Picture a Florida-born storyteller who conjures worlds where vampires, mages, and time-traveling seers collide—meet Karen Chance! A New York Times bestselling author, Chance has captivated urban fantasy fans with her thrilling Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series. Her tales of magic, mystery, and adventure pulse with action and heart, drawing readers into supernatural realms that feel vividly alive.
With a global perspective shaped by living in France, the UK, and Hong Kong, Chance infuses her stories with a rich, worldly flair. Her journey from history teacher to full-time novelist is as enchanting as the worlds she creates, proving that a passion for storytelling can spark a literary legacy.
The Making of Karen Chance
Born in Orlando, Florida, Karen Chance grew up with a love for history and adventure. Her experiences living abroad in places like France, Great Britain, and Hong Kong broadened her perspective, giving her a unique lens for crafting diverse, immersive worlds. Before becoming a full-time writer in 2008, Chance taught history, a background that shines through in the intricate timelines and historical nods woven into her novels. Her shift to writing began with a leap of faith, channeling her love for fantasy into stories that blend gritty action with supernatural intrigue.
Karen Chance’s Unforgettable Stories
Chance’s Cassandra Palmer series, launched with Touch the Dark in 2006, follows Cassie Palmer, a clairvoyant navigating her role as the supernatural world’s chief seer. Packed with time travel, ghost-whispering, and vampire politics, the series—now spanning thirteen books—thrills with its fast-paced plots and witty dialogue. Fans adore Cassie’s resilience and the electric chemistry with characters like war mage John Pritkin and vampire Mircea Basarab.
The Dorina Basarab series, a spin-off, centers on Dorina, a dhampir (half-human, half-vampire) and Mircea’s daughter. Kicking off with Midnight’s Daughter, this series dives into Dorina’s mercenary life and her struggles with her dual nature. Books like Fury’s Kiss and Shadow’s Bane showcase Chance’s knack for blending gritty action, family drama, and slow-burn romance. Her writing style—vivid, cinematic, and layered with humor—makes both series stand out in urban fantasy, earning praise from authors like Charlaine Harris.
Chance also enriches her universe with novellas and short stories, many available for free on her website. Works like “Buying Trouble” and “The Gauntlet” deepen the lore, offering fans extra adventures with beloved characters.
Why Karen Chance Matters
Karen Chance has carved a niche in urban fantasy by crafting heroines who are tough yet relatable, navigating complex worlds with grit and heart. Her series have landed on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, resonating with readers who crave action-packed stories with strong female leads. By intertwining the Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series, Chance creates a cohesive universe where crossover characters and plotlines reward dedicated fans.
Her global experiences and historical knowledge add depth, making her worlds feel authentic and expansive. Chance’s influence lies in her ability to push urban fantasy boundaries, blending genres and subverting tropes, as seen in Dorina’s defiance of typical vampire stereotypes. Her work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, proving that fantasy can be both thrilling and deeply human.
- Born: Orlando, Florida
- Key Works: Touch the Dark, Midnight’s Daughter, Fury’s Kiss, Hijack the Seas: Seismic
- Genre: Urban Fantasy
- Notable: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Ready for a wild ride through a supernatural world? Snag Touch the Dark or Midnight’s Daughter and dive into Karen Chance’s spellbinding urban fantasy!