Picture an American storyteller who spun a tale of a plus-size princess into a New York Times bestseller—meet Rae Carson! Known for her young adult fantasy novels, Carson’s vivid worlds and relatable characters have enchanted readers globally. Her Fire and Thorns trilogy, led by the unforgettable Princess Elisa, blends adventure, magic, and self-discovery, making her a standout voice in contemporary fantasy.
From her California roots to her Arizona home, Carson’s journey to authorship is as inspiring as her stories. With a knack for subverting tropes and a passion for teens who do brave things, she’s crafted a legacy that resonates with readers and writers alike.
The Making of Rae Carson
Born on August 17, 1973, in Oakland, California, Rae Carson grew up with a love for storytelling. As a child, she’d spin tales to dodge trouble—like that time she blamed a late library return on a fictional bathroom mishap. After graduating from Biola University in 1995, Carson dabbled in teaching, corporate sales, and customer service before finding her calling. Her big break came through the Online Writers Workshop in 2004, where she met her husband, science fiction writer C.C. Finlay, and published her first story, 'First Waltz,' in 2006. By 2011, her debut novel, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, launched her into the literary spotlight.
Rae Carson’s Unforgettable Stories
Carson’s Fire and Thorns trilogy is her crown jewel, following Princess Elisa, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers her extraordinary destiny. The Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011) introduces Elisa’s quest, filled with magic, romance, and political intrigue. The Crown of Embers (2012) and The Bitter Kingdom (2013) deepen her journey, earning praise for their rich world-building and Elisa’s growth from insecurity to heroism. The series, a New York Times bestseller, was a finalist for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award and won the Ohioana Book Award.
Her Gold Seer trilogy, starting with Walk on Earth a Stranger (2015), blends historical fiction with fantasy. It follows Lee Westfall, a girl with a magical knack for sensing gold, navigating the Gold Rush era. This series, longlisted for the National Book Award, showcases Carson’s ability to weave real history with fantastical twists. She’s also ventured into the Star Wars universe, penning the novelization of The Rise of Skywalker (2020) and tie-in stories, proving her versatility. Carson’s style—adventure-packed, emotionally resonant, and led by smart, brave girls—sets her apart in YA fantasy.
Why Rae Carson Matters
Rae Carson’s impact lies in her ability to craft heroines who defy stereotypes. Elisa, with her body image struggles, and Lee, with her resilience, resonate with readers facing their own insecurities. Her stories, praised by authors like Veronica Roth and Tamora Pierce, inspire teens to embrace their strength. Carson’s work has been translated worldwide, and her awards, including the Spur Award, highlight her influence in YA literature. By blending magic with real-world themes, she’s carved a niche that encourages self-discovery and courage.
- Born: August 17, 1973, Oakland, California
- Key Works: Fire and Thorns trilogy, Gold Seer trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker novelization
- Awards: Ohioana Book Award, Spur Award, National Book Award longlist
- Fun Fact: Carson met her husband through an online writing workshop!
Snag The Girl of Fire and Thorns and dive into Rae Carson’s thrilling YA fantasy world today!