Picture a small-town Idaho dreamer who turned vivid nighttime visions into a bestselling young adult fantasy series—meet Lorena Angell! This indie author’s spellbinding ‘Unaltered’ series has captivated readers worldwide, blending superhuman powers, cosmic mysteries, and authentic teen struggles. With a knack for crafting suspenseful tales, Angell has carved a unique niche in contemporary YA literature, proving that dreams can indeed spark literary magic.
The Making of Lorena Angell
Growing up in southeast Idaho with a view of the Grand Teton Mountains, Lorena Angell was surrounded by nature’s grandeur and a bustling family of nine siblings. Her childhood was filled with neighborhood baseball games and late-night hide-and-seek, but English class wasn’t her forte. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s journey, Angell began writing in 2005, turning her vivid dreams into stories. Her first novel, ‘A Diamond in My Pocket,’ was born from a rare fantasy dream with a complete narrative arc, a stark contrast to her usual non-fantasy subconscious.
Despite facing rejections from over seventy-five literary agents, Angell embraced the indie author path in 2011. She uploaded her debut novel to Smashwords, initially offering it for free to gather feedback. This bold move led to over 325,000 downloads across platforms, launching her career and proving her storytelling prowess.
Lorena Angell’s Unforgettable Stories
Angell’s ‘Unaltered’ series, a seven-book saga, is her flagship work, blending young adult fantasy, supernatural powers, and romantic suspense. The series follows Calli Courtnae, a sixteen-year-old who discovers her superhuman abilities after breaking a world record. ‘A Diamond in My Pocket,’ the first book, introduces a secret world of clans with cosmic powers, where Calli navigates dangerous missions and mystical diamonds. Its fast-paced plot and organic tension earned it a spot as Apple’s iBookstore Breakout Book in 2013.
Subsequent books, like ‘A Diamond in My Heart’ and ‘The Diamond of Freedom,’ both Amazon #1 bestsellers, deepen the narrative with themes of trust, destiny, and moral dilemmas. ‘The Diamond Bearers’ Destiny’ concludes the initial four-book arc, delivering a satisfying end while setting up future adventures. Angell’s writing style, often compared to Marie Lu and Veronica Roth, combines accessible prose with complex characters and thought-provoking stakes, appealing to readers aged 13 and up.
Beyond ‘Unaltered,’ Angell’s ‘Lost Crown’ series (formerly ‘Scars of Defiance’) explores romantic suspense, showcasing her versatility. Her nonfiction work, a memoir about managing diabetes with continuous glucose monitors, reflects her commitment to sharing personal triumphs, further endearing her to readers.
Why Lorena Angell Matters
Lorena Angell’s impact lies in her ability to transform personal dreams into universal stories that resonate with young readers. Her indie success, with over 5,200 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, highlights her connection with fans across 51 countries. The ‘Unaltered’ series, currently optioned for film, has sparked excitement for its potential to bring Calli’s world to the screen. Angell’s stories inspire reluctant readers, as noted by librarians, by weaving thrilling plots with relatable coming-of-age themes.
Her journey from a self-doubting writer to an international bestseller underscores the power of perseverance. By embracing her unique voice and leveraging digital platforms, Angell has become a beacon for aspiring indie authors, proving that traditional gatekeepers aren’t the only path to success.
- Key Works: ‘A Diamond in My Pocket,’ ‘A Diamond in My Heart,’ ‘The Diamond of Freedom,’ ‘The Diamond Bearers’ Destiny’
- Genres: Young adult fantasy, supernatural, romantic suspense
- Notable Achievement: Apple iBookstore Breakout Book (2013)
Snag ‘A Diamond in My Pocket’ and dive into Lorena Angell’s thrilling world of superpowers and suspense!