Picture a storyteller who swapped primate research for paranormal worlds—meet Jenna Black! This American author, born Jennifer Black, has enchanted readers with her urban fantasy, young adult fantasy, and paranormal romance novels. Known for weaving relatable characters into thrilling supernatural settings, Black’s Faeriewalker trilogy and Morgan Kingsley series have cemented her as a beloved voice in speculative fiction.
With a knack for blending gritty realism with fantastical flair, Black’s stories pull you in and don’t let go. Curious about the woman behind these magical tales? Let’s dive into her journey from aspiring primatologist to fantasy fiction star!
The Making of Jenna Black
Jenna Black grew up in Bratt, Florida, with dreams of becoming the next Jane Goodall. Armed with a BA in physical anthropology and French from Duke University, she set out to study primates. But during her senior year, a field research stint revealed a less-than-glamorous truth: primates spend about 80% of their time sleeping or eating. Disenchanted, Black pivoted, dabbling in dog grooming and technical writing before finding her true calling. Her attendance at the Clarion West Writers Workshop in 1989 sparked her fiction career, and by 2006, she debuted as Jenna Black with her first mass-market paperback, Watchers in the Night.
Jenna Black’s Unforgettable Stories
Black’s bibliography spans urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and young adult novels, each infused with her signature “romance with an attitude, fantasy with an edge.” Her Faeriewalker trilogy—Glimmerglass, Shadowspell, and Sirensong—follows Dana, a half-human, half-fae teenager navigating a magical world of danger and intrigue. Fans love the series for its sharp dialogue and immersive world-building. The Morgan Kingsley series, starting with The Devil Inside, dives into the gritty life of an exorcist battling demons in a supernatural underworld, blending humor and suspense.
Black’s Nikki Glass series, beginning with Dark Descendant, introduces an immortal huntress tackling godly conflicts, while her Replica trilogy explores a dystopian future of human replication. Her writing style shines with strong, flawed protagonists and fast-paced plots that balance romance and action. Whether crafting vampire-laden paranormal romances for Tor or urban fantasies for Bantam Dell, Black’s stories resonate with readers craving emotional depth and thrilling twists.
Why Jenna Black Matters
Jenna Black’s impact lies in her ability to make the fantastical feel human. Her heroines—often young women grappling with identity and power—mirror real-world struggles, making her work relatable to a wide audience. By blending genres, she’s carved a niche in speculative fiction, inspiring readers and writers to embrace complex characters and bold storytelling. Her nomination for the 2006 Paranormal Excellence in Romantic Literature (PEARL) award for Watchers in the Night underscores her influence in paranormal romance.
As a member of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and the Deadline Dames blog, Black has fostered a supportive community for aspiring authors. Her “experience junkie” spirit—evident in her travels across all seven continents and hobbies like ballroom dancing—infuses her work with vibrant, authentic energy.
- Pen Names: Jenna Black, Jennifer Barlow, Jenna Glass
- Key Works: Faeriewalker trilogy, Morgan Kingsley series, Nikki Glass series
- Notable Award: 2006 PEARL nomination for Watchers in the Night
- Hobbies: Ballroom dancing, bridge, barbershop chorus
Snag Glimmerglass or The Devil Inside and dive into Jenna Black’s thrilling blend of fantasy and romance! Her worlds are waiting to sweep you away.