Picture a Tasmanian storyteller who weaves fairy tales with a twist, sprinkling magic and murder into every page—meet W.R. Gingell! Born in Cairns, Queensland, this Australian author has carved a niche in Young Adult fantasy with her clever retellings and immersive worlds. Known for her witty prose and spunky heroines, Gingell’s stories, like the ‘Two Monarchies Sequence’ and ‘Shards of a Broken Sword’ trilogy, captivate readers with their blend of humor, heart, and fantastical intrigue.
With a knack for reimagining classic tales, Gingell’s work resonates with teens and adults alike, offering clean, character-driven narratives that sparkle with originality. Her Tasmanian home, with its lush landscapes, fuels her vivid settings, making her a standout in the fantasy genre. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this enchanting author!
The Making of W.R. Gingell
Born in Cairns, Queensland, W.R. Gingell later settled in Tasmania, where the island’s wild beauty shaped her storytelling. Growing up, she devoured books by Jane Austen, Diana Wynne Jones, and Robert Louis Stevenson, influences that echo in her playful yet poignant style. Her love for fantasy, especially fae and magic, sparked early, driving her to craft stories that blend danger and whimsy. Gingell began self-publishing in 2014 with ‘A Time Traveller’s Best Friend,’ a sci-fi romp, before diving into fantasy with ‘Masque,’ setting the stage for her prolific career.
W.R. Gingell’s Unforgettable Stories
Gingell’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy, with her ‘Two Monarchies Sequence’ and ‘Shards of a Broken Sword’ trilogy standing out. The ‘Two Monarchies Sequence,’ starting with ‘Spindle’ (2015), is a Rapunzel-Sleeping Beauty mashup where Poly, a cursed maiden, navigates a magical world with a quirky wizard. Its dreamy prose and lovable characters draw comparisons to ‘Howl’s Moving Castle.’ ‘Masque,’ a Beauty and the Beast retelling, blends mystery and romance, earning praise for its witty banter and intricate world-building.
The ‘Shards of a Broken Sword’ trilogy, beginning with ‘Twelve Days of Faery’ (2016), follows King Markon as he battles a curse afflicting his son. Each novella weaves fae, dragons, and romance, culminating in ‘The First Chill of Autumn,’ where characters unite to save a fae-controlled land. Gingell’s style shines through her resourceful heroines, complex heroes, and clean content, appealing to readers 13 and up. Her urban fantasy series, ‘The City Between,’ adds feral fae and vampires, showcasing her genre versatility.
With a knack for humor and heart, Gingell crafts worlds where magic feels real and characters leap off the page. Her fairy-tale retellings are fresh yet familiar, balancing action, fate, and romance without relying on explicit content or swearing, a choice rooted in her preference for plot-driven stories.
Why W.R. Gingell Matters
W.R. Gingell’s impact lies in her ability to make fantasy accessible and authentic. Her clean, engaging stories fill a gap for readers seeking immersive tales without mature themes, resonating with Young Adult and crossover audiences. By self-publishing, she’s built a loyal following, with over 65,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.31. Her innovative fairy-tale retellings have inspired fans to rediscover classics, while her Tasmanian perspective adds a unique flavor to the genre. Gingell’s work proves that fantasy can be thrilling, heartfelt, and ageless.
- Born: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Key Works: ‘Two Monarchies Sequence,’ ‘Shards of a Broken Sword,’ ‘The City Between’
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- First Published: 2014
Snag ‘Spindle’ or ‘Twelve Days of Faery’ and dive into W.R. Gingell’s magical worlds—your next fantasy obsession awaits!