Discover our guide to the best authors like Quinn Blackbird who spin gripping tales of fae and other supernatural creatures.
If you’re enchanted by Quinn Blackbird’s captivating storytelling and the fascinating world of fae, you’ll appreciate this list of authors like Quinn Blackbird. These authors breathe life into the fae, evoking fantastical images of enchanted woods, opulent palaces, and ominous dimensions that defy reality. Fae characters come in diverse forms, ranging from playful mischief-makers to formidable rulers, and their motives can be challenging to discern.
In the world of dark paranormal romance, danger lurks around every corner. From Machiavellian politics to wrathful spirits and age-old curses, the stakes are always high, and failure can lead to dire consequences. Yet, amid the peril and shadows, there is hope and love as mortals and fae are irresistibly drawn to each other by an intense attraction that transcends all reason.
The fae romance genre has exploded in popularity in 2025, with readers craving stories that blend ancient mythology with contemporary sensibilities. These authors masterfully weave together elements of fantasy, romance, and danger, creating immersive worlds where magic is both beautiful and terrifying. Social media platforms like BookTok have amplified interest in fae romances, making series featuring complex fae courts and morally gray characters some of the most sought-after reads in modern fantasy.
Must-Read Authors Like Quinn Blackbird
For more fantasy recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring best fantasy authors, authors like Brandon Sanderson, authors like George R.R. Martin, or discover our comprehensive guide to best fantasy authors.
1. Karen Marie Moning, 1964 -
Karen Marie Moning, an American author, is renowned for her enthralling romance novels, notably the Fever series. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Moning pursued a degree at Purdue University before embarking on her writing journey. Set in Dublin, Ireland, her Fever series weaves the tale of MacKayla Lane, an indomitable protagonist, amidst a world of fae and supernatural beings.
With books such as Darkfever, Bloodfever, and Feverborn, the series captivates readers with its elaborate world-building, suspenseful narrative, and passionate romance. Moning’s work has received numerous accolades and has been translated into various languages, solidifying her status as a beloved author in romance and fantasy.
Moning’s influence on the fae romance genre cannot be overstated. Her Fever series essentially created the template for modern urban fantasy fae romance, blending Celtic mythology with contemporary settings. In 2025, her work continues to inspire new authors, and her exploration of the darker aspects of fae nature remains a benchmark for the genre.
“There are really only two positions one can take toward anything in life: hope or fear. Hope strengthens, fear kills.”
Karen Marie Moning, Darkfever
2. Holly Black, 1971 -
Holly Black, an American author, has captivated readers worldwide with her vivid storytelling and intricate worlds. She has gained considerable recognition for her highly acclaimed Folk of the Air series, with The Cruel Prince being book one. The series is set in an enchanting world of faeries and intrigue, where a mortal girl becomes entangled in the political machinations of the fae realm. Black’s intricate plots and captivating characters shine similarly in the magical Spiderwick Chronicles. Her enthusiasm for folklore, mythology, and the supernatural has imbued her work with a captivating aura.
Black’s Folk of the Air series has become a cultural phenomenon in the 2020s, particularly among younger readers. Her portrayal of enemies-to-lovers romance and morally complex fae characters has set new standards for YA fantasy. The series’ success on social media platforms has helped define what modern readers expect from fae romance, making Black one of the most influential voices in contemporary fantasy.
“I want to win. I do not yearn to be their equal. In my heart, I yearn to best them.”
Holly Black, The Cruel Prince
3. Sarah J. Maas, 1986 -
Sarah J. Maas is the bestselling author of the Throne of Glass trilogy and the author of the Crescent City series. Her works have been translated into 37 languages and have sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her family, though she is originally from New York. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses features a world of fae and is known for its steamy romance and action-packed plot. Her breakout series, Throne of Glass, began as a wildly popular online sensation before evolving into a bestselling seven-book saga.
