Picture a storyteller who flipped Cinderella’s fairy tale into a bold, inclusive adventure—meet Kalynn Bayron! This San Antonio-based author and classically trained vocalist has taken young adult fantasy by storm with her debut novel, Cinderella is Dead. With a knack for reimagining classic tales through diverse lenses, Bayron crafts stories that challenge norms and celebrate Black and queer voices, enchanting readers worldwide.
Bayron’s journey from music to literature is as vibrant as her novels. Her passion for storytelling, rooted in her love for books, theater, and horror movies, has made her a rising star in YA fiction, inspiring a new generation to see themselves as heroes in magical worlds.
The Making of Kalynn Bayron
Born and raised between Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, Kalynn Bayron grew up immersed in stories. A voracious reader, she devoured books but noticed a glaring absence of Black and queer characters in fantasy. This gap fueled her drive to write. Initially a classically trained vocalist with a love for musical theater, Bayron found storytelling woven through her passions—music, literature, and even scary movies. Her transition to writing began with self-published novels, but her breakthrough came with a determination to center Black, queer girls in epic tales, starting with Cinderella is Dead.
Kalynn Bayron’s Unforgettable Stories
Bayron’s debut, Cinderella is Dead (2020), reimagines the classic fairy tale 200 years after Cinderella’s death. In this dystopian kingdom, teen girls face a mandatory ball to be chosen as wives—or vanish. The story follows Sophia, a Black, queer heroine, who teams up with Constance to dismantle a patriarchal regime. Bayron’s sharp prose and feminist themes earned praise, landing the book on must-read lists and sparking discussions about representation.
Her follow-up, This Poison Heart (2021), blends contemporary fantasy with Greek mythology, following a teen with plant-based powers. Its sequel, This Wicked Fate (2022), deepens the magical stakes. Bayron also ventured into horror with You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight (2023), a chilling YA slasher, and middle-grade fiction with The Vanquishers (2022), a paranormal adventure. Her style—dark, atmospheric, and inclusive—merges fantasy, horror, and social commentary, making her worlds both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Bayron’s ability to deconstruct fairy tales and myths while centering marginalized voices sets her apart. Her stories tackle patriarchy, heteronormativity, and misogyny, wrapped in fast-paced plots and rich world-building, earning her nominations for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and Bram Stoker Award.
Why Kalynn Bayron Matters
Kalynn Bayron’s impact on young adult fantasy is profound. By placing Black, queer protagonists at the heart of her stories, she addresses a critical gap in literature, offering representation that resonates with readers who rarely see themselves in fairy tales. Her work has faced challenges, including being targeted by Texas book bans, yet Bayron remains a fierce advocate for inclusive storytelling. Her viral social media posts about diversity in publishing have amplified her influence, inspiring both readers and aspiring authors.
Bayron’s legacy lies in her fearless narratives that empower young people to question societal norms and embrace their identities. Her stories are a beacon for inclusivity, proving that fantasy can be a space for everyone.
About Kalynn Bayron
- Key Works: Cinderella is Dead, This Poison Heart, The Vanquishers
- Awards: 2022 Randall Kenan Award for Black LGBTQ Fiction
- Hobbies: Listening to Ella Fitzgerald, watching horror movies, and enjoying musical theater
- Current Home: San Antonio, Texas
Snag Cinderella is Dead and dive into Kalynn Bayron’s bold, magical world of fearless heroines and fairy-tale rebellions!