Picture a Los Angeles-born storyteller who set Victorian London ablaze with magic and monsters—meet Jessica Cluess! A self-proclaimed nerd, Cluess discovered her passion for fantasy after diving into Dune at 24, sparking a career that’s captivated young adult readers with spellbinding tales. Her debut, A Shadow Bright and Burning, launched the Kingdom on Fire series, blending fiery heroines, Lovecraftian demons, and coming-of-age drama. When she’s not crafting worlds, she’s mentoring young writers at Writopia Lab, hissing at the sun from her writing den.
Cluess’s stories aren’t just escapism—they’re journeys of self-discovery, wrapped in rich historical settings and feminist undertones. Her knack for subverting tropes, like flipping the 'chosen one' narrative, has earned her a loyal following among teens and fantasy fans alike.
The Making of Jessica Cluess
Born in Los Angeles, Jessica Cluess grew up with a love for genre fiction, though it wasn’t until her mid-20s that she found her true calling. After graduating from Northwestern University, she faced a tough job market during the recession, pouring coffee for the rich and famous in L.A. It was Frank Herbert’s Dune that lit a fire under her, revealing the immersive power of fantasy. Inspired by Lord of the Rings and the dark whimsy of James and the Giant Peach, she began writing in earnest, trading Chicago’s bitter cold for L.A.’s sunny climes to hone her craft.
Her early career was a patchwork of odd jobs—moderating a radio news site, serving Orson Scott Card his latte, even playing Cinderella for Texas audiences. But it was in a coffee shop, scribbling between shifts, that she penned her first novel, laying the foundation for her breakout success.
Jessica Cluess’s Unforgettable Stories
Cluess burst onto the YA scene in 2016 with A Shadow Bright and Burning, the first book in the Kingdom on Fire trilogy. Set in an alternate Victorian London, it follows Henrietta Howel, a flame-wielding heroine mistaken for the prophesied savior against demonic Ancients. Critics praised its vivid world-building and Henrietta’s pragmatic wit, with Publishers Weekly calling it a 'smashing dark fantasy' that turns the chosen-one trope upside down.
The trilogy continued with A Poison Dark and Drowning (2017), diving deeper into Henrietta’s dangerous deception and romantic entanglements, and concluded with A Sorrow Fierce and Falling (2018), a heart-pounding finale of war and sacrifice. Cluess’s style blends gothic atmosphere with fast-paced action, weaving themes of inner strength, equality, and self-acceptance. Her 2020 standalone, House of Dragons, shifts to a high-fantasy realm where five outcasts vie for a dragon throne, showcasing her versatility and love for subverting expectations.
Cluess’s writing shines for its relatable characters and intricate magic systems, drawing comparisons to Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare. Her ability to craft fierce heroines who defy societal norms resonates deeply with young readers, making her a standout in YA fantasy.
Why Jessica Cluess Matters
Jessica Cluess has carved a niche in YA fantasy by blending historical settings with modern sensibilities, creating stories that empower teens to embrace their uniqueness. Her heroines, like Henrietta, challenge gender norms in male-dominated worlds, offering role models for young readers navigating their own identities. Through her work at Writopia Lab, Cluess extends this impact, guiding kids and teens to tell their own stories, fostering creativity and confidence.
Her subversion of fantasy tropes—turning chosen ones into underdogs—has refreshed the genre, earning accolades from authors like Tamora Pierce. Cluess’s worlds, rich with monsters and magic, invite readers to confront fears and find courage, leaving a lasting mark on YA literature.
- Born: Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: Kingdom on Fire trilogy, House of Dragons
- Notable: Instructor at Writopia Lab
Snag A Shadow Bright and Burning and dive into Jessica Cluess’s enchanting blend of magic and mayhem!