Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves tales of time-traveling aliens and post-apocalyptic survival—meet Megan Crewe! Born in Toronto in 1980, this young adult author has captivated readers with her imaginative science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural novels. From the gripping Earth & Sky trilogy to the heart-wrenching Fallen World series, Crewe’s stories blend relatable characters with thrilling worlds, earning her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
With a knack for crafting immersive narratives, Crewe has become a standout voice in YA literature. Her ability to fuse emotional depth with speculative twists makes her books unputdownable. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this Toronto-based wordsmith who’s been spinning stories since she could barely hold a pen!
The Making of Megan Crewe
Megan Crewe grew up in Toronto, surrounded by cats and a love for storytelling. As a child, she dictated My Little Pony tales to her mom, who stapled them into makeshift books. By age 14, she’d penned her first (admittedly “very bad”) novel and was submitting short stories to magazines. Her passion for fantasy, science fiction, and the supernatural took root early, fueled by a fascination with the “what ifs” of the universe.
Crewe studied psychology at York University, later working as a behavioral therapist for children and teens with special needs—a role that likely shaped the empathetic characters in her novels. Her early writing appeared in publications like In 2 Print, and by her 20s, she’d sold short stories to magazines and anthologies. Her big break came when an agent picked up her debut novel, Give Up the Ghost, launching her YA career.
Megan Crewe’s Unforgettable Stories
Crewe’s novels are a thrilling blend of speculative fiction and emotional resonance. Her debut, Give Up the Ghost (2009), a paranormal tale about a teen who summons ghosts to expose school secrets, was shortlisted for the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. It set the stage for her signature style: vivid worlds, complex characters, and a touch of the otherworldly.
The Fallen World trilogy—starting with The Way We Fall (2012)—follows Kaelyn, a teen navigating a deadly virus on a quarantined island. Praised for its realistic portrayal of societal breakdown, the series (The Lives We Lost, The Worlds We Make) showcases Crewe’s knack for heart-pounding survival stories. The Way We Fall earned a White Pine Award nomination and a spot on the International Reading Association’s Young Adults’ Choices List.
The Earth & Sky trilogy (2014–2015) dives into science fiction, with Skylar, a teen who senses time manipulations by alien scientists. The series (Earth & Sky, The Clouded Sky, A Sky Unbroken) blends time travel, historical fiction, and romance, earning praise for its clever plotting and immersive settings. Crewe’s standalone A Mortal Song (2016), a fantasy set in modern Japan, further highlights her versatility, while her urban fantasy Conspiracy of Magic trilogy adds a magical twist to her repertoire.
Why Megan Crewe Matters
Megan Crewe’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with teens and adults alike. Her novels tackle big themes—survival, identity, and the consequences of power—while grounding them in relatable, flawed characters. Fans rave about her immersive worlds, with one Czech reader admitting to hiding in a bathroom at work to finish the Fallen World books! Her work has been translated globally, spreading her stories far beyond Canada.
Crewe’s dedication to mentoring young writers and tutoring special needs youth adds another layer to her legacy. Her workshops, like “The Three Keys” to storytelling, inspire aspiring authors, while her nuanced characters challenge readers to think deeply about humanity and resilience. In a crowded YA market, Crewe’s unique voice continues to shine.
- Born: 1980, Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Give Up the Ghost, Fallen World trilogy, Earth & Sky trilogy, A Mortal Song
- Awards: Sunburst Award shortlist, White Pine Award nominee, OLA Best Bet 2015
- Fun Fact: She’s studied kung fu for years, so maybe don’t mess with her!
Snag The Way We Fall or Earth & Sky and dive into Megan Crewe’s thrilling blend of heart and imagination!