Picture a Persian-American storyteller who weaves fairy tales with a feminist twist—meet Melissa Bashardoust! This rising star in young adult fantasy has enchanted readers with her lush retellings, blending classic folklore with modern themes. From her debut novel to her Persian-inspired epics, Bashardoust’s stories celebrate complex heroines and challenge traditional narratives, making her a standout voice in YA literature.
Born and raised in Southern California, Bashardoust’s journey to authorship is as captivating as her tales. With a knack for breathing new life into old stories, she’s quickly become a favorite for readers craving diverse, empowering fantasies. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of Melissa Bashardoust
Melissa Bashardoust, pronounced BASH-ar-doost, grew up surrounded by stories. She earned her English degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she rediscovered her passion for creative writing, children’s literature, and fairy tale retellings. This academic spark ignited her love for crafting narratives that twist familiar tropes into fresh adventures. Inspired by classics like Jane Eyre—she owns more copies than she admits to needing—Bashardoust began shaping her unique voice. Living in Southern California with her cat, Alice, she draws from her Persian heritage and feminist lens to create worlds where women shine.
Melissa Bashardoust’s Unforgettable Stories
Bashardoust’s debut, Girls Made of Snow and Glass (2017), reimagines Snow White as a feminist fantasy. The story follows Mina, a girl with a glass heart, and Lynet, created from snow, as they navigate rivalry and love in a richly woven tale. Praised for its “hauntingly evocative” prose and complex mother-daughter dynamics, it earned starred reviews and a spot as the 2017 Young Readers Porter Square Book of the Year.
Her sophomore novel, Girl, Serpent, Thorn (2020), draws from Persian mythology and the Sleeping Beauty tale. It centers on Soraya, a princess cursed with a poisonous touch, who grapples with isolation and identity. Critics lauded its moral ambiguity and refreshing take on heroism, noting its darker tone and vivid world-building. The novel’s exploration of queer romance and self-acceptance resonated deeply with readers.
Bashardoust also contributed to the anthology That Way Madness Lies (2021), reimagining Shakespeare with a YA twist. Her stories consistently feature lush prose, diverse characters, and themes of empowerment, making her a trailblazer in YA fantasy. Her ability to blend folklore with contemporary issues keeps readers hooked.
Why Melissa Bashardoust Matters
Melissa Bashardoust is reshaping young adult fantasy by centering women’s stories and diverse perspectives. Her queer feminist retellings challenge the genre’s norms, offering heroines who are neither purely good nor evil but deeply human. By weaving Persian mythology into her work, she introduces readers to underrepresented cultures, enriching the YA landscape. Her focus on identity, family, and resilience speaks to teens and adults alike, cementing her as a vital voice in literature.
Her growing fanbase and critical acclaim signal a bright future. Bashardoust’s stories remind us that fairy tales aren’t just for children—they’re for anyone seeking magic with meaning.
- Pen Name: Melissa Bashardoust
- Key Works: Girls Made of Snow and Glass, Girl, Serpent, Thorn, That Way Madness Lies
- Fun Fact: She lives with her cat, Alice, named after a literary classic!
Snag Girl, Serpent, Thorn and dive into Melissa Bashardoust’s spellbinding world of fantasy and empowerment!