Picture a Finnish storyteller who weaves historical fantasy with the chill of Russian winters and the intrigue of revolution—meet Leena Likitalo! Hailing from an island near Helsinki, this award-winning author has enchanted readers with her Waning Moon Duology, blending dark magic, complex characters, and a nod to the Romanov sisters. With a knack for breaking computer games by day and crafting unforgettable tales by night, Likitalo’s fearless imagination is making waves in the fantasy genre.
The Making of Leena Likitalo
Born in Finland, the land of endless summer days and long, dark winters, Leena Likitalo grew up surrounded by lakes and untold stories. As a teen, she struggled with foreign languages until her father handed her his collection of fantasy and sci-fi novels. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert Jordan became her 'teachers,' sparking a lifelong love for storytelling. After graduating from Clarion San Diego, she dove into writing, earning the prestigious Writers of the Future award in 2014 for her vivid short fiction.
By day, Likitalo tests computer games, a job that hones her knack for spotting flaws—a skill she applies to her meticulous writing process. Her adventures, from horseback riding to underwater rugby, fuel her dynamic narratives, giving her stories a unique blend of grit and wonder.
Leena Likitalo’s Unforgettable Stories
Likitalo’s Waning Moon Duology is her crowning achievement, inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution and the Romanov sisters. The Five Daughters of the Moon introduces the Crescent Empire, where a sinister Great Thinking Machine, powered by human souls, threatens revolution. Each sister—Alina, Merile, Sibilia, Elise, and Celestia—narrates her perspective, showcasing Likitalo’s talent for distinct voices and emotional depth. The sequel, The Sisters of the Crescent Empress, deepens the saga with ghostly hauntings and a desperate bid for freedom, earning praise for its lush prose and Russian mythological flair.
Beyond her novels, Likitalo’s short fiction shines in anthologies like Galaxy’s Edge and It Came from the North, a collection of Finnish speculative fiction. Her stories, like 'The Hibernating Queen,' blend dark fantasy with haunting atmospheres, cementing her versatility. Likitalo’s style—lyrical, character-driven, and steeped in historical intrigue—draws readers into worlds where magic and morality collide.
Her writing process is as disciplined as it is creative. Using agile methodologies from her tech background, she outlines meticulously, breaking stories into manageable chunks to polish each scene. This blend of structure and imagination ensures her tales are both intricate and accessible.
Why Leena Likitalo Matters
Leena Likitalo’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into historical fantasy. By reimagining the Romanov story through a fantastical lens, she offers a fresh perspective on a familiar tragedy, blending Finnish sensibilities with universal themes of sisterhood and resistance. Her work resonates with readers who crave character-driven stories and richly imagined worlds, earning her a dedicated following and critical acclaim from authors like Jacqueline Carey.
As a Finnish voice in global fantasy, Likitalo showcases the power of diverse storytelling. Her rise from short fiction to celebrated novelist inspires aspiring writers, proving that even from a remote island, stories can conquer the world. With more tales likely on the horizon, her legacy is just beginning.
- Key Works: The Five Daughters of the Moon, The Sisters of the Crescent Empress, contributions to Galaxy’s Edge
- Awards: Writers of the Future 2014
- Hobbies: Horseback riding, underwater rugby, travel
Snag The Five Daughters of the Moon and dive into Leena Likitalo’s spellbinding historical fantasy today!