Picture a New England storyteller who weaves magic and monsters into tales that feel like classic fairy tales with a modern twist—meet MarcyKate Connolly! A New York Times bestselling author, she’s enchanted young readers with her imaginative middle-grade and young adult novels, blending Gothic vibes with heartfelt heroines. By day, she’s a nonprofit administrator; by night, she crafts fantastical worlds that captivate both kids and adults.
The Making of MarcyKate Connolly
Born and raised in the United States, MarcyKate Connolly found her storytelling spark at Hampshire College, a quirky institution where grades don’t exist. There, she wrote an opera sequel to Hamlet for her senior thesis, a bold move that hinted at her love for dramatic narratives. Her college years ignited a passion for plotting, where she began dreaming up ways to challenge her characters with magical dilemmas. Before becoming a full-time author, she honed her creativity while working as a nonprofit administrator, balancing spreadsheets with spellbinding stories.
MarcyKate Connolly’s Unforgettable Stories
Connolly’s debut novel, Monstrous (2015), introduced readers to Kymera, a winged, bolted-neck heroine tasked with saving a cursed city. With echoes of Frankenstein and the Brothers Grimm, it’s a tale of bravery and identity that feels both timeless and fresh. The Shadow Weaver duology (2018–2019) follows Emmeline, a girl who controls shadows, navigating a world where her magic is feared. Its dark, atmospheric tone and themes of friendship resonate deeply with middle-grade readers.
Her young adult duology, Twin Daggers (2020) and Heartless Heirs (2021), offers a fantasy spin on Romeo and Juliet, featuring magic-wielding spies and mechanical hearts. Most recently, The Thirteenth Circle (2024), co-authored with Kathryn Holmes, blends science and mystery in a middle-grade tale about crop circles and unlikely friendships. Connolly’s style—rich with magical systems, courageous protagonists, and moral complexity—makes her stories stand out in the fantasy genre.
Why MarcyKate Connolly Matters
MarcyKate Connolly’s work bridges classic fairy tales with modern sensibilities, empowering young readers to embrace their uniqueness through characters like Kymera and Emmeline. Her ability to craft magical worlds grounded in emotional truths has earned her a loyal following and critical praise, with reviewers comparing her to literary giants like Diana Wynne Jones. By engaging with schools through virtual visits, she inspires the next generation of writers, proving that persistence and imagination can turn dreams into reality.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: Monstrous, Shadow Weaver, Twin Daggers, The Thirteenth Circle
- Notable Achievement: New York Times bestselling author
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-professed coffee addict and lives with a grumble of pugs!
Ready to dive into a world of magic and monsters? Snag Monstrous or Shadow Weaver and let MarcyKate Connolly’s spellbinding stories sweep you away!