Picture a Southern storyteller who conjures magic in Edwardian London and ancient Ireland—meet Jessica Leake! This bestselling author, once a psychotherapist, crafts fantasy and historical fiction that pulses with strong heroines and vivid worlds. From her debut Arcana to the thrilling Beyond a Darkened Shore, Leake’s tales blend mythology, romance, and rebellion, enchanting readers with every page.
With a knack for weaving psychological depth into her characters, Leake draws on her unique background and childhood love for stories like Bruce Coville’s The Unicorn Chronicles. Her books don’t just tell stories—they invite you into worlds where magic feels real and heroines defy the odds.
The Making of Jessica Leake
Born with a passion for storytelling, Jessica Leake grew up inspired by literary giants like Jane Austen, Philippa Gregory, and J.K. Rowling. Her childhood obsession with fantasy sparked early writing attempts, but it was her cousin—a fellow writer—and Coville’s magical tales that fueled her dream of becoming an author. Before penning novels, Leake worked as a psychotherapist, a career that honed her ability to craft complex, relatable characters. Eventually, her love for writing overpowered her day job, leading her to trade therapy sessions for full-time storytelling in Greenville, South Carolina, where she lives with her husband, four children, and a lively flock of chickens.
Jessica Leake’s Unforgettable Stories
Leake’s debut, Arcana (2014), is a genre-bending gem set in Edwardian London, where Katherine Sinclair navigates high society and secret magic. Inspired by Pride and Prejudice, it’s a romantic, suspenseful tale that showcases Leake’s flair for blending historical detail with paranormal twists. Its sequel, The Order of the Eternal Sun, deepens the Sylvani series’ magical lore, cementing Leake’s reputation for lush world-building.
Her young adult debut, Beyond a Darkened Shore (2018), transports readers to 11th-century Ireland, where warrior princess Ciara wields mind-control powers to protect her kingdom. Fusing Celtic and Norse mythology, this standalone novel thrums with epic battles, forbidden romance, and a fierce heroine who defies expectations. Its follow-up, Through the White Wood, explores Russian folklore through Katya, a girl with ice powers, proving Leake’s versatility across historical settings. Her style—rich, atmospheric, and character-driven—draws on her psychology background, creating protagonists who feel alive and stories that linger.
Why Jessica Leake Matters
Jessica Leake’s impact lies in her ability to craft empowering narratives that resonate with young adult and adult readers alike. Her strong female leads, like Ciara and Katherine, challenge societal norms, offering role models who blend strength with vulnerability. By weaving psychology into her storytelling, Leake adds depth to fantasy, making her characters’ struggles relatable. Her books, praised for their vivid mythology and romantic tension, have earned a devoted following, with Beyond a Darkened Shore hailed as a “must-read” by Kody Keplinger. Leake’s transition from psychotherapist to author also inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion can reshape a career.
- Key Works: Arcana, The Order of the Eternal Sun, Beyond a Darkened Shore, Through the White Wood
- Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
- Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Ready to dive into magical worlds? Snag Beyond a Darkened Shore and let Jessica Leake’s spellbinding fantasy sweep you away!