Maas has fundamentally reshaped the adult fantasy romance landscape. Her ACOTAR series, in particular, has redefined what readers expect from fae romance, featuring explicitly adult content, complex character development, and intricate world-building. Her influence extends beyond literature into fan culture, with her books inspiring countless fan art, discussions, and adaptations across social media platforms in 2025.
“Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all.”
Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses
4. Kresley Cole, 1976 -
Born in 1976 in Florida, Kresley Cole is a prolific American author celebrated for her gripping paranormal romance and young adult novels. She achieved widespread acclaim with her Immortals After Dark series, which expertly combines steamy romance with supernatural lore. In particular, The Warlord Wants Forever is a favorite with readers. Cole’s unique blend of humor, adventure, and passion has garnered a dedicated fan base. Additionally, her Arcana Chronicles series features a post-apocalyptic world, tarot-based mythology, and an enthralling love triangle. With a master’s degree in English, Cole’s talent for storytelling and world-building has firmly established her as a prominent figure in romance and fantasy.
Cole’s extensive Immortals After Dark series has been running for nearly two decades, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted paranormal romance. Her ability to maintain reader interest across numerous books while developing complex mythologies has made her a master of series storytelling that many contemporary authors study and emulate.
“The gold chain she’d worn around her waist for millennia now felt heavy on her.”
Kresley Cole, The Warlord Wants Forever
5. J.R. Ward, 1969 -
J.R. Ward, whose real name is Jessica Bird, is a renowned American author born in 1969, best known for her captivating paranormal romance novels. She gained widespread recognition with her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which expertly weaves together the worlds of vampires, romance, and action, as with Lover Arisen. Writing under her pseudonym, J.R. Ward, she has cultivated a loyal following with her unforgettable characters and gripping storytelling. In addition to her paranormal works, Ward has written contemporary romance novels under her real name, Jessica Bird.
Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series pioneered many elements now common in paranormal romance, including the concept of vampire warriors living in modern society. Her influence on the genre extends to her character development techniques and her bold approach to addressing contemporary social issues within fantasy frameworks.
“I have to save two people tonight. I have to…. sacrifice something to save them. And after this, it’s all going to be different. For me. For… you.”
J.R. Ward, Lover Arisen
6. Gena Showalter, 1975 -
Gena Showalter, an American author, has captivated readers with her spellbinding Everlife novels, including Firstlife. In Firstlife, protagonist Tenley Ten Lockwood faces a life-altering decision between joining one of two afterlife realms, Troika or Myriad. As she grapples with her choice, Ten becomes entangled in a dangerous power struggle between the two realms while uncovering secrets about her past and destiny. Showalter’s fae-centered masterpieces showcase her ability to weave complex characters, rich mythology, and gripping plots, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the paranormal romance genre.
Showalter’s prolific output across multiple series has established her as a reliable source of escapist fantasy. Her ability to create interconnected universes while maintaining standalone appeal in individual books has influenced how modern paranormal romance series are structured and marketed.
“If you failed to read my dossier, Nanne, I’m happy to bring you up to date on the highlights.”
Gena Showalter, Firstlife
7. Patricia Briggs, 1965 -
Patricia Briggs has carved a unique niche in urban fantasy and paranormal fiction. The books in her gripping Mercy Thompson series, such as Soul Taken, featuring a resourceful shapeshifting protagonist, have captured the attention of readers around the globe. Briggs intertwines elements of mystery, supernatural beings, and captivating romance within her novels, resulting in immersive storytelling. In addition to the Alpha and Omega series, her portfolio of work demonstrates her exceptional ability to craft vivid, relatable characters and enthralling worlds.
Briggs’ urban fantasy approach, which places supernatural beings in contemporary settings while maintaining realistic consequences and relationships, has influenced countless authors. Her Mercy Thompson series continues to be a touchstone for writers seeking to balance action, romance, and character development in urban fantasy.
