Picture a Taiwanese-American storyteller who swapped brain scans for bestselling books—meet Livia Blackburne! This young adult fantasy author weaves intricate worlds with a scientist’s precision, drawing from her neuroscience background to craft unforgettable tales. Her debut, Midnight Thief, captivated readers, proving she’s a master of character-driven stories with a thrilling edge.
Born in Taipei and raised in Albuquerque, Blackburne’s journey from MIT PhD to New York Times bestseller is as compelling as her novels. Her unique blend of science and fantasy has carved a niche in YA literature, making her a standout voice for readers craving adventure and depth.
The Making of Livia Blackburne
Livia Blackburne was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, at age five. A voracious reader, she devoured books while dodging chores, planting the seeds for her storytelling passion. Her academic path led her to Harvard, where she earned a bachelor’s in Biochemical Sciences, followed by a PhD in cognitive neuroscience at MIT. There, she studied the brain’s response to reading, a fitting prelude to her writing career. Writing became her escape during the stresses of grad school, with her first novel, Midnight Thief, taking shape as a creative outlet. What started as a high school draft to avoid camping became a polished bestseller years later, showcasing her persistence and talent.
Livia Blackburne’s Unforgettable Stories
Blackburne’s novels are known for their vivid worlds, complex characters, and themes of identity and resilience. Her debut, Midnight Thief (2014), follows Kyra, a street-smart thief entangled in a web of intrigue and vengeance. Praised for its fast-paced plot, it earned an Indies Introduce New Voices nod. The sequel, Daughter of Dusk (2015), deepens Kyra’s journey, exploring her hidden bloodline and fragile alliances. Blackburne’s Rosemarked duology—Rosemarked (2017) and Umbertouched (2018)—introduces Zivah, a healer facing a deadly plague, and Dineas, a warrior seeking revenge. Infused with medical and psychological realism from her neuroscience expertise, the series was lauded as a YALSA Teens Top Ten nominee.
Beyond fantasy, Blackburne’s picture book I Dream of Popo (2021) offers a heartfelt tale of a girl’s bond with her Taiwanese grandmother across continents, inspired by her own life. Her contribution to Disney’s Queen’s Council series, Feather and Flame (2021), reimagines Mulan as a queen, blending heroism with emotional depth. Blackburne’s style shines through her ability to craft relatable, flawed characters and weave scientific insights into fantastical settings, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Livia Blackburne Matters
Livia Blackburne’s impact lies in her ability to bridge science and storytelling, creating YA fantasy that resonates with diverse readers. Her Taiwanese-American heritage infuses her work with authentic cultural nuances, as seen in I Dream of Popo, which celebrates intergenerational love. Her novels tackle complex themes like identity, trust, and survival, empowering readers to explore their own strengths. By mentoring aspiring authors through programs like PB Rising Stars, she fosters new voices in publishing. Blackburne’s journey from scientist to storyteller inspires those balancing passion with practicality, proving dreams can take root in unexpected places.
- Born: Taipei, Taiwan
- Key Works: Midnight Thief, Rosemarked, I Dream of Popo, Feather and Flame
- Awards: Indies Introduce New Voices, YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee
Snag Midnight Thief or I Dream of Popo and dive into Livia Blackburne’s spellbinding blend of fantasy and heart!