery with themes of prejudice and healing. Sequels Faerie Winter (2011) and Faerie After (2013) deepen Liza’s journey, exploring sacrifice and interconnected realms.
Beyond the trilogy, Simner’s Thief Eyes (2010) dives into Icelandic sagas, weaving a contemporary fantasy about a girl grappling with ancient magic. For younger readers, Tiernay West, Professional Adventurer (2006) showcases a spunky heroine undeterred by her elementary school age. Simner’s style—lyrical, emotionally rich, and grounded in vivid settings—creates worlds that feel as real as they are magical. Her stories often tackle heavy themes like loss and xenophobia with a hopeful lens, making them resonate with teens and adults alike.
Simner’s short stories, like “Invasive Species” set in the Bones of Faerie universe, further showcase her versatility. She’s also scripted for games like The Huntsman: Winter’s Curse, proving her ability to adapt her voice across mediums.
Why Janni Lee Simner Matters
Janni Lee Simner’s work stands out in YA fantasy for its fearless blend of dystopia and fairy-tale magic. Her stories challenge readers to confront fear and prejudice while embracing hope and connection. By setting her tales in richly imagined worlds—like a Missouri forest with sinister trees or an Arizona desert where plants bite—she invites readers to see their own surroundings with fresh eyes.
Simner’s impact extends beyond her books. Her Writing for the Long Haul blog inspires aspiring authors, sharing insights on perseverance and craft. Her volunteer work with refugee youth through Tucson’s Owl & Panther project reflects her commitment to empathy, mirroring the themes in her stories. For fans and newcomers, Simner’s work is a reminder that magic lies in resilience and storytelling.
- Born: November 3, 1967, New York City
- Key Works: Bones of Faerie, Faerie Winter, Faerie After, Thief Eyes, Tiernay West, Professional Adventurer
- Awards: Arizona Young Adult Author Award
- Fun Fact: Simner observes Shabbat, taking Saturdays off from writing to light candles and enjoy challah.
Snag Bones of Faerie and dive into Janni Lee Simner’s spellbinding world of magic and survival!