Picture a Vermont storyteller weaving tales of magic, rebellion, and self-discovery—meet Laurie Forest! Nestled in the backwoods of Vermont, sipping strong tea by a wood stove, Forest has enchanted readers with her young adult fantasy series, The Black Witch Chronicles. Her stories, brimming with dryads, dragons, and wands, tackle prejudice and power in a richly imagined world, earning her a devoted global fanbase.
With a knack for blending heart-pounding suspense with poignant social commentary, Forest’s work resonates with teens and adults alike. Her debut novel faced controversy but soared to New York Times bestseller status, proving her storytelling prowess. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of Laurie Forest
Laurie Forest’s journey to literary stardom began in the quiet, forested hills of Vermont. Little is known about her early life, but her love for fantasy was sparked by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which she discovered through her children. She devoured works by Tamora Pierce, Philip Pullman, and Cassandra Clare, fueling her passion for epic narratives. Forest honed her craft through workshops with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Burlington Writers Workshop, transforming her daydreams into published novels.
Her breakthrough came with a contract from Harlequin TEEN, which saw the potential in her debut, The Black Witch. Forest’s Vermont surroundings—think cozy wood stoves and endless forests—inspired the lush, magical settings of her stories. Her ability to dream up intricate worlds while sipping tea has become a hallmark of her creative process.
Laurie Forest’s Unforgettable Stories
Forest’s flagship series, The Black Witch Chronicles, spans five novels and two prequel novellas, captivating readers with its intricate mythology and diverse cast. The Black Witch (2017) introduces Elloren Gardner, a powerless young woman in a magic-obsessed society, navigating prejudice at Verpax University. The novel’s unflinching look at racism and fascism sparked debate but won praise for its redemptive arc, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews.
Subsequent books, like The Iron Flower (2018) and The Shadow Wand (2020), deepen the saga’s stakes, blending romance, rebellion, and dragon-filled battles. The Demon Tide (2022) and the upcoming The Dryad Storm (2025) continue Elloren’s journey, showcasing Forest’s knack for escalating tension. Her prequel novellas, Wandfasted and Light Mage, compiled as The Rebel Mages, offer rich backstories. Forest is also crafting Silverling, a standalone adult romantasy, signaling her evolution as a writer.
Forest’s style is immersive, with whimsical descriptions and a focus on character growth. Her themes—overcoming prejudice, embracing diversity—resonate deeply, drawing comparisons to Harry Potter’s fight against tyranny. Her geeky love for dragons and fantasy maps shines through, making her worlds feel alive and boundless.
Why Laurie Forest Matters
Laurie Forest’s impact on young adult fantasy lies in her fearless exploration of social issues. The Black Witch Chronicles doesn’t shy away from tough topics like racism and xenophobia, using a fantastical lens to mirror real-world struggles. Readers praise her for crafting flawed, relatable characters like Elloren, whose journey from ignorance to activism inspires hope. Despite early backlash, Forest’s series has become a beacon for diversity and redemption in YA literature.
Her influence extends beyond books. Forest’s Pinterest boards, filled with inspirations like fantasy maps and dragon sketches, invite fans into her creative process. As she plans new series like The Wyvernguard Chronicles, her legacy as a bold, imaginative storyteller continues to grow, captivating readers who crave magic with meaning.
- Birthplace: Vermont, USA
- Key Works: The Black Witch, The Iron Flower, The Shadow Wand, The Demon Tide, The Dryad Storm
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Romantasy
- Influence: Inspired by J.K. Rowling, Tamora Pierce
Ready to be spellbound? Grab The Black Witch and dive into Laurie Forest’s thrilling, thought-provoking fantasy world!