Picture a storyteller who spun a supernatural California town into a haven for vampires, psychics, and shape-shifters—meet Marlene Perez! As the youngest of twelve siblings from Story City, Iowa, Perez has enchanted young adult readers with her paranormal and urban fantasy novels. Her best-selling Dead Is series, set in the quirky Nightshade, California, blends mystery, humor, and the supernatural, earning her a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.
Now living in Orange County, California, Perez continues to craft stories that resonate with teens and adults alike. With a knack for creating relatable characters and eerie yet playful worlds, she’s become a beloved voice in young adult literature. Let’s dive into her journey, from her Midwest roots to her spellbinding literary legacy.
The Making of Marlene Perez
Born in Story City, Iowa, Marlene Perez grew up as the youngest of twelve children, a bustling household that likely fueled her vivid imagination. While little is known about her early years, her love for storytelling emerged from a passion for vampire lore and urban fantasy. Inspired by Anne Rice’s novels and the wit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Perez began crafting tales that mixed the supernatural with everyday teen struggles. Her writing career kicked off with her debut novel, Unexpected Development, in 2004, a story tackling body image with humor and heart, setting the stage for her signature blend of relatable themes and quirky charm.
Marlene Perez’s Unforgettable Stories
Perez’s breakout success came with the Dead Is series, an eight-book saga that follows the psychic Giordano sisters in Nightshade, California. The first book, Dead Is the New Black (2008), introduces Daisy Giordano, a non-psychic teen in a family of gifted sisters, as she investigates mysterious attacks linked to a vampire cheerleader. Praised as an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, it’s a fast-paced mix of mystery, romance, and humor. Other series highlights include Dead Is a State of Mind, where Daisy faces a potential werewolf killer, and Dead Is Just a Dream, a creepier tale involving ghostly horses and nightmare-inducing paintings.
Beyond Dead Is, Perez explored adult urban fantasy with the Nyx Fortuna series, starting with Strange Fates (2013). This trilogy follows Nyx, the immortal son of a forgotten Fate, as he navigates Minneapolis’s magical underworld. Her teen vampire trilogy, beginning with The Afterlife of the Party (2020), offers a fresh take on vampire lore with a rock band twist, earning a spot on BuzzFeed’s must-read lists. Perez’s style—witty, accessible, and layered with supernatural intrigue—makes her books irresistible to fans of lighthearted yet thrilling reads.
Her ability to weave humor into paranormal plots sets her apart. Whether it’s a clue-spewing jukebox or a pom-pom-waving vampire, Perez’s Nightshade is a playground for the strange, reflecting her love for campy, Buffy-esque vibes. Her focus on strong female protagonists, like Daisy and Jessica Walsh from the Dead Is spin-offs, resonates with readers seeking empowered, relatable heroes.
Why Marlene Perez Matters
Marlene Perez has carved a niche in young adult literature by making the supernatural feel approachable and fun. Her Dead Is series, optioned by Disney Television, introduced countless teens to the joys of urban fantasy, blending spooky thrills with the everyday dramas of high school. By centering psychic sisters and warrior-like heroines, Perez champions female strength and sisterhood, inspiring readers to embrace their own quirks. Her work’s lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance eerie mysteries with heartwarming moments, making Nightshade a literary home for fans.
Her influence extends beyond books, fostering a community of readers who connect over Nightshade’s oddball charm on platforms like Goodreads and fan pages. Perez’s knack for crafting addictive, easy-to-read stories has cemented her as a go-to author for reluctant readers and fantasy lovers alike.
- Key Works: Dead Is the New Black, The Afterlife of the Party, Strange Fates
- Hometown: Story City, Iowa
- Current Home: Orange County, California
- Notable Recognition: ALA Quick Pick, VOYA’s Best Science Fiction, Horror, & Fantasy List
Snag Dead Is the New Black and dive into Marlene Perez’s supernatural world of mystery and mischief!