Holly Black Books

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Holly Black is a popular American author that has written novels for children and young adults. Born in 1971 in West Long Branch, New Jersey, she attended The College of New Jersey in the mid-90s, graduating with an English BA. During her stint at Rutgers University, she contributed her skills as a production editor to medical journals.

Print:

For a time, she contemplated becoming a youth services librarian. In fact, Holly was just two classes away from her objective (a degree) when the Spiderwick Chronicles tour pulled her away.

But her classes were not wasted. She discovered a multitude of novels that would have stayed off her radar if she hadn’t become a library science student. She also gained valuable insight into the history of children’s books and authors.

These insights were immensely helpful to Holly when she became a published author. Her first book (Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale) came out in 2002. The book was so impactful that the American Library Association included the title in its list of the Best Books for Young Adults.

It did not take Holly long to establish herself as a skilled storyteller that could enchant children and adults alike. Some people might be surprised to learn that she has experimented with comic books.

She took an interest in the medium during her college years. Comics were not new to Holly. However, besides reading one or two major releases, including ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ and ‘Watchmen,’ she hadn’t explored the medium in earnest until she started college and discovered titles like ‘The Sandman,’ ‘The Crow,’ and ‘Scott Pilgrim.’

Holly was also fortunate enough to encounter several comic artists who encouraged the author to try her hand at writing comics. Eventually, she decided to prioritize her novels. But when she revealed the concept behind ‘The Good Neighbors,’ some voices encouraged her to turn the story into a graphic novel.

She appreciated the challenge. Though, she admitted that writing in panels was quite different from writing pross. With novels, Holly was in control. She could dictate the direction of the story by setting the mood with her words. But when it came to her graphic novel, she had to rely on the artist to create the mood.

Additionally, she had to limit the volume of text in each panel. Despite the complexity, the project was a success. Holly is still known primarily for her work as a novelist.

Many of her stories revolve around enchanted woods, and for good reasons. Holly believes that forests are magical places. They entice readers because they isolate visitors from the outside world, encouraging the imagination to run wild.

The author uses the woods to symbolize nature’s chaotic attributes, especially in contrast to the orderliness that people find in towns and cities.

Holly Black Awards

Holly has received Andrew Norton, Newbery Medal, Mythopoeic Fantasy, and Eisner Award nominations. She won a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award in 2014.

Holly Black Books into Movies

The Spiderwick Chronicles became a live-action movie in 2008.

Best Holly Black Books

The author loves fairy tales and folklore, especially stories from Celtic and Scandinavian cultures and traditions. Holly’s best books include:

The Cruel Prince: Jude and her sisters went to live with the fey when their parents died. But life in the High Court of Faerie was brutal. The fey hated humans. This was a problem for Jude because she was determined to prove herself, to find a place where she belonged, regardless of the rejection that came her way.

To achieve her goal, she must defy Cardan, the High King’s wicked son. Fortunately for Jude, she has a knack for trickery and bloodshed. She will use her skills to protect herself and her sisters.

The Wicked King: Oak shocked the Fey world when they learned that he was the heir to Faerie. In light of the revelation, Jude decided that she would protect her brother at all costs. Now that she was the power behind the throne, she expected King Cardan to behave.

But she was wrong. Despite his fascination with her, Cardan was determined to humiliate Jude every chance he got. And unfortunately for Jude, Cardan was the least of her concerns. If she isn’t careful, someone close to her will ruin everything Jude has worked so hard to attain.

When Does The Next Holly Black book come out?

The next book by Holly Black is Thief of Night and will be released on September, 23rd 2025. It is the newest book in the Book of Night Series.

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