Picture a storyteller who spun a queer historical romp through 18th-century Europe, blending wit, adventure, and heart—meet MacKenzi Lee! This American author has taken young adult literature by storm with her vibrant mix of historical fiction and fantasy. From her debut novel to her bestselling Montague Siblings series, Lee’s stories captivate readers with diverse characters and immersive settings, all informed by her love for history and knack for storytelling.
Born Mackenzie Van Engelenhoven, Lee’s journey from a history enthusiast to a New York Times bestselling author is as colorful as her books. With a background that includes working as a bookstore manager and a passion for uncovering forgotten historical figures, she’s crafted a unique niche in YA literature that feels both fresh and timeless.
The Making of MacKenzi Lee
Growing up in America, MacKenzi Lee was always drawn to books and history, a passion that shaped her future. She earned a BA in history, even embarking on her own European grand tour during college, which later inspired the vivid settings in her novels. Lee further honed her craft with an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Simmons University. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as an events coordinator at Trident Booksellers & Café in Boston, where her interactions with readers fueled her excitement for storytelling. Her early short fiction and nonfiction appeared in publications like Atlas Obscura and the Boston Globe, laying the groundwork for her literary career.
MacKenzi Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee burst onto the YA scene in 2015 with her debut novel, This Monstrous Thing, a haunting retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein set in 1818 Geneva. Blending fantasy, science fiction, and horror, it follows Alasdair Finch, a mechanic of clockwork humans, and won the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award. Her breakout hit, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (2017), introduced the Montague Siblings series, following bisexual lord Henry 'Monty' Montague on a chaotic European tour with his best friend and crush, Percy. Praised by Teen Vogue as 'the queer teen historical you didn’t know was missing,' it became a New York Times bestseller and earned a Stonewall Book Award for its inclusive representation.
The series continued with The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (2018), focusing on Monty’s sister Felicity, a fierce aspiring doctor navigating sexism in 18th-century Europe, and The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks (2021), which explores their younger brother Adrian’s adventures. Lee’s writing shines with witty dialogue, richly detailed historical settings, and themes of identity, queerness, and resilience. She also ventured into Marvel territory with Loki: Where Mischief Lies (2019), a historical fiction novel about the trickster god, showcasing her knack for reimagining complex antiheroes.
Why MacKenzi Lee Matters
MacKenzi Lee’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to weave diverse, authentic voices into historical narratives. Her queer and feminist characters challenge traditional historical fiction tropes, offering teens a chance to see themselves in the past. Through her #BygoneBadassBroads Twitter series, which inspired the nonfiction book Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World (2018), Lee amplifies overlooked historical figures, sparking curiosity in readers. Her work resonates with young adults seeking stories that blend adventure with meaningful representation, cementing her as a vital voice in YA fiction.
- Born: Mackenzie Van Engelenhoven, date not publicly available
- Key Works: This Monstrous Thing, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, Loki: Where Mischief Lies
- Awards: Stonewall Book Award, PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award
- Fun Fact: Lee loves Diet Coke, sweater weather, and Star Wars!
Ready to dive into a world of roguish lords, fierce heroines, and historical hijinks? Snag The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and lose yourself in MacKenzi Lee’s dazzling YA adventures!