Picture a storyteller who weaves horror, fantasy, and romance into thrilling tales that keep you up all night—meet Sarah Harian! Raised in the shadow of Yosemite’s majestic peaks, this young adult author has carved a unique niche with her gripping narratives and morally complex characters. From her debut novel to her standalone adventures, Harian’s stories pulse with suspense and heart, inviting readers into worlds where danger and hope collide.
With a knack for crafting immersive settings and exploring themes of justice and morality, Harian has become a rising star in young adult literature. Whether she’s hiking the Sierras or dreaming up monsters to the tune of movie scores, her passion for storytelling shines through in every page. Ready to dive into her captivating universe? Let’s explore the life and works of Sarah Harian!
The Making of Sarah Harian
Sarah Harian grew up in the foothills of Yosemite, where the rugged beauty of nature sparked her imagination. She earned her B.A. in English Education and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fresno State University, honing her craft amidst the inspiration of the Sierra Nevada. Her love for adventure novels, open-world RPGs, and movie scores shaped her storytelling, blending cinematic flair with raw emotion. Harian’s early life, filled with hikes and creative daydreams, laid the foundation for her distinctive voice in young adult fiction.
Sarah Harian’s Unforgettable Stories
Harian burst onto the scene in 2014 with The Wicked We Have Done, the first book in her Chaos Theory series. This young adult fantasy novel, laced with horror and suspense, follows a group of young criminals navigating a deadly moral experiment. Readers were hooked by its creepy atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of guilt and redemption. The series continued with A Vault of Sins, diving deeper into the Compass Room’s dark secrets, and the novella Our Broken Sky, which introduced a fiery, LGBTQ-inclusive storyline centered on twin sisters.
In 2019, Harian released Eight Will Fall, a standalone novel that cemented her reputation for crafting high-stakes adventures. Set in a world where magic is forbidden, it follows eight criminals on a perilous mission to defeat an ancient evil. Harian’s signature style—vivid world-building, morally gray characters, and a touch of romance—shines through, making it a fan favorite. Her ability to blend genres creates stories that are both heart-pounding and deeply human, resonating with readers who crave both thrills and emotional depth.
Harian’s writing stands out for its fearless exploration of complex themes. Her characters grapple with questions of justice, morality, and identity, often in settings that feel both fantastical and eerily real. Whether it’s the psychological tension of the Compass Room or the shadowy horrors of Eight Will Fall, Harian’s stories challenge readers to question what it means to be human in a flawed world.
Why Sarah Harian Matters
Sarah Harian’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to push boundaries. By blending horror, fantasy, and romance, she creates stories that appeal to diverse readers, from thrill-seekers to those drawn to emotional depth. Her inclusion of LGBTQ characters, like those in Our Broken Sky, adds vital representation to the genre, offering authentic voices in fast-paced narratives. Harian’s work resonates with young adults navigating their own moral dilemmas, making her a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
Though still early in her career, Harian’s influence is growing. Her stories inspire readers to embrace complexity, question authority, and find light in the darkest places. Living in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and dog, she continues to draw from her love of nature and gaming to craft worlds that linger long after the final page.
- Key Works: The Wicked We Have Done (2014), Our Broken Sky (2014), A Vault of Sins (2014), Eight Will Fall (2019)
- Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Romance
- Hobbies: Hiking, video games, listening to movie scores
Snag Eight Will Fall or dive into the Chaos Theory series to experience Sarah Harian’s thrilling blend of fantasy and suspense. Trust us, you won’t be able to put her books down!