Picture a storyteller who spun a world of bone magic and fierce heroines at the end of the Oregon Trail—meet Margaret Owen! This American author burst onto the young adult fantasy scene with her gripping debut, The Merciful Crow, captivating readers with tales of survival, justice, and a touch of macabre magic. Beyond her novels, Owen’s a creative force, wielding her illustrations to champion social justice.
With a knack for crafting defiant characters and intricate worlds, she’s carved a unique space in YA fantasy. Ready to dive into her story? Let’s trace the path of this Seattle-based wordsmith who’s as fierce as her heroines!
The Making of Margaret Owen
Born and raised at the end of the Oregon Trail, Margaret Owen grew up wandering the aisles of Powell’s Books, where stories fueled her imagination. By fourth grade, a chance encounter with an author sparked her dream of writing, though her career path meandered through eclectic jobs—from thrift stores to presidential campaigns. After earning a degree in Japanese, her love for espresso drew her to Seattle, where she honed her craft. Each job taught her lessons that shaped her storytelling, blending resilience and wit into her narratives.
Margaret Owen’s Unforgettable Stories
Owen’s debut, The Merciful Crow (2019), introduced Fie, a chieftain-in-training from the persecuted Crow caste, who uses bone magic to protect a fugitive prince. This dark fantasy duology, completed with The Faithless Hawk (2020), blends gritty adventure, slow-burn romance, and a caste-based magic system, earning praise as an NPR Best Book of the Year and a YALSA Best Fiction pick. Her vivid prose and themes of prejudice and survival resonate with fans of Leigh Bardugo and Tomi Adeyemi.
In 2021, Owen released Little Thieves, a reimagined “Goose Girl” fairy tale about Vanja, a cunning maid-turned-jewel-thief cursed by a god. With five starred reviews and a Kids’ Indie Next pick, it showcases Owen’s knack for morally complex heroines. Its sequel, Painted Devils (2023), dives deeper into Vanja’s chaotic adventures, exploring themes of identity and redemption. Owen’s style—rich world-building, sharp dialogue, and inclusive representation—sets her apart in YA fantasy.
Her stories often feature diverse characters, including queer identities and nonbinary pronouns, reflecting a world where everyone belongs. Owen’s ability to weave social commentary into thrilling plots makes her work both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to readers craving depth and adventure.
Why Margaret Owen Matters
Margaret Owen’s impact extends beyond her books. Her tales of outcasts fighting for justice mirror her real-world activism, where she raises funds for social justice nonprofits through her illustrations. By championing inclusivity in fantasy, she’s broadened the genre’s appeal, inviting readers to see themselves in her defiant heroes. Her work challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices, making her a vital voice in contemporary YA literature.
In a genre often dominated by predictable tropes, Owen’s fresh take on magic systems and her fearless exploration of societal issues have earned her a loyal following. Her stories remind us that even the overlooked can change the world—a message that resonates deeply in today’s climate.
- Born: End of the Oregon Trail
- Key Works: The Merciful Crow (2019), The Faithless Hawk (2020), Little Thieves (2021), Painted Devils (2023)
- Awards: NPR Best Book of the Year, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
- Fun Fact: She’s in a long-term “hostage situation” with her two monstrous cats!
Call to Action: Snag The Merciful Crow and dive into Margaret Owen’s spellbinding YA fantasy! Her worlds of teeth magic and fierce heroines await—perfect for your next reading adventure!