Picture a Kansas librarian spinning tales of Mongol empires and magical worlds—meet Megan Bannen! A USA Today bestselling author, Bannen has enchanted readers with her young adult and fantasy novels, blending rich historical settings with heart-wrenching romance. Her debut, The Bird and the Blade, marked her as a rising star, weaving intricate stories that linger long after the final page.
With a knack for crafting complex characters and vivid worlds, Bannen balances her writing career with family life and a day job, proving that perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Let’s dive into the journey of this captivating storyteller whose books are as unique as her path to literary success.
The Making of Megan Bannen
Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, Megan Bannen’s journey to authorship was anything but conventional. A former public librarian, she spent years behind the reference desk, nurturing a love for stories while collecting graduate degrees from Kansas universities. Her eclectic career also included selling luggage, writing grants, and teaching English abroad, experiences that shaped her diverse perspective. Inspired by her passion for opera and history, Bannen began writing during NaNoWriMo, transforming a spark of creativity into her debut novel after years of revisions.
Megan Bannen’s Unforgettable Stories
Bannen’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of historical fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction, often infused with meticulous research and emotional depth. Her debut, The Bird and the Blade (2018), is a sweeping tale set in the 13th-century Mongol Empire, loosely based on Puccini’s opera Turandot. It follows Jinghua, a Chinese slave girl, and Prince Khalaf, whose forbidden love unfolds amidst riddles and tragedy. Critics praised its lush prose and vivid characters, earning it spots on the RUSA Reading List and Kids’ Indie Next List.
In Soulswift (2020), Bannen explores a dark fantasy world where Gelya, a girl raised to channel divine songs, grapples with betrayal and a demonic goddess. This novel showcases Bannen’s ability to blend myth and morality. Her adult fantasy series, starting with The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (2022), mixes romance, magic, and quirky humor, drawing comparisons to Howl’s Moving Castle. Each work highlights Bannen’s signature style: intricate world-building, emotionally charged narratives, and a touch of whimsy.
Bannen’s writing process is as dynamic as her stories. A self-described “pantser,” she starts with a core idea and key scenes, crafting messy drafts that evolve through rigorous editing. Her inspirations range from opera to Persian fairy tales, resulting in stories that feel both fresh and timeless.
Why Megan Bannen Matters
Megan Bannen’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers to unfamiliar worlds while exploring universal themes like love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Her novels resonate with young adult and adult readers alike, offering nuanced characters who defy stereotypes. By reimagining historical and fantastical settings, she invites readers to see the past through a new lens, blending cultural richness with emotional truth. Her rise from librarian to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, showing that dedication can turn passion into a celebrated career.
Bannen’s work has garnered critical acclaim, with her books featured on best-of-the-year lists and praised by authors like Renée Ahdieh. Her stories, though sometimes heartbreaking, leave a lasting impression, encouraging readers to embrace the beauty of complex narratives.
- Key Works: The Bird and the Blade, Soulswift, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy
- Awards: Indies Introduce Summer/Fall 2018 pick, Kirkus Best YA Historical Fiction 2018
- Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
- Fun Fact: Bannen owns pets with literary names, a nod to her bookish soul!
Snag The Bird and the Blade and dive into Megan Bannen’s enchanting blend of history and fantasy—your heart might break, but it’ll be worth every page!