Picture a Texas-born storyteller who transformed Manhattan into a glittering, thousand-story skyscraper of secrets and romance—meet Katharine McGee! This New York Times bestselling author has captivated young adult readers with her unique blend of futuristic drama, social commentary, and heart-pounding romance. From her debut trilogy to her imaginative royal sagas, McGee’s vivid worlds invite readers to dream big and dive deep into human desires.
With a knack for weaving intricate plots and relatable characters, McGee has carved a niche in contemporary young adult literature. Her stories, often compared to a futuristic Gossip Girl, pulse with scandal, love, and the complexities of a high-tech future. Let’s explore how this Princeton and Stanford grad turned her love for New York City into a literary sensation.
The Making of Katharine McGee
Born in Houston, Texas, Katharine McGee grew up with a passion for reading that shaped her storytelling dreams. She studied English and French literature at Princeton University, where she wrote a thesis on “castle envy,” exploring America’s fascination with royalty. After graduating, she worked as an editor at HarperCollins and Alloy Entertainment in New York City, immersing herself in the publishing world. Her time in a second-floor apartment sparked daydreams about towering skyscrapers, planting the seeds for her debut novel.
McGee’s path to authorship wasn’t direct. She earned an MBA from Stanford University, balancing business school with weekend writing sessions. It was during this time that her courage to write flourished, inspired by her experiences and a desire to craft hopeful, realistic visions of the future. Her persistence paid off, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Katharine McGee’s Unforgettable Stories
McGee’s debut, The Thousandth Floor (2016), introduced a futuristic Manhattan where a thousand-story skyscraper houses a stratified society. This New York Times bestseller follows five teens navigating love, betrayal, and secrets, with a mysterious death setting the stage for a thrilling trilogy. Its sequels, The Dazzling Heights (2017) and The Towering Sky (2018), deepen the drama, blending high-tech glamour with social divides reminiscent of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.
Her American Royals series, starting in 2019, reimagines America as a monarchy, with George Washington as its first king. This addictive saga explores the lives of royal siblings, weaving romance, duty, and political intrigue. Books like Majesty (2020) and A Queen’s Game showcase McGee’s signature style: meticulous plotting, multiple perspectives, and emotionally charged narratives that resonate with young adult readers.
McGee’s writing stands out for its vivid world-building and relatable characters. She avoids bleak dystopian tropes, opting for hopeful futures where technology amplifies human emotions. Her themes—class divides, forbidden love, and personal identity—offer sharp social commentary, making her stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Katharine McGee Matters
Katharine McGee has redefined young adult speculative fiction by infusing it with glamour, diversity, and optimism. Her diverse characters, like the bisexual Eris or Iranian Watt in The Thousandth Floor, reflect a future where acceptance is the norm, resonating with readers seeking inclusive stories. Her ability to blend high-stakes drama with relatable struggles has earned her a loyal fanbase and critical praise, with outlets like Publishers Weekly calling her debut a “towering” achievement.
McGee’s influence extends beyond books. Her stories, optioned for television by ABC Studios, highlight her potential to shape pop culture. By crafting futures that feel attainable yet extraordinary, she inspires readers to imagine their own possibilities, cementing her as a vital voice in young adult literature.
- Born: May 1, Houston, Texas
- Education: Princeton University (BA), Stanford University (MBA)
- Key Works: The Thousandth Floor, American Royals, A Queen’s Game
- Notable: New York Times bestselling author
Ready to step into a dazzling future? Snag The Thousandth Floor or American Royals and dive into Katharine McGee’s thrilling, romantic worlds!