Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of vampires and underworld forests with a heart-wrenching twist—meet Liz Kerin! A rising star in horror and fantasy fiction, Kerin has captivated readers with her gripping narratives and complex characters. From her mother-daughter vampire saga to her dark YA fantasy, her stories blend the supernatural with raw human emotion, earning her critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.
Born with a passion for storytelling, Kerin’s journey from a young reader to an award-winning author, playwright, and screenwriter is as compelling as her novels. With her work now headed to the small screen, let’s dive into the world of Liz Kerin and discover what makes her stories so unforgettable.
The Making of Liz Kerin
Growing up with a love for books, Liz Kerin found inspiration in fantasy and speculative fiction. At ten, she read Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, sparking her desire to craft her own stories. She honed her craft at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a degree in Dramatic Writing. Now based in Southern California, Kerin draws creativity from serene landscapes, gardening, and hiking with her Corgi, Clementine.
Kerin’s early career spanned playwriting and screenwriting, with her whimsical dramedy Stop-Motion earning a 2018 Parity Commission. Her versatile storytelling soon led to her debut novel, setting the stage for her rise in the literary world.
Liz Kerin’s Unforgettable Stories
Kerin’s debut, The Phantom Forest (2019), is a dark YA fantasy that plunges readers into the Underworld’s Forest of Laida, where souls rest before rebirth. The story follows Seycia, a young woman on a quest to destroy her father’s killer’s soul-tree, blending metaphysical themes with gritty action. Critics praised its haunting atmosphere and poetic prose, calling Kerin a “rising star” in dark fiction.
Her Night’s Edge duology (2023–2024) redefined vampire horror. The first book, Night’s Edge, explores Mia, a young woman tethered to her vampire mother, Izzy, in a world ravaged by Saratov’s Syndrome. This emotionally charged tale of codependency, addiction, and queer romance earned rave reviews for its fresh take on vampire lore. The sequel, First Light, follows Mia’s revenge-driven journey, weaving thriller elements with trauma exploration. Critics lauded its “Phoebe Bridgers song in book form” vibe, blending heart and horror.
Kerin’s style is cinematic, with vivid worlds and flawed, relatable heroines. Her themes—female rage, family ties, and personal growth—resonate deeply, making her stories both thrilling and profoundly human. Her work, now in development as a TV series with 20th Television, promises to bring her unique vision to new audiences.
Why Liz Kerin Matters
Liz Kerin’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the monstrous. By tackling themes like trauma, addiction, and identity within horror and fantasy, she bridges niche and mainstream audiences. Her female-driven narratives challenge stereotypes, offering messy, angry heroines who feel achingly real. Fans and critics alike celebrate her for breathing new life into vampire fiction and crafting worlds that linger long after the final page.
As Kerin continues to write novels, plays, and screenplays, her influence grows. Her stories inspire readers to embrace their complexities and face their fears, cementing her as a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Phantom Forest (2019), Night’s Edge (2023), First Light (2024)
- Awards: 2018 Parity Commission for Stop-Motion
- Fun Fact: Kerin’s Corgi, Clementine, is her hiking buddy and social media star!
Snag Night’s Edge and dive into Liz Kerin’s thrilling, heartfelt horror today!