Picture a storyteller who weaves history, mystery, and a touch of mythology into spellbinding tales—meet Megan Chance! This critically acclaimed author, born in Ohio and raised in Washington, has enchanted readers with her historical fiction, romance, and young adult novels. From the haunting streets of Victorian New York in the Fianna trilogy to the rubble of 1906 San Francisco in A Splendid Ruin, Chance’s evocative prose brings the past to life with a thrilling edge.
A former television news photographer, Megan Chance traded lenses for pens, crafting stories that blend rich historical detail with emotional depth. Her ability to capture the struggles of women in restrictive eras has earned her a devoted following and accolades from outlets like Amazon’s Book of the Month and IndieNext. Let’s dive into the world of Megan Chance and discover what makes her stories unforgettable.
The Making of Megan Chance
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Megan Chance moved to Washington State as a young girl, where the Pacific Northwest’s moody landscapes likely sparked her love for atmospheric storytelling. After earning a BA from Western Washington University, she worked as a television news photographer, honing her eye for detail—a skill that shines in her vivid historical settings. Her writing career began with historical romance novels in the early 1990s, but her shift to historical fiction and young adult genres revealed her true voice: one that explores power, betrayal, and resilience through complex female characters.
Megan Chance’s Unforgettable Stories
Megan Chance’s novels are a masterclass in blending history with suspense and heart. Her Fianna trilogy, a young adult series, follows Grace Knox, a Victorian New York teen entangled in Irish mythology and a prophecy as a Druid priestess. The Shadows (2014), The Web (2015), and The Veil (2015) mix Celtic folklore with romance and rebellion, earning praise for their gothic tone and fast-paced plots. Reviewers called The Shadows a “roller-coaster ride” for its seamless fusion of history and fantasy.
In historical fiction, A Splendid Ruin (2021) stands out as a gripping tale of revenge set against the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Penniless May Kimble navigates family secrets and betrayal in the opulent Sullivan mansion, only to rise from the city’s ashes. Critics, including Kristin Hannah, lauded its “beautiful prose” and “twisty” plot. Other notable works include An Inconvenient Wife (2004), a suspenseful exploration of 1880s America, and Bone River (2012), an Amazon Book of the Month pick blending mystery and the supernatural. Chance’s style—provocative, haunting, and richly detailed—captures the constraints of historical eras while giving her heroines agency and edge.
Why Megan Chance Matters
Megan Chance’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate women’s lives in eras where their voices were often silenced. Her novels resonate with readers who crave stories of resilience and rebellion, blending historical accuracy with emotional stakes. Beyond her books, Chance is a sought-after workshop speaker, sharing her expertise at events like the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference and Romance Writers of America National Conference. Her talks inspire aspiring authors to craft authentic, compelling narratives. With translations in multiple languages, her stories have touched readers worldwide, cementing her as a vital voice in historical fiction.
- Born: Columbus, Ohio
- Key Works: A Splendid Ruin, Fianna trilogy, An Inconvenient Wife, Bone River
- Awards: Amazon Book of the Month, IndieNext pick, Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice
- Fun Fact: Chance’s photography background shapes her vivid, cinematic descriptions.
Ready to lose yourself in a world of secrets and survival? Snag A Splendid Ruin or The Shadows and dive into Megan Chance’s captivating historical fiction!