Picture a New Zealand storyteller who conjures Regency-era magic with a dash of paranormal flair—meet Tilly Wallace! This masterful author weaves whimsical historical fantasy and paranormal romance, captivating readers with her quirky characters and heartwarming tales of chosen family. Best known for her Manners and Monsters series, Wallace blends cozy mystery with vintage magic, creating enchanting worlds where love and loyalty shine.
With a love for coffee and an obsession with hats, Tilly Wallace brings a playful spirit to her writing. Her novels, set in a magical past, invite readers to escape into stories where the impossible feels delightfully real. Let’s dive into her journey, from her creative spark to her lasting impact on the genre.
The Making of Tilly Wallace
Hailing from New Zealand, Tilly Wallace’s early life is a bit like one of her novels—full of charm but with a touch of mystery. While specific details about her upbringing remain scarce, her passion for storytelling was evident from the start. Inspired by the likes of Jane Austen and the supernatural allure of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Wallace found her niche blending historical settings with fantastical elements. Her love for vintage aesthetics and quirky humor shaped her unique voice, leading her to publish her debut novel, Secrets to Reveal, in 2017.
Wallace’s career began with a leap into self-publishing, a bold move that allowed her to craft stories true to her vision. Her ability to merge Regency-era etiquette with paranormal intrigue quickly won her a dedicated following. Fueled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s since become a prolific author, penning over a dozen novels that sparkle with wit and wonder.
Tilly Wallace’s Unforgettable Stories
Tilly Wallace’s bibliography is a treasure trove of historical fantasy and paranormal romance, with her Manners and Monsters series standing as her crown jewel. This six-book saga, starting with Manners and Monsters (2019), follows Hannah Miles, a sleuth navigating a magical Regency England filled with ghouls, gorgons, and vampyres. The series masterfully blends cozy mystery with urban fantasy, offering readers a delightful mix of horror, humor, and heart.
Beyond Manners and Monsters, Wallace’s Highland Wolves series, beginning with Secrets to Reveal (2017), explores Scottish shifters and fierce friendships in a magical historical setting. Her Tournament of Shadows series, including titles like Opening Gambit (2022), dives into espionage and enchanted intrigue. Each story showcases Wallace’s signature style: whimsical narratives, quirky casts, and themes of found family, all wrapped in gentle humor and vintage magic.
Wallace’s writing stands out for its ability to balance lighthearted fun with deeper emotional resonance. Her characters, often underdogs or misfits, forge unbreakable bonds, reminding readers that family is what you make it. Whether it’s a selkie’s quest or a mage’s dangerous ruse, her tales are as heartwarming as they are fantastical.
Why Tilly Wallace Matters
Tilly Wallace has carved a unique niche in paranormal romance and historical fantasy, offering readers an escape into worlds where magic feels tangible and friendships endure. Her ability to blend genres—melding Regency romance with urban fantasy and cozy mystery—has earned her a loyal fanbase and praise for her innovative storytelling. Fans compare her work to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, but Wallace’s voice is distinctly her own.
Through her Patreon community, “Tilly’s Caffeination Crew,” and her Facebook group, “Repository of Forgotten Things,” Wallace fosters a sense of belonging among readers. Her stories, with their emphasis on loyalty and love, resonate deeply in an uncertain world, making her a beloved figure in the genre. Her influence continues to grow as new readers discover her enchanting tales.
- Key Works: Manners and Monsters, Secrets to Reveal, Opening Gambit
- Fun Fact: Tilly’s hat obsession inspires her characters’ quirky fashion choices!
- Genres: Historical Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Cozy Mystery
Ready to escape into a world of vintage magic and quirky charm? Snag Manners and Monsters and dive into Tilly Wallace’s whimsical historical fantasy today!