Picture a New Hampshire dreamer spinning Gothic tales under the Texas sun—meet Jessica S. Olson! This rising star in young adult literature crafts lush, magical worlds where romance and mystery collide. Known for her spellbinding novels like Sing Me Forgotten and A Forgery of Roses, Olson’s stories captivate readers with their haunting beauty and intricate plots, all inspired by her love for classic tales and her personal journey with vision impairment.
With a knack for blending dark fantasy with heartfelt emotion, Olson has carved a unique niche in YA literature. Her evocative prose and creative magic systems draw readers into shadowy mansions and enchanted operas, making her a must-read for fans of Gothic fantasy. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this enchanting storyteller!
The Making of Jessica S. Olson
Born in New Hampshire, Jessica S. Olson grew up surrounded by stories, from the Broadway soundtrack of Phantom of the Opera to her own backyard opera performances as a child. Her vision impairment shaped her perspective, fueling her imagination and empathy, which shine through in her characters. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in editing and French, she traded snowy New England for sunny Texas, where she now lives with her husband, four children, and a love for peanut butter straight from the jar.
Olson’s writing journey began in college, where she penned contemporary romances before falling in love with YA fantasy. Her big break came with Sing Me Forgotten, a gender-bent Phantom of the Opera retelling, which she wrote during Pitch Wars in 2018. This debut marked her as a fresh voice in Gothic fantasy, blending her musical passions with her storytelling flair.
Jessica S. Olson’s Unforgettable Stories
Olson’s novels are a delicious mix of Gothic atmosphere, magical systems, and heart-pounding romance. Her debut, Sing Me Forgotten (2021), reimagines Phantom of the Opera with a masked heroine, Isda, who wields song-based magic in a lush opera house. Praised for its morally complex protagonist and haunting romance, it earned a spot on the 2023 Lone Star Reading List.
Her follow-up, A Forgery of Roses (2022), draws inspiration from The Picture of Dorian Gray. This standalone introduces Myra, a painter whose portraits can alter bodies, navigating a murder mystery in a creepy mansion. Critics lauded its “deliciously twisted” plot and unique art-based magic, with starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. Olson’s upcoming duology, Den of Liars, set to release in July 2025, promises more of her signature intrigue and enchantment.
Olson’s style is poetic and immersive, weaving themes of identity, love, and resilience. Her characters, often flawed yet relatable, grapple with societal fears and personal struggles, reflecting her own experiences with vision impairment. Her ability to craft suspenseful mysteries alongside swoon-worthy romances makes her work irresistible to YA fantasy fans.
Why Jessica S. Olson Matters
Jessica S. Olson is more than a storyteller—she’s a trailblazer in YA Gothic fantasy. Her innovative magic systems, inspired by art and music, offer fresh spins on classic tales, captivating readers and critics alike. By infusing her narratives with personal experiences, like navigating vision impairment, she creates authentic, empathetic characters who resonate with diverse audiences. Her novels tackle themes of acceptance and strength, empowering young readers to embrace their own uniqueness.
With translations in multiple languages and growing acclaim, Olson is shaping the future of YA literature. Her stories invite readers into worlds where magic and mystery intertwine, proving that even the darkest tales can spark hope. As she prepares to release Den of Liars, her influence continues to bloom, inspiring a new generation of fantasy lovers.
- Birthplace: New Hampshire, USA
- Key Works: Sing Me Forgotten (2021), A Forgery of Roses (2022), Den of Liars (2025)
- Fun Fact: She practices aerial hoop in her free time!
Ready for a Gothic adventure? Snag A Forgery of Roses and dive into Jessica S. Olson’s spellbinding world of magic and mystery!