Picture a storyteller who spun a sapphic sci-fi fantasy about love and rebellion—meet Nina Varela! Born in New Orleans and now thriving in sunny Los Angeles, this queer author has captured hearts with her lush, lyrical tales of queer characters navigating magical worlds. Her Crier’s War series, a dazzling blend of alchemy, androids, and forbidden romance, has made her a standout in young adult literature.
Varela’s stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re revolutions wrapped in poetic prose, exploring identity, power, and the blurry line between human and machine. With a knack for crafting slow-burn romances and toppling oppressive systems, she’s become a beacon for readers craving diverse, heartfelt narratives. Let’s dive into her journey from a nature-loving kid to a celebrated author!
The Making of Nina Varela
Born in New Orleans and raised on a hippie commune in Durham, North Carolina, Nina Varela spent her childhood running barefoot through woods, building faerie houses from moss and bark. This earthy, free-spirited upbringing fueled her love for green things and shadows, themes that weave through her fantastical worlds. After moving to Los Angeles, she honed her craft, earning a BFA in Writing for Screen & Television at the University of Southern California. Her early short fiction and screenplays racked up national awards, hinting at the literary star she’d become.
As a queer woman, Varela was driven to write stories that celebrate diverse identities—sexuality, gender, and neurodiversity—without the weight of homophobia. Her debut, Crier’s War, was born from a desire to watch cold, hardened characters soften into empathetic heroes, a theme that defines her work.
Nina Varela’s Unforgettable Stories
Varela’s breakout hit, Crier’s War (2019), is a YA fantasy duology opener set in the kingdom of Rabu, where Automae—alchemical androids—oppress humans. The story follows Ayla, a human servant plotting to kill Lady Crier, the Automae sovereign’s daughter, only to find herself falling for her instead. Critics praised its lush prose, political intrigue, and slow-burn lesbian romance, calling it “a beautiful poem of a book.”
The sequel, Iron Heart (2020), picks up with Ayla as a fugitive leading a human revolution, while Crier joins rebels to find her. It’s a heart-wrenching tale of love, alchemy, and dismantling oppressive systems, with Varela’s signature emotional depth. Her middle-grade debut, Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom (2023), shifts gears to a modern lesbian retelling of Pygmalion and Galatea, following a Florida teen and a magical princess on a multi-world adventure. Varela’s style—lyrical, immersive, and unapologetically queer—blends sci-fi and fantasy, creating worlds where love defies boundaries.
Her storytelling shines in its normalized queer relationships and complex characters. Whether it’s Ayla’s fiery vengeance or Crier’s naive idealism, Varela crafts heroes who grow through love and rebellion, making her books resonate with readers seeking both escapism and empowerment.
Why Nina Varela Matters
Nina Varela’s impact on young adult literature lies in her fearless celebration of queer joy and freedom. In a genre where sapphic romances were once rare, her Crier’s War series offers a world free of homophobia, letting love stories bloom naturally. Her focus on marginalized identities and systemic oppression mirrors real-world struggles, inspiring teens to question authority and embrace their truths. Varela’s work has earned accolades from Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and School Library Journal, cementing her as a voice for a new generation.
Beyond her books, Varela’s journey as a queer author encourages aspiring writers to tell authentic stories. Her ability to weave political intrigue with tender romance has carved a unique space in YA fantasy, proving that love can spark revolutions—on and off the page.
- Born in New Orleans, raised in Durham, North Carolina.
- Key works: Crier’s War (2019), Iron Heart (2020), Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom (2023).
- Awards: Multiple national and collegiate awards for short fiction and screenplays.
- Fun fact: She loves baking sourdough and has strong opinions on hush puppies!
About Nina Varela
Ready to fall in love with a queer fantasy revolution? Snag Crier’s War and dive into Nina Varela’s spellbinding world of androids, alchemy, and unstoppable hearts!