About the Author
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse, a sprawling, interconnected fantasy universe that has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Celebrated for her intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and a unique 'Tsarpunk' aesthetic inspired by 19th-century Russia, Bardugo has established herself as one of the most visionary voices in contemporary fantasy. Her literary journey began with the 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy (2012), which introduced the Sun Summoner Alina Starkov and the enigmatic Darkling, but it was the duology starting with 'Six of Crows' (2015) that cemented her reputation for crafting high-stakes, character-driven heist narratives.
Born in Jerusalem and raised in Los Angeles, Bardugo is an alumna of Yale University, an environment that provided the inspiration for her acclaimed adult paranormal fantasy series, 'Ninth House' (2019). Before her meteoric rise in the publishing world, she worked in various fields including copywriting, journalism, and as a makeup and special effects artist in Hollywood. Bardugo has been open about her life with osteonecrosis, a degenerative bone condition that requires her to use a cane; this personal experience directly informed the character of Kaz Brekker, the brilliant and disabled leader of the Dregs, making him one of the most iconic and representative characters in modern fantasy.
Bardugo’s impact on popular culture has been amplified by the major Netflix adaptation of the Grishaverse, 'Shadow and Bone,' for which she served as an executive producer. Additionally, her Alex Stern series ('Ninth House') is in development as a major television series with Amazon Studios. Her work has been translated into dozens of languages and published in over fifty countries. Recently, she signed a landmark multi-book deal to expand her literary horizons across multiple genres. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Leigh Bardugo continues to push the boundaries of fantasy, delivering stories that are as intellectually rigorous as they are emotionally resonant, ensuring her legacy as a master of the craft.