Emily Thiede is a bestselling young adult fantasy author, hailing from central Virginia. She is most well-known for her "Last Finestra" series of novels, with the first book titled "This Vicious Grace." Thiede spent her childhood dreaming of becoming a dragon rider, and now she crafts captivating tales of magic, mayhem, and complex characters who often find themselves in perilous situations. Born in New Jersey, she moved across state lines during high school, eventually settling in Virginia, which she now calls home.
A former public school teacher, Thiede remains passionate about education and the arts. She shares her expertise by teaching creative writing and serving on the board for Writer House, a writing nonprofit. Additionally, Thiede co-hosts the Basic Pitches podcast and enjoys fostering kittens and exploring the woods near her home. When she isn't writing or engaging in her many other pursuits, Thiede can be found across various social media platforms under the handle @EKTWrites.
"This Vicious Grace" has garnered significant praise from critics and readers alike. It has been recognized as a Summer 2022 Kids' Indie Next Pick, a top anticipated YA book for June by Epic Reads, Frolic, Goodreads, and Gizmodo, and a must-read debut of 2022 by Nerd Daily and PopSugar. The novel features a rich blend of political intrigue, power struggles, and faith, all woven together with an intense romance that has captured readers' hearts. Thiede's masterful storytelling has earned her a reputation as a remarkable talent in the world of young adult fiction.