Picture a California-born storyteller who spun a world of dragons, rebellion, and unapologetic love—meet Rebecca Kim Wells! This fantasy author burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Shatter the Sky, a thrilling tale of a bisexual heroine defying an empire. With a knack for inclusive narratives and a day job at a Massachusetts indie bookstore, Wells is redefining young adult fantasy with heart and grit.
Her stories aren’t just about epic quests; they’re about identity, courage, and love in all its forms. Wells’s work resonates with readers who crave worlds where queerness is celebrated, and dragons soar as symbols of freedom. Let’s dive into her journey, from sunny California to snowy Massachusetts, and discover why she’s a rising star in fantasy.
The Making of Rebecca Kim Wells
Rebecca Kim Wells grew up in California, where sunny skies and vibrant landscapes likely fueled her vivid imagination. She later traded West Coast warmth for the crisp autumns and snowy winters of Massachusetts, a move that shaped her love for cozy, immersive storytelling. With a BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Simmons College, Wells blended analytical rigor with creative flair. Her passion for books led her to a fiercely independent bookstore in Massachusetts, where she balances writing with bookselling, connecting with readers and fellow authors. This unique blend of experiences—academic, creative, and community-driven—set the stage for her bold entry into fantasy.
Rebecca Kim Wells’s Unforgettable Stories
Wells’s debut, Shatter the Sky (2019), is a standout in young adult fantasy. The novel follows Maren, a determined young woman who sets out to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend, Kaia, by stealing a dragon from a corrupt emperor. With lush world-building, fierce dragons, and a rebellion brewing, the story earned praise as a New England Book Award Finalist and a Bisexual Book Award winner. Its sequel, Storm the Earth (2020), wraps up the duology with high-stakes battles and deeper exploration of Maren’s dragon-touched abilities.
In 2021, Wells released Briar Girls, a queer retelling of Sleeping Beauty infused with dark magic and feminist themes. Her stories shine for their inclusive representation, particularly of queer and biracial characters, in worlds where diversity is unremarkable. Wells’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, weaving political intrigue, dragon lore, and heartfelt romance. Her commitment to intersectionality and feminism draws comparisons to Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey, making her a fresh voice for a new generation of fantasy readers.
What sets Wells apart is her ability to craft reluctant heroes who find strength through grit, not destiny. Her worlds feel alive, with detailed magic systems—like the scent-based dragon training in Shatter the Sky—and nuanced characters who grapple with love, empire, and identity. Fans of Margaret Rogerson or Rachel Hartman will find her books irresistible.
Why Rebecca Kim Wells Matters
Rebecca Kim Wells is more than a fantasy author; she’s a trailblazer for inclusive storytelling. Her unapologetic focus on queer and biracial characters challenges genre norms, offering representation for readers who rarely see themselves in epic fantasies. By normalizing queerness in her worlds, Wells creates safe, empowering spaces for young readers. Her work has earned accolades like the ALA Rainbow Book List title and resonates with a growing audience hungry for diverse narratives.
Through her bookstore work and engagement with the literary community, Wells fosters connections between readers and stories. Her influence is quiet but profound, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices. As fantasy evolves, Wells’s commitment to love, rebellion, and dragons ensures her lasting impact.
- Born: California, USA
- Key Works: Shatter the Sky (2019), Storm the Earth (2020), Briar Girls (2021)
- Awards: New England Book Award Finalist, Bisexual Book Award Winner, ALA Rainbow Book List Title
- Fun Fact: She sings along to musicals in her spare time!
Snag Shatter the Sky and dive into Rebecca Kim Wells’s thrilling, inclusive fantasy worlds—dragons and rebellion await!