“This frail cloth, a gift to the person he had once been, was his touchstone, a reminder that once he had been whole.”
Patricia Briggs, Soul Taken
8. Jennifer L. Armentrout, 1980 -
Jennifer L. Armentrout is highly regarded for her contributions to the young adult and adult fantasy genres. Her Covenant series, a tale of gods, mortals, and forbidden romance, showcases her innate talent for imaginative storytelling. Armentrout has successfully captivated readers with the Lux series through her vivid portrayal of alien encounters and star-crossed love. In Obsidian, Katy Swartz finds herself entwined in the dangerous world of the Luxen, an alien race with extraordinary powers, after moving to a small town and becoming neighbors with the enigmatic and attractive Daemon Black.
Armentrout’s versatility across multiple subgenres, from young adult to new adult to adult fantasy romance, has made her a bridge between different reader demographics. Her recent adult fantasy series have gained particular traction in the growing “romantasy” market, helping to establish the commercial viability of adult fantasy romance.
“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.”
Jennifer L. Armentrout, Obsidian
9. Sherrilyn Kenyon, 1965 -
Sherrilyn Kenyon is well-known for her captivating fae novels. Her Dark-Hunter series, a blend of mythology and paranormal romance, showcases Kenyon’s talent for creating enchanting worlds inhabited by alluring fae characters. Her stories, exemplified in Night Embrace, weave elements of mystique, adventure, and passion, demonstrating her skill in crafting unforgettable narratives. Kenyon’s ability to transport her readers to realms where the lines between human and fae are blurred has earned her a devoted following.
As one of the pioneers of the modern paranormal romance genre, Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series established many of the tropes and conventions that continue to define supernatural romance today. Her extensive world-building and mythology have created a blueprint for long-running paranormal series that many authors continue to follow.
“The bitter agony that welled inside him was crippling.”
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Night Embrace
10. Nalini Singh, 1977 -
Nalini Singh, a New Zealand author, has enthralled readers with her mesmerizing fae novels. Her Guild Hunter series, an enticing fusion of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, showcases Singh’s expertise in crafting intricate storylines centered around compelling fae characters. A great example of this is Archangel’s Resurrection. Her work interweaves elements of mystery, magic, and passion, transporting readers to captivating realms where fae and humans coexist. Nalini Singh’s vivid imagination and engaging narrative style have garnered her a loyal following.
Singh’s dual series approach, maintaining both the Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling universes, demonstrates her remarkable world-building abilities. Her influence on the genre includes her sophisticated treatment of power dynamics and consent in paranormal relationships, setting standards that contemporary authors strive to meet.
“Oh, he’d been kind to Lijuan, had told her that she was too young and that perhaps after another seven thousand years, they could come together.”
Nalini Singh, Archangel’s Resurrection
11. Keri Arthur, 1967 -
An accomplished Australian author, Keri Arthur has captured readers’ imaginations with her fae novels. Her Riley Jenson Guardian series, with Full Moon Rising as the first book, is a fusion of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, highlighting Arthur’s talent for crafting intricate plots and captivating fae characters. Set in a world where supernatural beings coexist with humans, her work skillfully blends elements of mystery, adventure, and passion. Keri Arthur’s vivid storytelling and engaging narrative style have cemented her position as a prominent figure in fae-focused fantasy literature.
Arthur’s contribution to Australian urban fantasy has helped establish the country as a significant source of paranormal romance literature. Her integration of Australian settings and culture into supernatural narratives has inspired other authors to explore how local mythologies and landscapes can enhance paranormal storytelling.
“Normally, darkness didn’t worry me. I am a creature of the moon and the night, after all, and well used to roaming the streets at ungodly hours.”
