Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves magic, time travel, and teen adventures into unforgettable tales—meet Marianne Curley! Born in 1959 in New South Wales, Curley has enchanted young adult fantasy readers with her imaginative worlds. From battling bone marrow cancer to crafting bestsellers like Old Magic and the Guardians of Time series, her journey is as inspiring as her stories.
With a knack for blending paranormal thrills and coming-of-age heart, Curley’s books have captivated readers worldwide, earning translations in over a dozen languages. Her resilience and creativity make her a standout in young adult literature, inviting readers to dive into realms where time bends and heroes rise.
The Making of Marianne Curley
Born on May 20, 1959, in Windsor, New South Wales, Marianne Curley grew up along the Hawkesbury River, where a flood displaced her family to a small farm near Sydney. A bookworm from childhood, she became a school librarian at nine, devouring classics like Oliver Twist. Initially a teacher of office studies and computers, Curley didn’t start writing until her thirties, inspired by her two teenage daughters and a love for history and fantasy. Her shift from romance to young adult paranormal fiction marked the beginning of a remarkable career.
Marianne Curley’s Unforgettable Stories
Curley’s debut, Old Magic (2001), follows Kate, a young witch, and Jarrod, a boy unaware of his magical powers, as they navigate time travel and a family curse. Praised for its blend of romance and fantasy, it set the stage for her signature style: vivid world-building, relatable teen characters, and thrilling stakes. The Guardians of Time series—The Named (2002), The Dark (2003), The Key (2004), and The Shadow (2018)—is her crowning achievement. This series follows the Named, a group of teens who travel through time to thwart the Order of Chaos, blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth.
After surviving cancer, Curley penned the Avena Series (Hidden, Broken, Fearless, 2013–2015), an angelic saga about Ebony, a girl discovering her celestial heritage. Her writing shines with fast-paced plots, heartfelt romance, and themes of resilience, making her books resonate with teens and adults alike. Currently, she’s crafting a new young adult paranormal fantasy and a contemporary novel, proving her creativity knows no bounds.
Why Marianne Curley Matters
Marianne Curley’s impact on young adult fantasy lies in her ability to craft immersive worlds that feel both fantastical and relatable. Her stories, filled with time-traveling guardians and magical teens, inspire readers to embrace their inner strength. Having overcome myelofibrosis through a life-saving stem-cell transplant from her sister, Curley’s personal triumph mirrors the perseverance in her characters, making her an inspiration. Her global fanbase, evidenced by translations and fan art, underscores her lasting influence in the genre.
- Birth Date: May 20, 1959
- Key Works: Old Magic, Guardians of Time series, Avena Series
- Notable Achievement: Over half a million copies sold worldwide
Snag Old Magic or dive into the Guardians of Time series to experience Marianne Curley’s spellbinding blend of fantasy and heart!