Picture an Australian storyteller who spun tales of angels, alternate realities, and epic love stories—meet Jessica Shirvington! Born in Sydney in 1979, this acclaimed young adult author has enchanted readers worldwide with her blend of romance, fantasy, and science fiction. From her gripping Embrace series to the mind-bending standalone Between the Lives, Shirvington’s stories dive deep into identity, love, and self-discovery, making her a standout voice in contemporary YA literature.
What makes Shirvington’s work so captivating? It’s her knack for crafting relatable characters and immersive worlds, all while weaving in the intensity of first love—something she knows a thing or two about, having met her husband at seventeen. Let’s explore the life and legacy of this multifaceted author, entrepreneur, and mother who’s left an indelible mark on the YA genre.
The Making of Jessica Shirvington
Born Jessica Pagent on April 15, 1979, in Sydney, Australia, Shirvington grew up with a passion for stories. Her early life was shaped by the vibrant city and her close-knit family, including parents Ian and Maryanne Pagent. Before writing, she ran a coffee importing business, but becoming a stay-at-home mom sparked a creative shift. One day, feeling the 'baby blues,' she began writing, and the seeds of her debut novel, Embrace, were sown. With no prior writing connections, she enrolled in courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre, honing her craft and landing a deal with Hachette Australia in 2010.
Jessica Shirvington’s Unforgettable Stories
Shirvington’s breakout work, the Embrace series (also called The Violet Eden Chapters), follows Violet Eden, a teenager who discovers she’s part angel, part human—a Grigori. Across five books—Embrace (2010), Entice, Emblaze, Endless, and Empower—readers are swept into a world of fallen angels, epic battles, and a heart-wrenching love triangle. Praised for its 'delicious romantic triangle' by USA Today, the series blends paranormal romance with action, earning a global fanbase and a TV adaptation deal with The CW Network and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television.
In 2013, Shirvington ventured into science fiction with Between the Lives, a standalone novel about Sabine, a girl living two parallel lives that shift every 24 hours. This taut psychological thriller explores identity and choice, with Sabine questioning if she can live just one life. Fans lauded its unique premise and bittersweet ending. Shirvington also penned the Disruption duology in 2014, tackling dystopian themes of technology and control, and a picture book, Just the Way We Are (2015), celebrating diversity.
Her writing style is immersive and emotional, blending vivid world-building with coming-of-age themes. Drawing from her own experience of young love—she married Olympian Matt Shirvington at twenty-two—Shirvington infuses her stories with authentic, intense relationships that resonate with teens and adults alike.
Why Jessica Shirvington Matters
Jessica Shirvington’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to craft stories that balance thrilling plots with profound emotional depth. Her exploration of identity, whether through Violet’s angelic heritage or Sabine’s dual lives, speaks to readers navigating their own sense of self. Her global reach, with books translated into languages like German and Turkish, underscores her universal appeal. As an entrepreneur and mother of three, she’s also a role model, showing that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
Her work has inspired a dedicated fanbase, with readers clamoring for more stories, like a continuation of Between the Lives or a spin-off for Embrace’s Phoenix. Shirvington’s ability to weave romance and fantasy into relatable narratives ensures her stories endure.
- Born: April 15, 1979, Sydney, Australia
- Key Works: Embrace series, Between the Lives, Disruption duology
- Awards: 2011 & 2012 Cosmopolitan Fun, Fearless Female Award finalist
- Family: Married to Matt Shirvington, with daughters Sienna and Winter, and son Lincoln
Snag Embrace or Between the Lives and dive into Jessica Shirvington’s thrilling blend of romance and fantasy today!