Picture an American storyteller who weaves dystopian worlds with heart-pounding stakes and soul-stirring faith—meet Nadine Brandes! This award-winning young adult novelist has captivated readers with her imaginative science fiction and fantasy tales, most notably the Out of Time series. With a knack for blending adventure, spirituality, and meticulous research, Brandes has carved a unique space in the literary world, inspiring fans globally.
From riding a sleeper train across Russia to cooking at sea for four days, Brandes’s adventurous spirit fuels her stories. Her works resonate with readers who crave bold narratives and authentic characters, making her a rising star in young adult fiction. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable books, and why she’s a name to know!
The Making of Nadine Brandes
Born with a love for storytelling, Nadine Brandes grew up immersed in fantasy worlds, particularly as a Harry Potter superfan who waited eagerly for each new release. Her frustration with the lack of Christian adventure and fantasy novels as a teen sparked her writing journey. She began crafting stories to fill that gap, though her early works, she admits, remain hidden in a “dark hole.” Brandes balanced her passion for writing with a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, eventually finding her break at a writer’s conference where she pitched her dystopian novel, A Time to Die, to Enclave Publishing.
Her commitment to authentic faith and bold imagination shines through in every project. A devoted mother of four, Brandes infuses her life’s joys—family, Jesus, and chai tea—into her creative process, often journaling with a fountain pen to avoid hand cramps. Her adventurous streak, from dogsledding to tightrope walking, shapes her vivid world-building.
Nadine Brandes’s Unforgettable Stories
Brandes’s Out of Time series, a dystopian trilogy, is her flagship work, earning her multiple Carol Awards. Set in a future where everyone’s lifespan is dictated by a bedside Clock, the series follows Parvin Blackwater, a 17-year-old who believes she’s wasted her life. A Time to Die (2014) kicks off her quest to save Radicals from a corrupt government, leading to a death sentence beyond the Wall. A Time to Speak (2015) and A Time to Rise (2016) deepen Parvin’s journey, blending rebellion, faith, and romance with Solomon Hawke. Readers praise the series for its emotional depth and spiritual resonance.
Beyond dystopia, Brandes explores historical fantasy in Fawkes (2018), a reimagining of the Gunpowder Plot, and Romanov (2019), a magical retelling of Anastasia’s story. Her 2022 novel, Wishtress, delves into a mythical world of wishes, while The Nightmare Virus (2024) tackles a mind-targeting sci-fi plague. Brandes’s style merges fast-paced plots with raw relationships and Christian themes, keeping violence intense but not gory and romance sweet and slow-burn.
Her research is legendary—she’s waded through cattail marshes and studied Russian archives for authenticity. This dedication creates immersive worlds that feel both fantastical and real, earning her a loyal fanbase among teens and adults alike.
Why Nadine Brandes Matters
Nadine Brandes’s impact lies in her ability to weave faith into speculative fiction without preaching. Her stories challenge readers to confront big questions—purpose, mortality, and courage—while delivering thrilling adventures. The Out of Time series, in particular, has inspired fans to pursue “shalom,” a term Brandes loves for its meaning of peace and wholeness. Her social media presence, where she connects with readers as “buds,” amplifies her influence, making her a relatable voice in young adult literature.
As a four-time Carol Award winner, Brandes has elevated Christian fiction, proving it can be bold, imaginative, and universally appealing. Her work encourages aspiring authors to chase their dreams, attend writer’s conferences, and embrace their unique stories, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer.
- Key Works: Out of Time series, Fawkes, Romanov, Wishtress, The Nightmare Virus
- Awards: Four-time Carol Award winner
- Fun Fact: She’s a Harry Potter nerd who’d be in Ravenclaw!
Ready to explore Nadine Brandes’s thrilling worlds? Snag A Time to Die and dive into her dystopian masterpiece today!