Picture an American storyteller who spun werewolves and vampires into swoon-worthy romances—meet Susan Krinard! Since the early 1990s, Krinard has enchanted readers with her paranormal romance novels, blending fantasy’s wild magic with the heart-pounding pull of love. Her debut, Prince of Wolves, didn’t just howl onto the scene—it helped shape the shifter romance genre.
From her home in New Mexico’s 'Land of Enchantment,' Krinard crafts tales that pulse with supernatural intrigue and emotional depth. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this visionary author became a beloved name in paranormal romance.
The Making of Susan Krinard
Born with a creative spark, Susan Krinard grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her love for fantasy took root. A fourth-grade reading of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time ignited her imagination, and by age 14, she was attending Star Trek conventions. With a BFA in Illustration from the California College of Arts and Crafts, Krinard initially channeled her artistry into visuals. But in 1992, a friend read one of her short stories—a romantic twist on 'Beauty and the Beast'—and urged her to write a novel. That nudge led to her first sale, Prince of Wolves, to Bantam in 1993, launching her literary career.
Susan Krinard’s Unforgettable Stories
Krinard’s novels are a delicious blend of paranormal thrills and heartfelt romance, often featuring werewolves, vampires, and otherworldly beings. Her debut, Prince of Wolves (1994), follows Joelle Randall, who uncovers a mysterious man-wolf in the Canadian Rockies, setting a benchmark for werewolf romance with its lush scenery and primal tension. The Historical Werewolf series, starting with Touch of the Wolf (1999), dives into Victorian England, where Braden Forster, an earl with werewolf blood, seeks to purify his clan’s lineage, only to find love that complicates his mission.
Her Val Cache series, including Prince of Dreams (1996), explores a vampire who feeds on dreams, weaving a modern-day romance with centuries-old secrets. Krinard’s Midgard series, beginning with Mist (2013), ventures into urban fantasy with a Valkyrie heroine battling Norse gods in San Francisco. Known for her vivid descriptions and complex characters, Krinard crafts worlds where loyalty, wildness, and love collide, earning praise as 'a master of atmosphere and description' from Library Journal.
Why Susan Krinard Matters
Susan Krinard didn’t just write paranormal romance—she helped define it. As one of the first authors to bring werewolves into romantic leads, she paved the way for today’s shifter romance boom. Her stories, rich with emotional depth and supernatural stakes, resonate with readers who crave love stories that transcend the ordinary. With over 27 novels and 11 novellas, her work has hit New York Times bestseller lists, including the anthology Out of This World and Lord of the Beasts. Krinard’s love for wolves, inspired by their real-life nobility, infuses her fiction with a call to admire these creatures, blending advocacy with storytelling.
Her influence extends beyond bookshelves, inspiring new authors to explore the boundaries of romance and fantasy. Krinard’s ability to weave intricate narratives with universal themes of devotion and redemption keeps her stories timeless.
- Lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband, Serge Mailloux, and their pets.
- Debut novel: Prince of Wolves (1994), one of the earliest werewolf romances.
- Awards: RITA for Best Contemporary Fantasy, PRISM Awards for Dark Paranormal.
- Passions: Music, old movies, baking, and collecting wolf-themed jewelry.
About Susan Krinard
Snag Prince of Wolves or Touch of the Wolf and dive into Susan Krinard’s spellbinding paranormal romance today!