Picture a New York-born storyteller who sent a hundred teens crashing back to a ravaged Earth—meet Kass Morgan! With her young adult sci-fi series The 100, she’s woven tales of survival, romance, and rebellion that hooked readers and sparked a hit TV show. Morgan’s knack for blending high-stakes adventure with heartfelt character arcs has made her a standout in young adult fiction.
Born Mallory Kass in 1984, she grew up surrounded by books, her love for science fiction and classic literature shaping her vivid imagination. Now a Brooklyn resident, Morgan’s journey from editor to bestselling author is as thrilling as her dystopian worlds.
The Making of Kass Morgan
Kass Morgan was born on July 21, 1984, in New York City, where her passion for storytelling took root early. A self-professed sci-fi geek, she devoured novels about post-apocalyptic heroes, even crushing on a boy in sixth grade over shared sci-fi obsessions. Morgan studied English and History at Brown University, then earned a Master’s in 19th-century literature at Oxford. Her academic background in classic literature shines through in her character names, like Clarke Griffin (after Arthur C. Clarke) and Bellamy Blake (after Edward Bellamy). After college, she landed a job as a senior editor at Scholastic in New York, where editing others’ stories ignited her desire to craft her own. When Alloy Entertainment pitched the concept of The 100—a story about juvenile delinquents sent to recolonize Earth—she jumped at the chance to write it.
Kass Morgan’s Unforgettable Stories
Morgan’s debut series, The 100, kicked off in 2013 with its titular novel, a gripping tale of 100 teens sent from a space colony to a post-apocalyptic Earth. Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, it hit No. 13 on The New York Times Young Adult Best Seller List. Its sequels—Day 21 (2014), Homecoming (2015), and Rebellion (2016)—deepen the saga, blending romance, survival, and moral dilemmas. Reviewers like Booklist praised the series as “dark and riveting,” though some noted its dramatic flair can feel forced. Morgan’s style fuses fast-paced action with emotional depth, drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies. Her characters, like the treason-accused Clarke and reckless Bellamy, grapple with secrets and sacrifice, making readers root for their redemption.
Beyond The 100, Morgan penned Light Years (2018), a standalone sci-fi novel about a space academy where teens navigate love and rivalry. Her ability to craft relatable characters in futuristic settings keeps fans coming back. Morgan’s love for Regency-era romance also sneaks into her work, adding a touch of classic longing to her high-tech worlds.
Why Kass Morgan Matters
Kass Morgan’s impact on young adult sci-fi is undeniable. The 100 not only captivated readers but inspired a CW television series (2014–2020) that ran for seven seasons, introducing her story to a broader audience. Though the show diverges from the books, Morgan’s core concept—a group of teens rebuilding society—resonates with fans of dystopian fiction. Her work explores timeless themes like forgiveness, leadership, and humanity’s resilience, appealing to teens and adults alike. As a female author in sci-fi, she’s also a role model, proving women can dominate a genre often seen as male-driven. Her blend of literary nods and pop-culture savvy has carved a unique space in YA literature.
- Born: July 21, 1984, in New York City
- Key Works: The 100, Day 21, Homecoming, Rebellion, Light Years
- Education: Brown University (BA), Oxford University (Master’s)
- Fun Fact: Appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy! in May 2022
About Kass Morgan
Ready to blast off into Kass Morgan’s thrilling worlds? Snag The 100 and dive into her heart-pounding sci-fi adventures today!