Picture a storyteller who spins tales of witches, curses, and fierce friendships in a magical Florida town—meet S. Isabelle! This rising star in Young Adult fantasy has enchanted readers with her debut novel, The Witchery, blending her love for books and youth librarianship into spellbinding stories. With a Master’s in library science, S. Isabelle crafts worlds where diverse characters and dark magic collide, making her a fresh voice in contemporary YA literature.
Her stories aren’t just about spells—they’re about heart, identity, and the power of found family. Let’s dive into the world of S. Isabelle and discover what makes her tales so unforgettable!
The Making of S. Isabelle
S. Isabelle’s journey to authorship began with a deep love for books, nurtured through her career as a teen librarian. After earning a Master’s in library science, she immersed herself in youth librarianship, where she connected with young readers and honed her understanding of what makes a story resonate. Her daydreams, inspired by pop culture like X-Men and anime, fueled her imagination, leading her to write stories that blend the fantastical with the real. Growing up with an overactive imagination, she started crafting novels in college, driven by a passion for paranormal tales and the messy, magical lives of teens.
S. Isabelle’s Unforgettable Stories
S. Isabelle burst onto the YA scene with The Witchery, a 2022 debut set in Haelsford, Florida, a town cursed by bloodthirsty wolves during the Haunting Season. The novel follows six teens—four witches and two mundanes—who navigate a fragile truce between humans and witches to break the curse. With six distinct points of view, Isabelle masterfully weaves a tale of dark magic, witty dialogue, and diverse representation, including Black and queer characters. Critics, like Justina Ireland, called it a “dark, delicious delight,” praising its immersive world-building.
Her follow-up, Shadow Coven, dives deeper into Haelsford’s magical underbelly, exploring witch councils and self-taught magic. This 2023 sequel expands the stakes, with morally grey characters and catastrophic spells. Isabelle’s upcoming historical romance, The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick, set for release in July 2025, shifts gears to Victorian England, following a Black woman navigating high society and an anonymous advice column. Isabelle’s style shines through her ensemble casts, chaotic magic, and focus on platonic bonds, making her books a thrilling mix of horror, romance, and heart.
Her short story “Break” in the anthology Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading & Writing YA showcases her ability to craft concise yet poignant narratives. Whether writing novels or short fiction, Isabelle’s love for paranormal tropes and character-driven stories keeps readers hooked.
Why S. Isabelle Matters
S. Isabelle’s impact lies in her ability to center diverse, authentic voices in YA fantasy. Her queernormative, Black-centric casts challenge traditional genre norms, offering representation that resonates with teens seeking stories that reflect their identities. By blending classic witch lore with modern themes like friendship and self-discovery, she creates accessible yet thrilling narratives. Her work as a librarian informs her storytelling, ensuring her books feel grounded and relatable, even in fantastical settings.
As a new voice, Isabelle is already inspiring readers and writers to embrace messy, magical stories. Her focus on platonic relationships and authentic representation sets her apart, making her a vital addition to the YA landscape.
- Key Works: The Witchery (2022), Shadow Coven (2023), The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick (2025)
- Notable Short Story: “Break” in Foreshadow
- Fun Fact: She’s a baseball enthusiast and loves heavily-sweetened coffee!
Snag The Witchery and dive into S. Isabelle’s spellbinding world of witches and found family—you won’t be able to put it down!