Picture an American storyteller who spun a magical game of love and mystery in the bestselling Caraval series—meet Stephanie Garber! With her knack for crafting vivid fantasy worlds, Garber has enchanted readers worldwide, turning young adult fiction into a spellbinding escape. Her debut novel, Caraval, not only won hearts but also caught Hollywood’s attention, with 20th Century Fox snapping up the film rights.
Born on July 8, 1987, in Northern California, Garber’s journey from dreamer to #1 New York Times bestselling author is as captivating as her stories. When she’s not weaving tales of magic, she’s inspiring budding writers as a creative writing instructor, bringing her playful spirit to the classroom.
The Making of Stephanie Garber
Growing up in Northern California, Stephanie Garber was a dreamer with a love for fantastical stories. Her early career was a whirlwind of eclectic jobs—barista, waitress, bartender, and even a counselor at a space-themed summer camp. She also volunteered at a school for deaf children in Mexico and led college students on service trips to Amsterdam. While working as a college resident director, Garber began writing to unwind, but it quickly became her passion. After years of rejections, her persistence paid off when Caraval, her sixth manuscript, found a home with Flatiron Books after intense revisions with her agent, Jenny Bent.
Stephanie Garber’s Unforgettable Stories
Garber’s Caraval series—Caraval (2017), Legendary (2018), and Finale (2019)—is a dazzling young adult fantasy trilogy that blends magic, romance, and mystery. Set in a world where a magical game called Caraval blurs the line between reality and illusion, the series follows sisters Scarlett and Tella Dragna as they navigate love, betrayal, and a cruel father. Critics praised Caraval’s evocative writing and imaginative setting, with Publishers Weekly calling it a “spellbinding tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and hope.”
Garber expanded her universe with the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, starting with Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021), followed by The Ballad of Never After (2022) and A Curse for True Love (2023). This trilogy, set in the same enchanting world, dives deeper into morally gray characters like Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, and explores themes of fate and sacrifice. Her vivid prose, sensory descriptions, and unpredictable plots keep readers hooked. Garber’s upcoming adult debut, Alchemy of Secrets, promises to bring her signature magic to a new audience.
Known for her lush worldbuilding and emotionally charged storytelling, Garber draws inspiration from places like Disneyland, where she feels her fantastical tales could come to life. Her ability to craft immersive, sensory-rich narratives has made her a standout in young adult fantasy.
Why Stephanie Garber Matters
Stephanie Garber’s impact on young adult fantasy is undeniable. Her books, translated into over 30 languages, have resonated with readers for their empowering themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, and defying fate. The Caraval series’ success, including Legendary’s eight-week stint at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, has solidified her as a leading voice in the genre. By teaching creative writing, Garber also shapes the next generation of storytellers, encouraging them to embrace their imagination through games and field trips.
Her stories inspire readers to chase their dreams, much like Scarlett and Tella fight for freedom. As Garber continues to explore new worlds, her legacy as a master of magical storytelling only grows.
- Birth Date: July 8, 1987
- Key Works: Caraval, Legendary, Finale, Once Upon a Broken Heart
- Notable Achievement: 20th Century Fox acquired Caraval film rights
Snag Caraval or Once Upon a Broken Heart and dive into Stephanie Garber’s enchanting young adult fantasy today!