Picture a homeschooled bookworm from Los Angeles who turned a childhood grudge into a dazzling career weaving fairy tales with a dark twist—meet Rosamund Hodge! This fantasy novelist, now crafting spellbinding stories in Seattle, blends myths, romance, and gritty heroines in works like Cruel Beauty, captivating readers with her unique spin on classic tales.
The Making of Rosamund Hodge
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rosamund Hodge grew up surrounded by books, especially fantasy and mythology, which fueled her imagination. Homeschooled and fiercely determined, she vowed at age eight to become a writer after her older brother excluded her from his writing club—a promise she kept, though he’s yet to apologize! She honed her craft with a BA in English from the University of Dallas and an MSt in Medieval English from Oxford, blending academic rigor with her love for storytelling. Her practice of Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese martial art, reflects the balance of strength and grace in her characters.
Rosamund Hodge’s Unforgettable Stories
Hodge’s debut novel, Cruel Beauty (2014), a New York Times bestseller, reimagines Beauty and the Beast with Greek mythology, following Nyx, a heroine tasked with killing her charming yet monstrous husband. Its lush prose and complex romance earned praise for its fresh take on fairy tales. Gilded Ashes (2014), a novella in the same universe, transforms Cinderella into a haunting tale of love and curses, with orphan Maia navigating her mother’s deadly bargain. Crimson Bound (2015) draws from Little Red Riding Hood, weaving a dark adventure of redemption and court intrigue. Hodge’s signature style—dark yet hopeful, blending myth and fairy tale with flawed, knife-wielding heroines—sets her apart in young adult fantasy.
Her later works, like Bright Smoke, Cold Fire (2016) and Endless Water, Starless Sky (2018), reimagine Romeo and Juliet in a fantastical world, showcasing her knack for layered characters and intricate plots. Hodge’s stories resonate with readers who crave romance tinged with danger and heroines who defy fate.
Why Rosamund Hodge Matters
Rosamund Hodge has carved a niche in young adult fantasy by breathing new life into timeless tales, appealing to fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas. Her ability to blend mythology with emotionally complex characters has inspired a dedicated following, particularly among teens and young adults who see themselves in her resilient heroines. Her work challenges the boundaries of fairy tale retellings, proving they can be both enchanting and unflinchingly real, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
- Key Works: Cruel Beauty, Gilded Ashes, Crimson Bound, Bright Smoke, Cold Fire
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Current Home: Seattle, Washington
- Fun Fact: She owns a dog named Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, aka Luna!
Snag Cruel Beauty and dive into Rosamund Hodge’s mesmerizing world of dark fantasy and fierce heroines!