Picture a Canadian storyteller who conjured kingdoms, magic, and rebellion with a pen—meet Morgan Rhodes! As the New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series, Rhodes spins high fantasy tales that pulse with romance, betrayal, and epic battles. Her stories, often compared to George R. R. Martin’s, captivate young adult readers with their intricate worlds and heart-wrenching twists.
But there’s more to Rhodes than her fantasy realms. Writing under the pen name Michelle Rowen, she’s also a national bestselling author of paranormal romance, proving her knack for weaving love and mystery across genres. From her home in Ontario, Canada, Rhodes channels her childhood dreams of sword-wielding princesses into stories that thrill readers worldwide.
The Making of Morgan Rhodes
Born in Toronto in 1971, Morgan Rhodes grew up with a vivid imagination, dreaming of being a princess who battled dragons and wizards. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by high school English classes and the adventure-packed movie Romancing the Stone. Yet, writing wasn’t her first career. Rhodes studied graphic design and worked in the industry for a decade, balancing her creative job with her passion for writing. Her dual career path shaped her discipline, leading to her debut as a paranormal romance author under the name Michelle Rowen, before she embraced high fantasy as Morgan Rhodes.
Morgan Rhodes’s Unforgettable Stories
Rhodes’s signature work, the Falling Kingdoms series, launched in 2012 with its titular novel. Set in the land of Mytica, it follows four young protagonists—Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus—caught in a web of political intrigue, forbidden love, and ancient magic. The series, spanning six books and a spin-off, A Book of Spirits and Thieves, is lauded for its morally complex characters and shocking plot twists. Rhodes doesn’t shy away from dark themes, crafting brutal betrayals and emotional cliffhangers that keep readers hooked.
Under her Michelle Rowen pen name, Rhodes explores paranormal romance with titles like Dark Kiss, blending urban fantasy with steamy love stories. Her versatility shines in her ability to craft distinct voices for each genre, whether it’s the gritty battles of Falling Kingdoms or the supernatural allure of her Rowen novels. Rhodes’s writing style, often compared to J.K. Rowling and George R. R. Martin, balances rich world-building with character-driven drama, making her a standout in young adult literature.
Her spin-off series, A Book of Spirits and Thieves, weaves modern-day Toronto with Mytica’s magical past, showcasing her knack for blending contemporary and fantastical settings. Each book is a testament to Rhodes’s love for quirky, flawed characters who face impossible choices, resonating with readers who crave emotional depth and high stakes.
Why Morgan Rhodes Matters
Morgan Rhodes has carved a unique space in young adult fantasy, blending the grandeur of high fantasy with the raw emotion of coming-of-age tales. Her Falling Kingdoms series has inspired a devoted fanbase, with readers praising its unpredictable plots and relatable characters. By writing under two names, Rhodes bridges genres, inviting fans of fantasy and romance to explore new worlds. Her influence extends beyond books, as her active social media presence fosters a tight-knit community where she engages with fans about her creative process.
In Ontario, Rhodes’s success highlights the region’s vibrant literary scene, proving that Canadian authors can dominate global bestseller lists. Her stories empower young readers, especially girls, to embrace their strength, much like the sword-wielding princess she once dreamed of becoming.
- Born: 1971, Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Falling Kingdoms (2012), A Book of Spirits and Thieves (2015), Dark Kiss (as Michelle Rowen, 2012)
- Awards: 2007 Holt Medallion for Best First Book (as Michelle Rowen), 2009 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Vampire Romance
- Hobbies: Photography, travel, reality TV, and Candy Crush
Snag Falling Kingdoms and dive into Morgan Rhodes’s spellbinding world of magic and mayhem!