Picture a New Zealand storyteller who conjures worlds where werewolves play laser tag and princesses unravel royal secrets—meet Kelly St. Clare! A USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Kelly has enchanted readers with her young adult fantasy and urban fantasy novels since her 2015 debut. Her stories, brimming with vivid characters and themes of identity, belonging, and adventure, have carved a special place in the hearts of fantasy fans worldwide.
From her home in New Zealand, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and a menagerie of animals, Kelly weaves tales that blend romance, mystery, and magic. Her love for books, which she describes as 'magical and mysterious,' fuels her storytelling, making her a standout voice in the genre.
The Making of Kelly St. Clare
Born and raised in New Zealand, Kelly St. Clare grew up with a deep passion for reading, often lost in the pages of fantasy novels. This love for stories inspired her to unravel their magic by becoming a writer herself. After moving to Australia for a time, she returned to her Kiwi roots, where she now balances writing with family life and her latest hobbies—whether it’s diving into music or befriending local wildlife (though she draws the line at huntsman spiders!). Her debut novel, Fantasy of Frost, launched in 2015, marking the start of a prolific career that’s seen her publish over 60 works.
Kelly St. Clare’s Unforgettable Stories
Kelly’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy subgenres, from royal intrigue to paranormal romance. Her breakout series, The Tainted Accords, a young adult royal fantasy, follows Olina, a veiled princess navigating a world of secrets and betrayal across four books: Fantasy of Frost, Fantasy of Flight, Fantasy of Fire, and Fantasy of Freedom. Fans praise its slow-burn romance and kickass heroine, comparing it to Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass.
In the urban fantasy realm, the Werewolf Dens trilogy—Shifter Wars, Moon Claimed, and Wolf Roulette—introduces Andie, a fierce protagonist uncovering her mother’s secrets in Deception Valley. With a unique twist of werewolves battling via laser tag to settle territory disputes, the series blends humor, strategy, and steamy romance. Kelly’s Honey & Ice trilogy, co-written with Shannon Mayer, dives into fae adventures, while her Magical Dating Agency series offers lighthearted urban fantasy with a cursed cupid heroine.
Kelly’s writing style is immersive, with intricate world-building and strong, relatable characters. Her stories often explore themes of self-discovery and resilience, wrapped in a playful tone that keeps readers hooked. Whether it’s pirates, shifters, or fae, her worlds are as diverse as they are captivating.
Why Kelly St. Clare Matters
Kelly St. Clare’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers seeking adventure and emotional depth. Her strong female leads, like Andie and Olina, inspire young women to embrace their strength and navigate complex identities. With over 200,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.2 stars, her fanbase is a testament to her storytelling prowess. By blending humor, romance, and high-stakes drama, Kelly has carved a niche in young adult and new adult fantasy, earning comparisons to authors like Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs.
Her New Zealand perspective adds a unique flavor to her work, grounding fantastical tales in a sense of place and culture. As she continues to publish, Kelly’s legacy grows, inspiring aspiring writers to chase their own magical stories.
- Key Works: The Tainted Accords, Werewolf Dens, Honey & Ice
- Debut Year: 2015
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Snag Shifter Wars or Fantasy of Frost and dive into Kelly St. Clare’s spellbinding worlds of romance and adventure!