Julie Kagawa doesn’t just write fantasy—she builds worlds where magic pulses through the veins of reluctant heroes, dragons walk among humans, and shadows hold secrets older than time. Her stories have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a place on the New York Times bestseller list and a devoted following drawn to her immersive storytelling and rich, myth-infused universes.
Born in Sacramento, California, Julie’s early life took a dramatic turn when her family moved to Hawaii. There, surrounded by an untamed landscape of ocean and jungle, she spent her childhood dodging reef sharks, outsmarting jellyfish, and discovering that paradise had its share of real-life monsters. But it was in the pages of books where she found her true refuge. Her schoolteachers often caught her hiding novels inside her textbooks—an early sign that stories, rather than equations, were her real calling.
As a teenager, Julie turned her love of reading into writing, crafting dark and vivid tales that left an impression on anyone brave enough to read them. Even as she worked in bookstores and trained dogs to pay the bills, her imagination never stopped conjuring new worlds. Then came The Iron King, the first in her Iron Fey series, which catapulted her into the literary spotlight. The novel reimagined fairy folklore with a modern twist, bringing readers into a realm where technology collides with magic. It wasn’t just a hit—it was the beginning of an entire universe that continues to grow with The Iron Raven and beyond.
Julie’s ability to blend action, romance, and deeply rooted mythology has made her one of the most compelling voices in young adult fantasy. Whether it’s the dystopian vampires of Blood of Eden, the dragon shapeshifters of Talon, or the Japanese folklore-inspired Shadow of the Fox, her books are a testament to her love for the fantastical and the power of a well-spun tale.
Now living in Louisville, Kentucky, Julie shares her home with her husband, an Australian Shepherd who may or may not be plotting world domination, and a mischievous cat who already rules the household. When she’s not writing, she crafts intricate clay miniatures—a skill that mirrors the same attention to detail she pours into her storytelling.
With every new book, Julie Kagawa invites readers to step beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary. And once you enter her worlds, you may never want to leave.
