Melissa Bashardoust

Melissa Bashardoust is a celebrated young adult fantasy author known for reimagining classic fairy tales with depth, nuance, and diverse cultural perspectives. She holds an English degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she rediscovered her passion for creative writing, children’s literature, and fairy-tale retellings.

Her debut novel, Girls Made of Snow and Glass (2017), is a feminist retelling inspired by Snow White, featuring two women whose intertwined lives challenge traditional narratives of power, love, and identity. In 2020, she released Girl, Serpent, Thorn, a dark and lyrical fantasy rooted in Persian mythology and the Shahnameh, following a cursed princess whose poisonous touch becomes her greatest strength amid political intrigue and moral complexity.

Melissa Bashardoust’s work is widely praised for its lush world-building, morally complex characters, and feminist interpretations of traditional tales. Girl, Serpent, Thorn in particular has been lauded for its emotional depth, mythic resonance, and originality—often described as darker than the Grimm Brothers’ stories, yet more empowering and inclusive.

She lives in Southern California with her cat, Alice, and an impressive collection of Jane Eyre editions. Her writing continues to enchant readers with immersive storytelling that blends classic themes with fresh cultural insights and deeply personal journeys.