Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of steampunk pirates and angelic warriors—meet Meljean Brook! From her roots in rural Oregon to becoming a New York Times bestselling author, Brook has enchanted readers with her unique blend of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Her vivid worlds and heartfelt romances make her a standout in the genre.
Born in Dallas, Oregon, Brook grew up surrounded by woods, sneaking fairy tales, comics, and romances under her blankets at night. This love for stories would shape her career, transforming her from a construction company bookkeeper into a literary luminary. Let’s dive into her journey and the unforgettable worlds she’s crafted.
The Making of Meljean Brook
Meljean Brook’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Raised in a forested corner of Oregon, she devoured stories that sparked her imagination. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Portland State University, she took a practical detour, managing payroll and accounting for a construction firm. But her heart lay elsewhere—writing fan fiction based on the DC universe became her creative outlet. Her talent caught the eye of editor Cindy Hwang at Berkley Publishing, who, impressed by Brook’s fanfic, invited her to submit a manuscript. This led to her debut novella and the 2007 novel Demon Angel, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Meljean Brook’s Unforgettable Stories
Brook’s work is a thrilling mix of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and steampunk, infused with emotional depth and intricate world-building. Her Guardians series, straddling paranormal and urban fantasy, follows human-turned-angelic warriors battling demons while finding love. Demon Angel, the series opener, introduces Lilith, a vengeance-driven demon, and sets the tone with its blend of biblical lore and sensual romance. Another gem, Demon Moon, pairs a cursed vampire with a curious heroine, drawing inspiration from Milton’s Paradise Lost and Jane Austen’s wit.
The Iron Seas series, a steampunk masterpiece, reimagines a world where the Mongol Empire dominates with nanotechnology and war machines. The Iron Duke, named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2010, follows Detective Mina Wentworth and the enigmatic Iron Duke in a gritty, gaslit Victorian setting. Riveted captivates with airships and a strong-willed heroine, Annika, navigating danger and romance. Brook’s writing, praised for its humor, darker elements, and moral complexity, draws from classics like Jane Eyre and action-packed films, creating stories that are both sexy and thought-provoking.
Under the pseudonym Milla Vane, Brook also explores barbarian fantasy romance, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to craft compelling characters and immersive worlds has earned her accolades, including Romantic Times’ Best Book of the Year.
Why Meljean Brook Matters
Meljean Brook’s impact on paranormal romance and steampunk is undeniable. Her innovative worlds, blending nanotechnology with Victorian aesthetics or angelic powers with human struggles, have expanded the boundaries of genre fiction. Readers and critics alike praise her for creating heroines who are fierce yet relatable and heroes who balance strength with vulnerability. Her influence extends to aspiring writers, as her fan fiction roots inspire those in online communities to pursue their own storytelling dreams. Brook’s stories, filled with monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters, remind us that love and adventure can thrive in the most fantastical settings.
- Born: Dallas, Oregon
- Key Works: The Iron Duke, Demon Angel, Riveted, Demon Moon
- Awards: Romantic Times’ Best Book of the Year, All About Romance Reader Awards
- Pseudonym: Milla Vane (barbarian fantasy romance)
Snag The Iron Duke or Demon Angel and dive into Meljean Brook’s steamy, thrilling worlds of romance and adventure!