Picture a Minnesota-born storyteller who spun a zombie blog into a New York Times bestseller—meet Madeleine Roux! This American author, now chilling readers from Seattle, has carved a niche in horror and thriller fiction with her spine-tingling Asylum and House of Furies series. Roux’s knack for blending eerie visuals with suspenseful tales has made her a modern master of the macabre.
From her experimental fiction blog to million-copy-selling novels, Roux’s journey is a testament to creative grit. Her stories, laced with paranormal dread and gothic vibes, pull readers into worlds where the line between sanity and madness blurs. Ready to dive into her haunting universe? Let’s explore how Roux became a horror fiction powerhouse.
The Making of Madeleine Roux
Born in 1985 in Minnesota, Madeleine Roux grew up with a vivid imagination, likely fueled by long winters and a love for the eerie. She pursued her passion at Beloit College, earning a BA in Creative Writing and Acting in 2008. There, professors like Steve Wright and Francesca Abbate nurtured her storytelling spark. In 2009, Roux completed an Honors Term, crafting a full-length historical fiction novel—a bold start for a budding writer.
Her big break came with an experimental blog, Allison Hewitt Is Trapped, where she serialized a zombie apocalypse tale. The blog’s raw energy and witty sarcasm caught the internet’s attention, landing her a deal with St. Martin’s Press. Published in 2011, the novel marked Roux’s debut, proving her ability to turn digital experiments into gripping books.
Madeleine Roux’s Unforgettable Stories
Roux’s bibliography is a treasure trove of chills, with her Asylum series (2013–2016) leading the pack. This young adult horror saga, starting with Asylum, follows teens unraveling dark secrets in a haunted institution. Featuring real asylum photos, the series sold over a million copies worldwide and earned a Teen Indie Next List Pick nod. Publishers Weekly called it “a strong YA debut” for its creepy atmosphere and trauma-driven plot.
The House of Furies trilogy (2017–2019) dives into gothic fantasy, with House of Furies introducing Louisa, a maid at a sinister boarding house. Kate McKean praised its “darkly delightful” setting. Roux also ventured into adult sci-fi with Salvaged (2019) and Reclaimed (2021), both earning starred Publishers Weekly reviews for their intense, gory thrills. Her work extends to licensed universes like World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons, showcasing her versatility.
Roux’s style blends vivid imagery, psychological depth, and a touch of the grotesque. Her themes—madness, survival, and hidden truths—resonate with readers who crave stories that linger like a cold fog. Whether it’s zombies in Sadie Walker Is Stranded (2012) or the blood magic of Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – The Nine Eyes of Lucien (2022), Roux crafts worlds that feel both fantastical and unnervingly real.
Why Madeleine Roux Matters
Madeleine Roux has redefined young adult horror by merging visual storytelling with raw emotion, making her books accessible yet profound. Her Asylum series, with its unsettling photos, taps into our fascination with abandoned places, while her inclusive themes—often featuring queer characters—offer a safe space for diverse readers. Despite facing book bans for her paranormal content, Roux remains a resilient voice, advocating for creative freedom.
Her influence extends beyond horror, inspiring writers to experiment with form and genre. From blogs to bestsellers, Roux’s career shows how passion and persistence can shape a legacy. She’s not just telling stories—she’s inviting readers to confront their fears and find strength in the shadows.
- Born: 1985, Minnesota
- Key Works: Asylum series, House of Furies series, Salvaged, Reclaimed
- Fun Fact: Roux wrote for Star Wars and Critical Role, blending her voice with iconic franchises.
Snag Asylum and dive into Madeleine Roux’s thrilling horror world—perfect for a late-night read that’ll keep you up!