Picture a California storyteller who conjured a world of magical crows and fearless princesses—meet Kalyn Josephson! This New York Times bestselling author has captured the hearts of young adult fantasy fans with her enchanting tales, most notably her debut duology, The Storm Crow. With a knack for blending thrilling adventures with heartfelt themes, Josephson is a rising star whose stories soar as high as her beloved crows.
Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Josephson’s journey from coastal dreamer to fantasy luminary is as captivating as her novels. By day, she’s a technical writer in Silicon Valley, weaving clarity into complex systems, but by night, she crafts worlds where magic and courage collide. Her unique blend of technical precision and creative flair makes her a standout in the YA fantasy scene.
The Making of Kalyn Josephson
Growing up in San Luis Obispo, Josephson was surrounded by California’s natural beauty, which likely sparked her vivid imagination. She graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in Biology and English (Creative Writing), a combination that hints at her ability to balance analytical thinking with storytelling magic. Inspired by authors like Laini Taylor and V.E. Schwab, she began writing, drawing from her own experiences with depression to craft authentic, relatable characters. Her love for books, cats, and baking also shapes her warm, approachable persona, endearing her to fans worldwide.
Josephson’s writing career took flight after penning three unpublished novels, which she calls valuable learning experiences. Her persistence paid off with The Storm Crow, a story that blends her love for magical creatures with complex emotional narratives. Now living in the Bay Area with two black cats—described as a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl—she continues to spin tales that resonate with readers.
Kalyn Josephson’s Unforgettable Stories
Josephson’s debut, The Storm Crow (2019), introduces Princess Anthia (Thia), a crow rider in the kingdom of Rhodaire, where magical crows power everything from storms to healing. When the Illucian empire destroys the crows, Thia battles depression and sparks a rebellion to restore her world. The duology’s sequel, The Crow Rider (2020), wraps up Thia’s journey with epic battles and political intrigue, earning praise for its fast-paced action and nuanced characters.
Beyond The Storm Crow, Josephson ventured into middle-grade fantasy with the Ravenfall series, starting with Ravenfall (2022). This spooky, heartwarming tale follows Annabella, a psychic girl at a magical inn, blending Celtic mythology with a Supernatural-meets-Halloweentown vibe. Her latest work, This Dark Descent (2023), dives into a gritty fantasy world inspired by Peaky Blinders, featuring horse races and morally complex characters. Josephson’s style shines through her lush prose, intricate world-building, and fearless exploration of mental health, making her stories both thrilling and deeply human.
Whether crafting YA or middle-grade tales, Josephson excels at creating strong female leads and diverse casts, including queer and Jewish characters. Her ability to weave mental health themes—like Thia’s depression or Annabella’s insecurities—into fantastical settings sets her apart, offering readers both escapism and relatability.
Why Kalyn Josephson Matters
Kalyn Josephson’s impact lies in her ability to make fantasy inclusive and emotionally resonant. By tackling mental health in genres often focused on action, she’s carved a niche that speaks to readers navigating their own struggles. Her diverse characters and thoughtful world-building challenge fantasy norms, inviting a broader audience to see themselves in magical worlds. As a New York Times bestseller, she’s inspiring a new generation of writers to blend heart with heroism.
Josephson’s growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next releases, like Hollowthorn and This Dark Descent’s sequel, proving her staying power in fantasy. Her stories remind us that even in the darkest storms, courage and hope can take flight.
- Birthplace: San Luis Obispo, California
- Key Works: The Storm Crow, The Crow Rider, Ravenfall, This Dark Descent
- Notable Achievement: New York Times bestselling author
- Fun Fact: Lives with two black cats she calls a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl
Ready to soar into a magical world? Snag The Storm Crow or Ravenfall and dive into Kalyn Josephson’s spellbinding fantasy adventures!