Picture a Los Angeles storyteller who spun gemstone-inspired worlds into a TikTok sensation—meet Kate Golden! This USA Today bestselling author burst onto the fantasy scene with her debut novel, A Dawn of Onyx, the first in the spellbinding Sacred Stones trilogy. With a knack for crafting slow-burn romantasy and a day job in Hollywood’s film industry, Golden’s stories shimmer with magic, intrigue, and heart-pounding romance.
The Making of Kate Golden
Hailing from California, Kate Golden grew up weaving tales, from tea-stained maps of imaginary lands to immersive games of make-believe. Her love for storytelling led her to a career in the film industry, where she develops movies with screenwriters and filmmakers. But it wasn’t until a vacation with her now-husband, when she couldn’t find a romantasy novel to satisfy her craving, that she decided to write her own. Inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses and fueled by moody soundtracks like Game of Thrones, Golden penned A Dawn of Onyx, marking her as a rising star.
Kate Golden’s Unforgettable Stories
Golden’s Sacred Stones trilogy—A Dawn of Onyx (2022), A Promise of Peridot (2024), and A Reign of Rose (2024)—is a masterclass in romantasy. A Dawn of Onyx follows Arwen Valondale, a healer captured by the Onyx King, as she navigates dark magic and a cunning ally in a gothic, gemstone-inspired world. Readers rave about its slow-burn romance and ACOTAR-like world-building, earning it a 2023 Romantasy Goodreads Choice Award nomination. A Promise of Peridot deepens the stakes with Arwen’s newfound powers and betrayal, while A Reign of Rose delivers an epic finale, pitting Arwen and Kane Ravenwood against Fae King Lazarus. Golden’s writing sparkles with witty banter, vivid settings like foggy forests and gothic libraries, and a magic system tied to sacred gemstones. Her meticulous outlining and film-honed sense of structure create plots that balance mystery and revelation, keeping readers hooked without frustrating cliffhangers.
Golden’s style leans into enemies-to-lovers tropes, morally gray characters like Kane, and empowering female leads like Arwen, who grows from a selfless healer to a fierce warrior. Her worlds, inspired by the cultural significance of gemstones, feel both fantastical and grounded, mirroring real-world religious dynamics. Fans adore her ability to weave sizzling tension with emotional depth, making her trilogy a TikTok sensation.
Why Kate Golden Matters
Kate Golden has carved a niche in the romantasy genre, blending fantasy’s epic scope with romance’s emotional pull. Her trilogy resonates with readers craving strong heroines and layered love stories, earning praise from authors like Lana Ferguson and India Holton. By drawing on her film industry expertise, Golden crafts cinematic narratives that feel like blockbuster movies. Her TikTok presence, with spicy and heartfelt teasers, has built a devoted fanbase eager for spin-offs, which she’s hinted at exploring. Golden’s rise from a debut author to a bestseller highlights her storytelling prowess and the genre’s growing popularity.
- Key Works: The Sacred Stones trilogy (A Dawn of Onyx, A Promise of Peridot, A Reign of Rose)
- Hobbies: Puzzle-solving, hosting game nights, hiking with her puppy, Milo
- Social Media: Active on Instagram (@KateGoldenAuthor) and TikTok (@Kate_Golden_Author)
Ready to lose yourself in a world of magic and romance? Snag A Dawn of Onyx and dive into Kate Golden’s irresistible romantasy!