Picture a queer ace storyteller who spun a gender-flipped Sleeping Beauty into a thrilling adventure—meet Leslie Vedder! This American Young Adult author has enchanted readers with her Bone Spindle series, blending fantasy, romance, and snark. With a knack for crafting fierce girl heroes and intricate worlds inspired by anime and fanfiction, Vedder’s stories are as vibrant as her Colorado home.
The Making of Leslie Vedder
Born with a love for fantasy, Leslie Vedder grew up devouring books like Tamora Pierce’s Alanna series and The Lord of the Rings. Her imagination thrived on anime, fanfiction, and epic tales, shaping her into a storyteller who champions girl adventurers. A graduate of San Francisco State University with a B.A. in creative writing, Vedder met her true love in high school choir, a romance that now anchors her life in Colorado alongside her wife and two spoiled cats. Her writing journey began with a spark: the dream of creating heroes who break molds and wield battle axes.
Leslie Vedder’s Unforgettable Stories
Vedder’s debut, The Bone Spindle (2022), is a fast-paced YA fantasy that reimagines Sleeping Beauty with a twist: the prince, Briar Rose, is cursed, and two fierce girls—bookish Fi and axe-wielding Shane—set out to save him. Packed with dark magic, witch hunters, and queer romance, it’s an indie bestseller lauded for its snarky dialogue and found-family vibes. The Severed Thread (2023) deepens the saga, introducing lost ruins and a hunt for a mysterious book code, earning praise for its heart-pounding action and ride-or-die friendships. The Cursed Rose (2024) wraps the trilogy with bone monsters and shocking twists, cementing Vedder’s flair for fractured fairytales. Her standalone novel, The Labyrinth of Souls, showcases her versatility, weaving magic and adventure. Vedder’s style—rich with witty banter, lush worldbuilding, and LGBTQ+ representation—draws from her love of video games like Zelda, where she collects every Skulltula.
Why Leslie Vedder Matters
Leslie Vedder’s impact lies in her bold reinvention of fairytales, making space for queer and female heroes who defy stereotypes. Her stories resonate with young readers seeking representation, offering characters who navigate love, curses, and identity with courage and humor. By blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, Vedder has carved a niche in YA fantasy, inspiring a new generation of storytellers. Her work’s inclusivity and charm have earned accolades from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal, marking her as a rising star.
About Leslie Vedder
- Key Works: The Bone Spindle (2022), The Severed Thread (2023), The Cursed Rose (2024), The Labyrinth of Souls
- Education: B.A. in Creative Writing, San Francisco State University
- Lives: Colorado, with her wife and two cats
- Influences: Tamora Pierce, anime, fanfiction, The Lord of the Rings
Snag The Bone Spindle and dive into Leslie Vedder’s spellbinding world of fairytale mashups and girl-powered adventures!