Picture a small-town dreamer spinning thrilling tales of genetically altered teens on the run—meet Jennifer Rush! Born near the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan, this American author transformed her love for fiction into the pulse-pounding Altered trilogy, captivating young adult readers worldwide. With a knack for action-packed stories and a life balancing family, photography, and her complex love-hate relationship with Michigan’s seasons, Rush’s journey is as compelling as her books.
The Making of Jennifer Rush
Jennifer Rush grew up in a quiet Michigan town, where her imagination ran wild. At age five, she began crafting stories—some might call them ‘lies’—and by her teens, she was penning vampire novels, though she jokingly claims they’d win awards for being the worst. Despite dreams of becoming an Egyptologist, Rush found her true calling in writing, winning her first award in fourth grade for a ghost story. Her early love for vampire fiction and storytelling shaped her path to becoming a celebrated YA and middle-grade author.
Jennifer Rush’s Unforgettable Stories
Rush’s most famous work, the Altered trilogy, kicked off with Altered in 2013, a fast-paced thriller about Anna, a girl entangled with four genetically altered boys—Nick, Cas, Trev, and Sam—on the run from a secretive organization called the Branch. Set in Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, the novel blends dystopian action with romance and mystery, earning praise for its ‘riveting’ pace and ‘unexpected twists.’ The sequel, Erased (2014), dives deeper into Anna’s past, while Reborn (2015) shifts to Nick’s gritty perspective, introducing a new character, Elizabeth, in a dual POV narrative. Rush also penned Devils & Thieves (2017), a standalone YA fantasy about a magically gifted teen, and the middle-grade Bot Wars series under the pen name J.V. Kade. Her style—action-packed, emotionally raw, and full of surprises—appeals to fans of The Hunger Games and Maze Runner.
Rush’s writing stands out for its vivid character development and intricate plots. Whether it’s Anna’s vulnerability or Nick’s brooding anger, her characters leap off the page, navigating conspiracies and personal betrayals. Her Michigan roots often seep into her settings, grounding her fantastical stories in a relatable sense of place.
Why Jennifer Rush Matters
Jennifer Rush has carved a niche in YA fiction, blending sci-fi, dystopian thrills, and heartfelt romance. Her Altered trilogy resonates with teens and adults alike, offering stories of identity, trust, and survival that mirror real-world struggles. By exploring themes of memory manipulation and genetic alteration, Rush taps into timely questions about ethics and humanity, making her work both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her ability to craft compelling characters and keep readers guessing has earned her a loyal fanbase, with reviewers calling her books ‘unputdownable.’
About Jennifer Rush
- Born: Michigan, near Lake Michigan’s shoreline
- Key Works: Altered trilogy (Altered, Erased, Reborn), Devils & Thieves, Bot Wars (as J.V. Kade)
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Middle Grade
- Fun Fact: Rush calls herself Michigan’s ‘4th greatest hugger’ and loves Photoshop and caffeine.
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Altered and dive into Jennifer Rush’s world of secrets, action, and heart-pounding adventure!