Keri Arthur, Full Moon Rising
12. Julie Kagawa, 1982 -
Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series begins with The Iron King, a fascinating blend of fantasy and romance, and showcases Kagawa’s prowess in crafting enchanting worlds inhabited by fae creatures. Her work combines adventure, magic, and intrigue, transporting readers to realms where the lines between humans and fae are masterfully blurred. Julie Kagawa’s vivid imagination, engaging characters, and immersive narrative style have garnered her a dedicated following, solidifying her status as a leading voice in fae-focused fantasy literature.
Kagawa’s Iron Fey series was among the first to successfully modernize traditional fae mythology for contemporary young adult audiences. Her concept of iron fae and the integration of technology with traditional fairy tale elements has influenced how other authors approach updating classic supernatural beings for modern readers.
“On my sixth birthday, my father took me to the park, one of my favorite places to go at that time.”
Julie Kagawa, The Iron King
13. Laura Thalassa, 1978 -
Laura Thalassa’s Bargainer series, which starts with Rhapsodic, is a compelling fusion of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, highlighting Thalassa’s proficiency in developing complex narratives and intriguing fae characters. Her work transports readers to enchanting realms brimming with adventure, passion, and mystery. Laura Thalassa’s talent for crafting relatable characters has earned her a devoted audience, solidifying her reputation as an emerging force in fae-centric fantasy literature.
Thalassa represents the new generation of paranormal romance authors who have successfully leveraged digital platforms and social media to build audiences. Her Bargainer series has become particularly popular among readers seeking darker, more mature fae romance, helping to expand the genre’s boundaries.
“I stare down at my hands, feeling like Lady Macbeth.”
Laura Thalassa, Rhapsodic
14. Amelia Hutchins, 1970 -
A gifted American author, Amelia Hutchins has enthralled readers with her captivating fae novels, such as Escaping Destiny. Her Fae Chronicles series, an enticing blend of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, highlights Hutchins’ talent for crafting spellbinding plots and alluring fae characters. Her work artfully interweaves elements of magic, adventure, and intrigue in a world where supernatural beings intertwine with human existence. Amelia Hutchins’ novels continue to enchant, offering readers a magical escape into the supernatural.
Hutchins’ willingness to explore darker themes and complex moral questions within her fae narratives has pushed the boundaries of what readers expect from paranormal romance. Her work often tackles difficult subjects while maintaining the escapist appeal that draws readers to the genre.
“Liam, my brother, had been captured, tortured, and broken by the same man who stood before me now.”
Amelia Hutchins, Escaping Destiny
15. Emma Hamm, 1980 -
Emma Hamm is an American author who has enchanted readers with her mesmerizing fae novels. Her Otherworld series, including Veins of Magic, is an enthralling blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance that showcases Hamm’s skill in crafting complex plots and captivating fae characters. Set in a world where magical beings intertwine with human existence, her work masterfully interweaves adventure, passion, and intrigue elements.
Emma Hamm’s vivid imagination, engaging narrative style, and ability to create relatable characters have made her a rising talent in fae-focused fantasy literature. Her approach to retelling classic fairy tales with fae elements has contributed to the growing trend of reimagined folklore in contemporary fantasy romance.
Hamm represents the current generation of authors who are redefining fae romance by blending traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities. Her work demonstrates how classic fairy tale structures can be updated to address modern themes while maintaining the magical appeal that makes fae romance so enduringly popular.
“Once upon a time, a rose fell in love with a stag.”
Emma Hamm, Veins of Magic
These authors represent the rich tapestry of contemporary fae romance, each bringing their unique perspective to the genre while building on the foundations established by earlier pioneers. Their collective work has transformed fae romance from a niche subgenre into one of the most popular categories in modern fantasy literature.
In 2025, the influence of these authors continues to shape new voices in fae romance, with emerging writers drawing inspiration from their world-building techniques, character development strategies, and innovative approaches to blending mythology with contemporary themes. Whether you’re drawn to dark urban fantasy, sweeping epic romance, or intimate character-driven narratives, these authors offer a gateway into the enchanting and dangerous world of fae romance that will keep you spellbound long after the final page.
