Picture a storyteller who swapped science labs for swoon-worthy romance, bringing the vibrant world of early 1900s Black high society to life—meet Krystal Marquis! A former biology student turned young adult fiction author, Marquis has captured readers’ hearts with her debut novel, The Davenports, a lush historical romance that blends glamour, love triangles, and social commentary. Her journey from a reading slump to a New York Times bestseller is as inspiring as the empowered heroines she writes.
The Making of Krystal Marquis
Born and raised in Terryville, Connecticut, Krystal Marquis studied biology at Boston College and the University of Connecticut, initially aiming for a medical career—think Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy. But a reading slump and a dare to tackle National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2019 changed everything. Inspired by an article about C.R. Patterson, a formerly enslaved man who founded a carriage company, Marquis began crafting a story about his daughters’ lives. What started as a hobby blossomed into a passion, and she now balances writing with her role as an environmental, health, and safety manager.
Marquis’s love for books was lifelong, nurtured in libraries and used bookstores. Her curiosity about history, especially underrepresented stories of Black excellence, fueled her shift to writing. The challenge of NaNoWriMo sparked her debut, proving that sometimes a single article and a sibling’s dare can launch a literary career.
Krystal Marquis’s Unforgettable Stories
Krystal Marquis’s debut, The Davenports (2023), is a dazzling young adult historical romance set in 1910 Chicago. Inspired by the real-life Patterson family, it follows four young Black women—sisters Olivia and Helen Davenport, their friend Amy-Rose, and Olivia’s best friend Ruby—as they navigate love, societal expectations, and personal dreams. The novel’s Bridgerton-esque vibe, complete with lavish balls and forbidden romances, earned it a spot as a New York Times bestseller and accolades like the Black Caucus of the American Library Association Award.
The sequel, The Davenports: More Than This (2024), picks up the drama with Ruby’s wedding plans, Olivia’s activism, Amy-Rose’s salon dreams, and Helen’s push to modernize the family business. Marquis’s writing shines with breezy prose, whip-smart pacing, and a knack for crafting take-charge heroines who defy convention. Her stories weave romance with themes of racial and gender barriers, offering escapist fun alongside historical insight. Critics praise her for filling a gap in young adult literature, delivering Black representation without centering trauma.
Marquis’s style draws comparisons to romance novelist Beverly Jenkins, blending meticulous research with emotional depth. Her focus on wealthy Black families in a segregated era highlights a lesser-known chapter of American history, making her work both entertaining and educational.
Why Krystal Marquis Matters
Krystal Marquis is redefining young adult historical romance by spotlighting Black excellence in the early 1900s, a period often overlooked in literature. Her novels resonate with readers craving diverse, uplifting stories that don’t shy away from historical realities. By centering Black women who forge their own paths, she inspires young readers to embrace their ambitions and heritage. The buzz around The Davenports being developed for Prime Video signals her growing influence, promising to bring her vision to an even wider audience.
Marquis’s journey from a biology major to a celebrated author also shows that it’s never too late to chase a creative dream. Her work encourages readers to explore history’s hidden corners and find courage in their own stories, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Birthplace: Terryville, Connecticut
- Key Works: The Davenports (2023), The Davenports: More Than This (2024)
- Awards: Black Caucus of the American Library Association Award, Heartland Booksellers Award
- Fun Fact: She dreams of creating her own Jurassic Park!
Snag The Davenports and dive into Krystal Marquis’s world of romance, courage, and Black excellence—you won’t be able to put it down!