Picture a storyteller who spins myths into vibrant tapestries, blending Indian and Filipino folklore with a modern twist—meet Roshani Chokshi! This New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with her lush fantasy worlds, from the starlit realms of The Star-Touched Queen to the daring heists of The Gilded Wolves. With a knack for weaving diverse cultural threads, Chokshi’s stories resonate with readers craving magic and adventure.
Born to an Indian father and Filipino mother, Chokshi’s unique heritage fuels her storytelling. Her novels, steeped in mythology, invite readers to explore enchanted kingdoms and face cunning gods, all while celebrating the power of identity and found family. Ready to dive into her spellbinding universe?
The Making of Roshani Chokshi
Born on February 14, 1991, in St. Louis, Missouri, Roshani Chokshi grew up in Georgia, surrounded by tales from her parents’ cultures. Raised as a Hindu, she soaked up Hindu mythology, while her mother’s Filipino stories added a rich layer to her imagination. Unable to speak Tagalog or Gujarati, Chokshi turned to fairy tales and world mythology to connect with her roots. This passion for stories led her to Emory University, where she studied 14th-century British literature, before briefly attending law school at the University of Georgia. But when her debut novel sold, she ditched law to chase her true calling: writing. Inspired by Neil Gaiman’s boundless creativity, Chokshi carved her own path, blending her heritage into every page.
Roshani Chokshi’s Unforgettable Stories
Chokshi’s debut, The Star-Touched Queen (2016), is a lyrical young adult fantasy inspired by Hindu mythology. It follows Maya, a cursed princess navigating a mystical kingdom, and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Its companion, A Crown of Wishes (2017), dives into a magical tournament, showcasing Chokshi’s flair for vivid prose and complex characters. Her middle-grade series, The Pandava Quintet, kicked off with Aru Shah and the End of Time (2018), a Rick Riordan Presents title that blends humor, adventure, and Indian lore. The series, optioned for film by Paramount Pictures, follows Aru, a quirky heroine battling demons and uncovering her divine heritage.
For older readers, The Gilded Wolves (2019) offers a thrilling historical fantasy set in 1889 Paris, where a diverse crew pulls off magical heists. Its sequels, The Silvered Serpents and The Bronzed Beasts, deepen the saga’s themes of empire and identity. Chokshi’s adult debut, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride (2023), a gothic fairy tale, hit #1 on the Sunday Times bestseller list. Her style—lush, poetic, and layered with folklore—creates worlds where myths feel alive, and her focus on diverse casts amplifies underrepresented voices.
Why Roshani Chokshi Matters
Roshani Chokshi’s impact lies in her ability to bridge cultures through fantasy. By drawing on Indian and Filipino mythology, she introduces readers to stories rarely seen in mainstream literature, fostering empathy and cultural pride. Her work, nominated for Locus and Nebula awards, has landed on best-of lists from Barnes & Noble, Forbes, and Buzzfeed, while Time named Aru Shah one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. Chokshi’s inclusive narratives empower young readers to embrace their identities, making her a vital voice in modern fantasy.
- Birth Date: February 14, 1991
- Key Works: The Star-Touched Queen, Aru Shah and the End of Time, The Gilded Wolves, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride
- Awards: Locus Award (2017, Best First Novel), Andre Norton Award nominee
Snag Aru Shah and the End of Time or The Gilded Wolves and dive into Roshani Chokshi’s enchanting blend of myth and magic!