Picture a storyteller who conjured fiery witches and heartfelt romances from the heart of Alabama—meet Jessica Lewis! This American author has enchanted Young Adult readers with her genre-blending tales, starting with her spellbinding debut, Bad Witch Burning. With a knack for weaving magic, heartbreak, and humor, Lewis’s stories pull you in and don’t let go.
Born and raised in Alabama, Lewis’s roots infuse her work with a vivid sense of place and authenticity. Her unique perspective, shaped by a dual degree in English Literature and Animal Science, brings a fresh voice to contemporary fantasy and romance. From necromancy to rom-coms, Lewis’s versatility keeps readers hooked.
The Making of Jessica Lewis
Growing up in Alabama, Jessica Lewis lived with her grandmother, whose humor outshines her own, by her own admission. Her academic journey took her through English Literature and Animal Science, a nod to a veterinary dream that didn’t pan out. Instead, writing became her calling. Lewis started crafting stories that reflected her experiences—struggles with money, complex relationships, and the search for self-love—blending them with fantastical elements. Her debut, Bad Witch Burning, a Bram Stoker Award nominee, marked her as a rising star in YA fiction.
Jessica Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Lewis’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse narratives. Her debut, Bad Witch Burning (2021), follows Katrell, a teen who can raise the dead but faces dire consequences when her powers spiral. This horror-fantasy hybrid, rooted in Lewis’s own experiences with poverty and manipulative relationships, balances dark themes with hope. Her follow-up, Monstrous (2023), dives deeper into horror, exploring a teen’s fight against a sinister small-town ritual, showcasing Lewis’s knack for eerie atmospheres.
Under the pen name Jazz Taylor, Lewis writes middle-grade contemporaries like Meow or Never and Starting From Scratch, filled with charm and heart. Her 2025 rom-com, Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love, promises a delightful mix of awkward flirtations and genuine emotion, perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli. Lewis’s style—raw, relatable, and infused with Southern grit—makes her characters feel like friends you’d root for.
Why Jessica Lewis Matters
Jessica Lewis’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with underrepresented readers. As a Black author, she brings authenticity to YA fantasy, tackling themes like economic hardship and self-discovery with nuance. Her work inspires teens to embrace their complexities, blending horror and humor to mirror life’s highs and lows. Lewis’s growing fanbase and critical acclaim, including her Bram Stoker nomination, signal a lasting influence in YA literature.
- Born: Alabama, USA
- Key Works: Bad Witch Burning, Monstrous, Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love
- Awards: Bram Stoker Award nominee for Bad Witch Burning
Snag Bad Witch Burning and dive into Jessica Lewis’s thrilling blend of magic and heart!