Picture an Irish storyteller who conjured demons and magical manors with a wink and a quip—meet Sarah Rees Brennan! Born in 1983, this acclaimed young adult fantasy author has enchanted readers with her sharp humor, heartfelt romance, and supernatural flair. From her bestselling Demon's Lexicon trilogy to the gothic charm of The Lynburn Legacy, Brennan’s stories blend wit and wonder, making her a standout in contemporary YA fiction.
With a lifelong love for storytelling that sparked at age five, Brennan’s journey from a book-obsessed child to a New York Times bestselling author is as captivating as her novels. Her ability to weave complex characters and magical worlds has earned her a devoted following and critical praise, proving she’s a literary force to be reckoned with.
The Making of Sarah Rees Brennan
Born by the sea in Ireland, Sarah Rees Brennan grew up surrounded by stories, sneaking novels under her desk at school instead of studying Irish. Her teachers weren’t thrilled, but her passion for reading fueled her imagination. After earning a Creative Writing MA from Kingston University in London, she worked as a librarian in Surrey, England, before settling in Dublin. Writing since childhood, Brennan’s early fan fiction, including Harry Potter stories under the pseudonym Maya, honed her knack for rich characterization and witty dialogue.
Her big break came during her MA when she penned The Demon's Lexicon, landing a three-book deal with Simon & Schuster for a six-figure sum. This debut marked the start of a career that would see her books topping charts in the UK and USA, cementing her as a rising star in young adult fantasy.
Sarah Rees Brennan’s Unforgettable Stories
Brennan’s Demon's Lexicon trilogy, starting with the 2009 novel of the same name, follows brothers Nick and Alan Ryves as they battle demons and unravel family secrets. Praised for its dark humor and intricate plot, the series earned starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal. Its focus on familial bonds alongside thrilling magic set it apart in the YA urban fantasy scene.
The Lynburn Legacy series, beginning with Unspoken in 2012, dives into gothic romance with a modern twist. Centered on Kami Glass, a teen journalist with a telepathic connection to a mysterious boy, the trilogy blends mystery, magic, and sharp banter in the eerie town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Reviewers, including Cassandra Clare, lauded its heart and humor, calling it a “sparkling fantasy.”
Brennan’s standalone In Other Lands (2017) showcases her versatility, following a snarky teen in a magical world. A Hugo Award finalist, it was named one of The New York Times’ best YA fantasy novels of its year. Her recent adult debut, Long Live Evil (2024), a #1 Sunday Times bestseller, explores villainy with her signature wit, proving her range across genres.
Why Sarah Rees Brennan Matters
Sarah Rees Brennan’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers through humor, heart, and relatability. Her diverse characters and emphasis on family and friendship alongside romance offer a fresh take on YA fantasy, inspiring fans to embrace their own quirks. A cancer survivor, Brennan’s resilience shines through her work, adding depth to her narratives and connecting with readers on a personal level.
Her influence extends beyond books, with tie-ins for Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and collaborations with authors like Cassandra Clare. By blending gothic thrills with modern sensibilities, Brennan has carved a unique niche, making her a beloved voice in fantasy literature.
- Born: September 21, 1983, Ireland
- Key Works: The Demon's Lexicon trilogy, The Lynburn Legacy series, In Other Lands, Long Live Evil
- Awards: Hugo Award finalist (In Other Lands), Carnegie-listed novels
Ready to dive into a world of magic and mischief? Snag The Demon's Lexicon or Unspoken and let Sarah Rees Brennan’s witty, heartfelt stories sweep you away!