Picture a Seoul-born, Minnesota-raised storyteller who weaves chilling tales of ghosts and warring queens—meet Kendare Blake! Known for her dark, thrilling young adult novels, Blake has carved a niche in horror and fantasy with her vivid worlds and complex characters. From ghostly romances to deadly sisterly rivalries, her stories captivate readers with a delicious blend of the eerie and the heartfelt.
With bestsellers like Anna Dressed in Blood and the Three Dark Crowns series, Blake’s knack for blending violence, mythology, and emotion has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of the macabre!
The Making of Kendare Blake
Born in July in Seoul, South Korea, Kendare Blake was adopted at seven months and raised in Cambridge, Minnesota. Her adoptive parents received a quirky instruction: 'Feed her chocolate.' While not medically sound, this playful note hints at the lighthearted spirit Blake brings to her dark tales. She studied business at Ithaca College before earning a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Middlesex University in London, where her storytelling passion took root.
Influenced by authors like Milan Kundera and Caitlin R. Kiernan, Blake’s love for eclectic literature—from philosophy to horror—shaped her adventurous style. Her early career began with Sleepwalk Society, but it was her shift to horror and fantasy that launched her into the spotlight, proving she could tackle any genre with flair.
Kendare Blake’s Unforgettable Stories
Blake’s breakout hit, Anna Dressed in Blood (2011), follows teenage ghost hunter Cas Lowood as he confronts Anna, a vengeful spirit with a tragic past. This horror duology, lauded for its creepy atmosphere and bittersweet romance, landed on NPR’s Top 5 Young Adult Novels of 2011. Its sequel, Girl of Nightmares, deepens the emotional stakes, cementing Blake’s talent for blending scares with heart.
The Three Dark Crowns series (2016–2020) showcases Blake’s fantasy prowess. Set on the island of Fennbirn, it follows triplet queens—Mirabella, Katharine, and Arsinoe—who must battle to the death for the crown. With intricate world-building and morally gray characters, the series earned a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List. Blake’s ability to craft flawed, compelling female leads who defy 'likability' stereotypes sets her apart.
Other works, like the mythology-driven Goddess War trilogy and the standalone horror novel All These Bodies (2021), highlight her versatility. Her stories, often violent and tinged with dark humor, feature vivid food descriptions—perhaps a nod to writing while hungry! Translated into 18 languages, her books resonate globally.
Why Kendare Blake Matters
Kendare Blake’s impact on young adult literature lies in her fearless exploration of darkness. Her stories offer escapism, allowing teens to face fictional horrors while navigating real-life challenges. By crafting complex female characters who are devious or unapologetic, Blake challenges traditional expectations, empowering readers to embrace their own imperfections. Her work has inspired film adaptations, including a planned Anna Dressed in Blood movie and a Three Dark Crowns feature by Fox.
A Cybils Awards finalist, Blake continues to push boundaries with projects like her Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff trilogy, In Every Generation. Living in Gig Harbor, Washington, with her husband and a menagerie of pets (including a naked Sphynx cat named Armpit McGee), she remains a vibrant voice in horror and fantasy.
- Born: July, Seoul, South Korea
- Key Works: Anna Dressed in Blood, Three Dark Crowns, All These Bodies
- Awards: Cybils Awards finalist, New York Times Bestseller
- Fun Fact: Blake cheats at Final Fantasy and loves animals!
Ready to get spooked? Snag Anna Dressed in Blood or Three Dark Crowns and dive into Kendare Blake’s thrilling, chilling world of horror and fantasy!