Picture a storyteller who swapped rock ‘n’ roll stages for spine-chilling young adult novels—meet Kim Liggett! This American author burst onto the literary scene with her 2015 debut, Blood and Salt, a haunting blend of romance, horror, and fantasy that hooked readers worldwide. Known for her vivid storytelling and knack for weaving eerie atmospheres, Liggett has carved a unique space in YA fiction, earning accolades like the Bram Stoker Award for her gripping work.
From her rural Midwestern roots to her vibrant New York City days, Liggett’s journey is as captivating as her novels. Her ability to transform personal experiences into thrilling narratives makes her a standout voice, inviting readers to dive into worlds where love, fear, and mystery collide.
The Making of Kim Liggett
Born in the rural Midwest, Kim Liggett left her small town at sixteen to chase dreams in New York City. There, she dove into the arts, singing backup for major 1980s rock bands and studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her eclectic career also included entrepreneurship, from running a children’s art program to organizing musician tours. These diverse experiences shaped her bold, creative voice, which later fueled her transition to writing. Inspired by her love for storytelling and her daughter, Liggett began crafting novels that reflect her fascination with the human heart and the supernatural.
Kim Liggett’s Unforgettable Stories
Liggett’s debut, Blood and Salt (2015), is a romantic horror saga often described as ‘Romeo and Juliet meets Children of the Corn.’ It follows Ash Larkin, a teen unraveling a cult’s dark secrets in a Kansas cornfield, blending lush romance with chilling suspense. Its sequel, Heart of Ash (2018), deepens the stakes as Ash battles an immortal network. The Last Harvest (2017), a standalone novel, earned the 2017 Bram Stoker Award for its unsettling tale of a quarterback haunted by a town’s devil-worshipping past, pitched as ‘Friday Night Lights meets Rosemary’s Baby.’
Her most acclaimed work, The Grace Year (2019), is a dystopian thriller compared to The Handmaid’s Tale. It explores a society where girls are banished to purge their ‘magic,’ delivering a powerful commentary on misogyny and resilience. Liggett’s style—vivid, atmospheric, and emotionally raw—creates immersive worlds where cornfields breathe and love burns dangerously. Her themes of sacrifice, rebellion, and identity resonate deeply with YA readers.
The Unfortunates (2018), another standalone, tackles privilege and guilt through a senator’s son trapped in a cave, weaving psychological horror with redemption. Each novel showcases Liggett’s talent for balancing heart-pounding plots with complex characters, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Kim Liggett Matters
Kim Liggett’s impact on YA fiction lies in her fearless exploration of dark themes wrapped in accessible, gripping narratives. Her work challenges societal norms, particularly around gender and power, earning her the 2020 Nous a Libre Prize for The Grace Year. Translated into over twenty languages and set for a Universal Pictures adaptation, The Grace Year has cemented her global influence. Liggett’s ability to blend horror with heart makes her a beacon for readers seeking stories that thrill and inspire.
Her Midwestern roots and rock-star past add authenticity to her voice, connecting with teens and adults alike. By crafting heroines like Ash Larkin, who face impossible odds with courage, Liggett empowers readers to confront their own fears and embrace their strength.
- Born: Midwest, USA
- Key Works: Blood and Salt, The Last Harvest, The Grace Year
- Awards: 2017 Bram Stoker Award, 2020 Nous a Libre Prize
- Fun Fact: She collects rare perfume vials and studies tarot!
Snag The Grace Year and dive into Kim Liggett’s thrilling world of horror and heart!