Picture a pink-haired storyteller spinning worlds where angels clash with chimeras and love defies ancient wars—meet Laini Taylor! Born in 1971 in Chico, California, this National Book Award finalist has enchanted readers with her lush, lyrical young adult fantasy novels, most notably the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. With a vivid imagination and a knack for blending the magical with the deeply human, Taylor has carved a unique space in contemporary fantasy literature, inviting readers into realms as haunting as they are beautiful.
The Making of Laini Taylor
Growing up as a military kid, Laini Taylor’s childhood was a whirlwind of moves across Europe and the United States, from Hawaii to Italy. This nomadic life sparked her love for diverse cultures and stories, which later seeped into her writing. After earning an English degree from UC Berkeley, Taylor juggled jobs as a bookseller, waitress, and travel book editor before committing to her lifelong dream of writing. At 35, she published her first novel, proving it’s never too late to chase a passion. Her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter, Clementine, share her creative life in Portland, Oregon.
Laini Taylor’s Unforgettable Stories
Taylor’s breakout hit, the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy (2011–2014), follows Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague caught in a war between seraphim and chimeras. Critics praised its poetic prose and intricate world-building, with the first book earning a spot on Amazon’s Best Teen Books of 2011. Her Strange the Dreamer duology (2017–2018) weaves a tale of a librarian and a lost city, showcasing her signature blend of romance and mythology. Earlier works like Lips Touch: Three Times (2009), a National Book Award finalist, and the Dreamdark series (2007–2009) highlight her versatility, from fairy tales to gothic fantasies. Taylor’s style—vivid, emotionally rich, and steeped in otherworldly atmospheres—draws readers into settings like Prague’s gothic streets and Marrakesh’s bustling markets.
What sets Taylor apart is her ability to craft characters who feel achingly real, even amid fantastical wars. Her themes of love, identity, and redemption resonate deeply, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether it’s Karou’s quest for self-discovery or the librarian Lazlo Strange’s dream-fueled journey, Taylor’s narratives pulse with heart and imagination.
Why Laini Taylor Matters
Laini Taylor’s impact on young adult fantasy is undeniable. Her work has been translated into 32 languages, captivating a global audience with its blend of romance, mythology, and social commentary. By tackling themes like war and prejudice through fantastical lenses, she invites readers to reflect on the real world. Her lyrical prose has inspired countless aspiring writers, and her ability to create immersive worlds has earned her accolades like the Michael L. Printz Honor. Taylor’s stories remind us that fantasy can be both escapist and profoundly human, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
About Laini Taylor
- Born: December 11, 1971, in Chico, California
- Key Works: Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, Strange the Dreamer, Lips Touch: Three Times
- Awards: National Book Award finalist, Michael L. Printz Honor
- Fun Fact: She sports vibrant pink hair and founded an online writing community on Patreon.
Ready to lose yourself in a world of angels, chimeras, and star-crossed love? Snag Daughter of Smoke and Bone and dive into Laini Taylor’s spellbinding fantasy today!