Picture a storyteller who conjures worlds where witches speak to the dead and shapeshifters roam shadowy cities—meet Kalayna Price! A USA Today bestselling author, Price has captivated urban fantasy fans with her spellbinding Alex Craft and Haven series. Her tales weave ancient mythologies, gritty realism, and a dash of romance, making her a standout in supernatural fiction.
Born in 1982, Price’s imagination was sparked early, fueled by her father’s fantasy book collection. From epic adventures to creatures that lurk in the dark, she found her calling in the eerie and mystical. Today, her stories resonate globally, translated into multiple languages, inviting readers into realms where magic feels tantalizingly real.
The Making of Kalayna Price
Kalayna Price grew up raiding her father’s fantasy bookshelf at age ten, devouring works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This early love for high fantasy and darker tales shaped her creative path. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she trained in classical painting but traded her paintbrush for a pen, channeling her vivid imagination into writing. Her fascination with ancient mythologies and folklore became the backbone of her storytelling, blending the mystical with the modern.
Price’s career began with a leap into urban fantasy, a genre she felt drawn to for its blend of real-world grit and otherworldly wonder. Her debut novel, Once Bitten, marked her as a fresh voice, and she hasn’t looked back since. When not writing, she’s often found hula-hooping—sometimes with fire—proving her flair for the dramatic extends beyond the page.
Kalayna Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s two major series, the Alex Craft Novels and the Novels of Haven, showcase her knack for crafting complex heroines and immersive worlds. The Alex Craft series, starting with Grave Witch (2010), follows Alex, a grave witch in Nekros City who raises shades to solve mysteries. With seven books, including Grave War (2020), the series blends detective work, fae intrigue, and a love triangle that keeps readers hooked.
The Haven series, beginning with Once Bitten (2009), centers on Kita Nekai, a kitten shapeshifter turned vampire navigating a supernatural underworld. Spanning three books—Twice Dead (2010) and Third Blood (2012)—it’s a darker, action-packed tale of identity and survival. Price’s writing shines with its mix of humor, horror, and heart, drawing from folklore to create worlds that feel alive.
Her stories stand out for their strong female leads and meticulous world-building. Whether it’s Alex’s magical investigations or Kita’s battle against her vampire nature, Price balances emotional depth with pulse-pounding plots. Her ability to weave romance and mystery into urban fantasy has earned her a loyal following and translations in over a dozen countries.
Why Kalayna Price Matters
Kalayna Price has carved a niche in urban fantasy, offering readers heroines who are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable. Her work resonates with fans who crave stories that blend the supernatural with real-world stakes, from solving murders to navigating fae politics. Her global reach, with books in languages like French, Polish, and Russian, reflects her universal appeal.
Beyond her novels, Price’s influence lies in her ability to inspire imagination. As a member of SFWA and RWA, she champions the genre, while her fire-hula-hooping passion adds a quirky charm to her public persona. For readers, she’s a gateway to worlds where magic and mystery collide, leaving a lasting mark on urban fantasy.
- Born: 1982
- Key Works: Grave Witch, Once Bitten, Grave War
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid hula-hoop dancer who performs with fire.
- Affiliations: Member of SFWA and RWA
About Kalayna Price
Ready to dive into a world of witches, vampires, and fae? Snag Grave Witch and let Kalayna Price’s urban fantasy magic sweep you away!