Picture an American storyteller who conjures necromancers and mythical creatures with a flick of her pen—meet Sarah Glenn Marsh! A fantasy enthusiast turned author, Marsh has enchanted readers with her young adult novels and children’s picture books, blending magic, intrigue, and heartfelt themes. From her breakout series Reign of the Fallen to her whimsical tales for younger audiences, her stories resonate with a diverse readership, all while she tends to her quirky menagerie in Richmond, Virginia.
With a passion for fantasy ignited by her father’s gift of The Hobbit, Marsh’s worlds are as vibrant as her real-life adventures, which include ghost hunting and painting. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this imaginative author whose stories leave an indelible mark.
The Making of Sarah Glenn Marsh
Born with a love for storytelling, Sarah Glenn Marsh grew up in Virginia, where her father introduced her to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, sparking a lifelong obsession with fantasy. As a child, she penned tales to convince her parents for a pet dog—a tactic that worked by her sixth birthday! This early creativity blossomed into a career, fueled by her Irish heritage and fascination with fairy folklore. Marsh honed her craft in Virginia, balancing writing with pursuits like ceramics and volunteering for sighthound rescue, all while managing Type 1 diabetes.
Her journey to authorship wasn’t just about crafting stories; it was about creating worlds where readers could escape. Inspired by her love for the fantastical, she began writing young adult novels, debuting with Fear the Drowning Deep in 2016, a haunting historical fantasy that set the stage for her unique voice.
Sarah Glenn Marsh’s Unforgettable Stories
Marsh’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy and heart. Her Reign of the Fallen series, starting with the 2018 novel, introduces Odessa, a necromancer navigating a shadowy world of the Deadlands. Praised for its LGBT romance and Game of Thrones-esque intrigue, the series, including Song of the Dead (2019), captivates with its blend of magic and political drama. Fear the Drowning Deep (2016) weaves witches and ocean evils in a suspenseful tale suitable for ages 12 and up, earning acclaim as an NPR Great Read.
Beyond young adult fiction, Marsh shines in children’s literature. Dragon Bones (2021) chronicles paleontologist Mary Anning’s fossil discoveries, while The Bug Girl (2019) celebrates entomologist Maria Merian’s boundary-breaking work. Her picture books, like Ellie’s Crayon Adventure (2021), burst with color and imagination, appealing to young readers. Marsh’s style—lush, eerie, and inclusive—draws readers into worlds where courage and identity take center stage.
Her upcoming works, like We Could Be (Anti)Heroes (2026), a gay romantasy pitched as a “Lord of the Rings” for modern readers, and Ghost Army, a picture book about WWII’s deceptive artists, promise to expand her diverse portfolio. Marsh’s ability to weave mythology, history, and personal passion makes her stories unforgettable.
Why Sarah Glenn Marsh Matters
Sarah Glenn Marsh’s impact lies in her ability to craft inclusive, immersive fantasies that resonate with readers of all ages. Her young adult novels, with their queer representation and complex characters, offer a safe haven for teens navigating identity and adversity. Her picture books inspire curiosity, celebrating unsung heroes like Mary Anning and Maria Merian, encouraging young minds to explore science and history.
Marsh’s advocacy for animal rescue and Type 1 diabetes awareness adds depth to her legacy. By sharing her passions—whether through ghost hunting or folklore—she invites readers to embrace their quirks. Her stories, lauded by outlets like School Library Journal, continue to shape the fantasy genre, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Virginia, USA
- Key Works: Reign of the Fallen, Fear the Drowning Deep, Dragon Bones, The Bug Girl
- Fun Fact: Marsh lives with four rescued sighthounds, two birds, and many fish!
Snag Reign of the Fallen and dive into Sarah Glenn Marsh’s spellbinding fantasy worlds today!