Picture a storyteller who spins queer, surreal tales that blur the line between dreams and reality—meet Ryan La Sala! This bestselling young adult fantasy author has captivated readers with his vibrant worlds, where drag queens wield magic and cosplayers chase their dreams. With a knack for blending identity, creativity, and unbridled imagination, La Sala is redefining YA literature.
From his debut novel Reverie to the heartfelt Be Dazzled, La Sala’s stories resonate with those who crave diverse, fantastical coming-of-age adventures. His unique voice, shaped by a love for pop culture and a neuroscience background, makes him a standout in the genre.
The Making of Ryan La Sala
Ryan La Sala grew up in Connecticut, but his mind wandered far beyond, lost in the worlds of Sailor Moon and Xena: Warrior Princess. This flair for the dramatic fueled his storytelling. Studying anthropology and neuroscience at Northeastern University, he explored the human mind, later channeling that curiosity into his writing. Before becoming a full-time author, La Sala worked as a project manager in digital tools, a role that honed his ability to craft intricate narratives.
His writing journey began in high school, sparked by a lack of queer representation in pop culture. What started as a rebellious act of creation evolved into a decade-long process to publish Reverie, his love letter to queer kids dreaming of their own worlds.
Ryan La Sala’s Unforgettable Stories
La Sala’s debut, Reverie (2019), is a dazzling YA fantasy where dreams become reality. Kane Montgomery, a gay teen with amnesia, battles a drag queen sorceress in surreal dreamscapes. Critics hailed its “joyously, riotously queer” vibe and imaginative world-building, comparing it to Inception meets The Magicians. The novel’s themes of self-expression and identity struck a chord with readers.
In Be Dazzled (2021), La Sala shifts to a heartfelt rom-com about Raffy, a cosplayer chasing victory at a comic convention while facing his ex-boyfriend, Luca. This “sequin-filled romance” celebrates creativity and geek culture, earning praise for its authentic queer love story. The Honeys (2022) dives into horror, following Mars, a queer teen unraveling his sister’s death at a sinister summer camp. La Sala’s upcoming The Dead of Summer (2025) promises more chilling thrills.
La Sala’s style is vibrant and unapologetic, weaving queer identity, pop culture, and emotional depth into fantastical plots. His characters—often outsiders—find power in their uniqueness, making his stories both escapist and empowering.
Why Ryan La Sala Matters
Ryan La Sala’s impact lies in his fearless celebration of queerness and creativity. His stories fill a gap in YA literature, offering representation for queer teens who rarely see themselves as heroes. By blending genres—fantasy, horror, romance—he challenges conventions, inspiring a new wave of diverse storytelling. His work has landed on bestseller lists, earned starred reviews, and even sparked a film adaptation for The Honeys.
Beyond books, La Sala connects with fans through his Bad Author Book Club Podcast and vibrant social media presence, where his wit and love for arts and crafts shine. He’s a beacon for young readers navigating identity and self-expression, proving that imagination can reshape reality.
- Born: Connecticut, exact date unavailable
- Key Works: Reverie (2019), Be Dazzled (2021), The Honeys (2022), Beholder (2023)
- Awards: The Honeys named a Best Book of 2022 by Barnes & Noble, Indigo, and Publishers Weekly
Snag Reverie or Be Dazzled and dive into Ryan La Sala’s dazzling, queer-powered worlds! Your imagination will thank you.