Picture a California-born storyteller who conjured a magical world of Southern gothic romance and supernatural intrigue—meet Margaret Stohl! Best known for co-authoring the internationally beloved Beautiful Creatures series, Stohl has woven her creative magic across novels, comics, and video games, captivating audiences with her knack for blending love, mystery, and the beauty of darkness.
Born in Pasadena in 1967, Stohl’s journey from a video game trailblazer to a #1 New York Times bestselling author is as enchanting as her stories. Her work, translated into 28 languages and adapted into a major motion picture, has left an indelible mark on young adult fantasy, proving that even the darkest worlds can shine with hope and heart.
The Making of Margaret Stohl
Margaret Stohl’s creative spark ignited early, fueled by a love for storytelling that led her to Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature. She earned a master’s in English from Stanford and studied at Yale and the University of East Anglia, mentored by poet George MacBeth. But before her literary fame, Stohl made waves in the video game industry, co-founding 7 Studios with her then-husband, Lewis Peterson, and working on titles like Spider-Man and Fantastic Four. This world-building expertise would later shape her richly imagined novels.
Margaret Stohl’s Unforgettable Stories
Stohl’s breakout came with the Beautiful Creatures series, co-written with Kami Garcia. Set in the fictional Gatlin, South Carolina, this four-book saga follows Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes, a mortal and a magical Caster bound by love and a cursed destiny. The series, starting with Beautiful Creatures (2009), blends gothic atmosphere, romance, and supernatural stakes, earning praise for its vivid characters and emotional depth. Its 2013 film adaptation brought Stohl’s vision to the big screen, starring Alden Ehrenreich and Alice Englert.
Stohl’s solo ventures are equally compelling. Her Icons series dives into dystopian sci-fi, exploring a world under alien control, while her Marvel novels, Black Widow: Forever Red and Red Vengeance, offer thrilling takes on Natasha Romanoff’s adventures. Stohl’s comics, including The Life of Captain Marvel, reimagined Carol Danvers’ origin with critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to craft empowering, emotionally resonant stories. Her style—marked by complex characters, moral dilemmas, and a touch of Southern charm—invites readers to find beauty in life’s shadows.
Recent works like Cats vs. Robots: This Is War, co-written with Lewis Peterson and illustrated by their child Kay, reveal Stohl’s playful side, blending humor and heart in a family-friendly tale. Across genres, her stories celebrate love, sacrifice, and the power of choice, resonating with teens and adults alike.
Why Margaret Stohl Matters
Margaret Stohl’s impact extends beyond her page-turning plots. Through the Beautiful Creatures series, she redefined young adult fantasy, blending Southern gothic aesthetics with universal themes of identity and belonging. Her work in comics and games has empowered female voices in male-dominated industries, inspiring creators to push boundaries. As a co-founder of YALLFest and YALLWest, Stohl champions literacy, connecting teens with books that spark imagination and empathy.
Her advocacy for inclusivity, as an LGBT ally and Facing History and Ourselves board member, amplifies her influence, encouraging readers to embrace their own stories. Stohl’s worlds—whether in Gatlin or the Marvel Universe—remind us that even in darkness, there’s light to be found.
- Born: 1967, Pasadena, California
- Key Works: Beautiful Creatures, Black Widow: Forever Red, The Life of Captain Marvel
- Awards: Morris YA Debut Award finalist, YALSA Teen Top Ten Pick
Ready to fall under Margaret Stohl’s spell? Grab Beautiful Creatures and dive into her mesmerizing blend of romance, mystery, and magic!