Picture a Canadian storyteller who conjured a world of fiery phoenixes and fierce warrior queens—meet Nicki Pau Preto! This fantasy author, with a knack for weaving epic tales, burst onto the young adult scene with her Crown of Feathers series, captivating readers with her lush world-building and heartfelt characters. From her roots near Toronto to her rise as a Sunday Times bestselling author, Preto’s journey is as inspiring as the stories she tells.
With a background in art history and graphic design, Preto brings a visual flair to her writing, painting vivid scenes that pull readers into her fantastical realms. Her stories explore themes of identity, loyalty, and resilience, resonating with teens and adults alike. Let’s dive into the life and works of this rising star who’s redefining epic fantasy with a modern twist.
The Making of Nicki Pau Preto
Growing up in Adjala-Tosorontio, near Everett, Ontario, Nicki Pau Preto wasn’t always the bookish type. As a kid, she roamed local woods, crafting imaginary worlds while trailing her older brothers. This outdoor storytelling sparked her creative fire, though she didn’t become a voracious reader until her teens. After earning a degree in visual arts, a master’s in art history, and a diploma in graphic design, Preto worked as a graphic designer before embracing writing full-time. Her eclectic background infuses her novels with a unique blend of visual richness and narrative depth.
Preto’s shift to writing wasn’t instant—she wrote two unpublished novels before Crown of Feathers caught the eye of Simon & Schuster. Her persistence paid off, and her debut in 2019 marked the start of a prolific career. With a playful self-description as the “worst Canadian” due to her dislike of hockey, snow, and geese, Preto’s humor and authenticity shine through in her public persona and her storytelling.
Nicki Pau Preto’s Unforgettable Stories
Nicki Pau Preto’s Crown of Feathers trilogy—comprising Crown of Feathers (2019), Heart of Flames (2020), and Wings of Shadow (2021)—is her flagship work. Set in a world of Phoenix Riders, legendary warriors who soar on fiery phoenixes, the series follows Veronyka, a war orphan who disguises herself as a boy to join their ranks. The trilogy blends high-stakes adventure with themes of sisterhood, betrayal, and empowerment, earning praise for its Game of Thrones-esque political intrigue and lyrical prose. Critics like Kendare Blake have called it “absolutely unforgettable.”
Beyond the trilogy, Preto ventured into darker territory with the House of the Dead duology, including Bonesmith (2023) and Ghostsmith (2024). This series explores necromancy and survival in a gritty fantasy setting, showcasing her versatility. Her middle-grade debut, The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents (2024), introduces a lighter, whimsical tone, proving her range across age groups. Preto’s style is marked by intricate world-building, diverse characters (including POC and queer representation), and a focus on emotional stakes, making her stories both thrilling and relatable.
Her use of epistolary elements, like letters and historical documents, adds depth to her narratives, while her phoenix motif symbolizes rebirth and resilience. Whether it’s the epic scope of Crown of Feathers or the intimate struggles in Bonesmith, Preto’s ability to balance action, romance, and character growth keeps readers hooked.
Why Nicki Pau Preto Matters
Nicki Pau Preto has carved a niche in young adult fantasy by blending classic tropes with fresh perspectives. Her diverse casts and focus on underrepresented voices bring inclusivity to a genre often dominated by traditional archetypes. The Crown of Feathers series, adapted into a WEBTOON comic, has reached new audiences, while awards like the MYRCA Honour Book and White Pine Honour Book highlight her growing influence. Preto’s stories empower readers to embrace their identities and chase their dreams, resonating deeply in a world craving authentic narratives.
As a Canadian author, she contributes to the vibrant tapestry of CanLit, proving that fantasy can be both global and distinctly rooted in personal experience. Her rise from a small-town storyteller to an internationally published author inspires aspiring writers to persevere.
- Birthplace: Near Everett, Ontario, Canada
- Key Works: Crown of Feathers trilogy, House of the Dead duology, The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents
- Awards: MYRCA Honour Book, White Pine Honour Book
- Fun Fact: Her surname, Pau Preto, is pronounced “Pow-Prett-Oh”
Snag Crown of Feathers and dive into Nicki Pau Preto’s spellbinding world of phoenixes and warrior queens—you won’t be able to put it down!