Picture a British-born storyteller who swapped video game consoles for spellbinding novels—meet Liz Braswell! With her knack for reimagining Disney classics and crafting fantastical young adult tales, Braswell has enchanted readers worldwide. From her Egyptology roots to her Brooklyn garden, her unique journey fuels stories that blend magic, adventure, and heart.
Known for her New York Times bestselling Twisted Tales series and the supernatural thrill of The Nine Lives of Chloe King, Braswell’s work dances between fairy-tale reinventions and gritty fantasy. Her playful yet poignant style invites readers to rethink familiar stories while exploring new worlds.
The Making of Liz Braswell
Born in Birmingham, England, Liz Braswell grew up in a small New England town, where an introverted childhood sparked her love for books. Armed with a degree in Egyptology from Brown University, she initially dove into the fast-paced world of video game production. For nearly a decade, she produced titles like Darkened Skye and Farscape: The Game at Simon & Schuster Interactive, mastering the art of storytelling through interactive media. But her destiny lay in words, not pixels, and she soon traded game controllers for manuscripts.
Writing under pseudonyms like Tracy Lynn and Celia Thomson, Braswell honed her craft with young adult novels before embracing her real name. Her eclectic background—blending ancient history, gaming, and a passion for gardening—infuses her stories with rich, unexpected depth.
Liz Braswell’s Unforgettable Stories
Braswell’s Twisted Tales series, published by Disney Press, reimagines beloved fairy tales with daring “what if” twists. In A Whole New World, she asks, “What if Aladdin never found the lamp?” This dark, thrilling retelling of Aladdin sets the tone for her ability to flip familiar narratives. As Old as Time, a Beauty and the Beast reimagining, explores a shocking twist: What if Belle’s mother cursed the Beast? With over 3,792 Amazon reviews, it’s a fan favorite for its emotional depth and intricate lore.
Part of Your World, another Twisted Tales gem, wonders, “What if Ariel never defeated Ursula?” This gripping tale of a voiceless queen fighting to reclaim her world showcases Braswell’s knack for empowering heroines. Beyond Disney, The Nine Lives of Chloe King, written as Celia Thomson, follows a teenage girl discovering her catlike powers. Adapted into a 2011 TV show, the series blends Egyptian mythology with urban fantasy, earning praise for its creative world-building.
Braswell’s style is a vibrant tapestry of adventure, romance, and introspection. Her stories often explore identity, choice, and the courage to defy fate, wrapped in a conversational tone that feels like a chat with a witty friend. Whether reworking Disney canon or crafting original fantasies, she balances nostalgia with bold innovation.
Why Liz Braswell Matters
Liz Braswell has carved a niche in young adult fiction by breathing new life into timeless tales. Her Twisted Tales series resonates with readers who crave fresh perspectives on childhood favorites, while The Nine Lives of Chloe King appeals to fans of supernatural drama. By weaving Egyptian mythology, feminist themes, and intricate world-building, she’s expanded the boundaries of fantasy and fairy-tale genres.
Her impact extends beyond bookshelves. The TV adaptation of The Nine Lives of Chloe King introduced her work to new audiences, while her Twisted Tales inspire fan discussions and creative reinterpretations online. Braswell’s ability to blend scholarly insight with pop culture savvy makes her a unique voice, inviting readers to see stories—and themselves—in a new light.
- Born: Birmingham, England
- Key Works: Twisted Tales (A Whole New World, As Old as Time, Part of Your World), The Nine Lives of Chloe King
- Fun Fact: She tends to five coffee trees in Brooklyn, hoping they’ll yield beans!
Snag A Whole New World or dive into The Nine Lives of Chloe King to experience Liz Braswell’s magical storytelling. Trust us, her worlds are worth exploring!