Picture a storyteller who weaves science fiction with ethical dilemmas, crafting worlds that linger long after the final page—meet Jessica Khoury! Born and raised in Toccoa, Georgia, this American author burst onto the literary scene with her 2012 debut, Origin, and hasn’t slowed down since. With a knack for blending adventure, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes, Khoury’s books captivate teens and young readers worldwide, earning accolades and translations in over a dozen languages.
But Jessica Khoury is more than a writer. She’s a fantasy cartographer, soccer coach, and stage director, infusing her vibrant life into her storytelling. From the jungles of the Amazon to magical schools of music, her stories invite readers to explore the boundaries of humanity and imagination.
The Making of Jessica Khoury
Jessica Khoury’s love for storytelling sparked early. At age four, she penned a fan-fiction sequel to Danny and the Dinosaur, stapling it together for her preschool bookshelf. Growing up in Georgia, she was homeschooled before earning a B.A. in English from Toccoa Falls College. Her diverse Syrian and Scottish heritage, coupled with a family of immigrants, shaped her worldview and inspired the rich cultural tapestries in her novels. Khoury’s early writing attempts, like her unpublished fantasy novel at 13, taught her resilience and the craft of finishing a story, paving the way for her professional career.
Jessica Khoury’s Unforgettable Stories
Khoury’s debut, Origin (2012), introduces Pia, an immortal girl in a secret Amazon lab, grappling with mortality and love. This sci-fi adventure, part of the Corpus trilogy, blends lush jungle settings with ethical questions about science and humanity. The trilogy continues with Vitro (2014) and Kalahari (2015), each exploring new corners of Khoury’s intricate world. Her meticulous research—two hours for every hour of writing—brings vivid authenticity to her settings.
Beyond the Corpus series, Khoury’s The Mystwick School of Musicraft (2020) enchants middle-grade readers with a magical school where music wields power. Named one of Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2019, it’s among the top 20 most-listened-to children’s books. Her Skyborn series, starting with Sparrow Rising (2021), soars in a winged world of knights and rebellion, showcasing her knack for immersive fantasy. Khoury’s standalone The Forbidden Wish (2016) reimagines Aladdin with a female jinni, adding emotional depth to a beloved tale.
Khoury’s style is cinematic, blending fast-paced plots with introspective characters. Her themes—identity, freedom, and the cost of ambition—resonate with readers, while her fantasy cartography adds visual flair, with maps gracing her books and others’ works.
Why Jessica Khoury Matters
Jessica Khoury’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that challenge and inspire. Her ethical dilemmas in the Corpus trilogy spark discussions about science and morality, relevant to today’s tech-driven world. Her diverse characters and settings reflect her immigrant roots, offering representation and depth. Awards like the South Carolina Junior Book Award finalist nod and Audible’s recognition underscore her influence. As a cartographer and illustrator, she enriches the fantasy genre, while her local involvement in Greenville, South Carolina, as a soccer coach and director, grounds her as a community figure.
- Born: Toccoa, Georgia
- Key Works: Origin, The Mystwick School of Musicraft, Sparrow Rising, The Forbidden Wish
- Notable Awards: Finalist for South Carolina Junior Book Award, Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2019
- Fun Fact: Khoury holds her college’s soccer scoring record!
Snag Origin or The Mystwick School of Musicraft and dive into Jessica Khoury’s thrilling, thought-provoking worlds!