Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves faeries into the elegance of Regency England—meet Olivia Atwater! With her whimsical historical fantasy novels, Atwater has enchanted readers, blending sharp satire with magical charm. Her Regency Faerie Tales series, brimming with heart and humor, has made her a rising star in the fantasy genre, captivating fans with tales of love, defiance, and otherworldly intrigue.
Born with an eclectic spirit, Atwater’s journey to authorship is as colorful as her stories. From historical reenactments to web development, her diverse experiences shape her unique voice, making her novels a delightful escape into a magical past.
The Making of Olivia Atwater
Olivia Atwater grew up with a love for storytelling, sparked by a childhood Dungeons & Dragons campaign led by her father. Living in Montreal, Quebec, she pursued a degree in technical writing and editing, but her path to authorship was anything but conventional. She’s worn many hats—historical reenactor, professional witch at a metaphysical shop, web developer, and even vending machine repairperson. Her time as a reenactor immersed her in English history, particularly the lives of the lower classes, fueling her passion for unromanticized historical narratives. Inspired by Terry Pratchett and J.R.R. Tolkien, Atwater began writing young adult fantasy, submitting her first novel at age twelve. Years later, self-publishing her debut, Half a Soul, in 2020 marked her triumphant entry into the literary world.
Olivia Atwater’s Unforgettable Stories
Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales trilogy—Half a Soul (2020), Ten Thousand Stitches (2020), and Longshadow (2021)—is her hallmark. Half a Soul follows Theodora ‘Dora’ Ettings, a woman cursed to lose half her soul, navigating Regency society’s expectations with Vulcan-like detachment. Praised as a ‘comfort read’ by Hannah Whitten, it blends queer romance with social commentary. Ten Thousand Stitches dives into the servant class’s struggles, weaving magic and defiance, while Longshadow deepens the series’ enchanting world. Her standalone novel, Small Miracles (2022), a nod to Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens, explores love and grief with angels, demons, and chocolate, earning the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off award. Atwater’s style is whimsical yet subversive, tackling poverty, class, and disability with a light touch, inspired by British folklore and classic fairy tales.
Her Victorian Faerie Tales series, starting with The Witchwood Knot (2023), shifts to a darker, gothic tone, showcasing her versatility. Atwater also co-authored A Matter of Execution (2024) with her husband, Nicholas, a prequel to their Echoes of the Imperium. Her non-fiction guides, like Write Better Blurbs, offer practical advice for genre authors, reflecting her technical expertise.
Why Olivia Atwater Matters
Olivia Atwater’s impact lies in her ability to make historical fantasy accessible and inclusive. Her stories uplift marginalized voices—queer characters, the working class, and those with disabilities—while challenging romanticized views of history. Critics like Alix E. Harrow praise her ‘smart and subversive’ narratives, and her self-publishing success, followed by a deal with Orbit Books, inspires aspiring authors. By blending satire with heart, Atwater creates comfort reads that resonate deeply, fostering hope and connection among readers. Her growing fanbase on platforms like Goodreads and X reflects her influence, with fans calling her work ‘whimsical’ and ‘swoon-worthy.’
- Key Works: Regency Faerie Tales trilogy, Small Miracles, The Witchwood Knot
- Influences: Terry Pratchett, J.R.R. Tolkien, British folklore
- Awards: Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off for Small Miracles
Ready to fall under Olivia Atwater’s spell? Grab Half a Soul and dive into her magical Regency world, where faeries and romance await!