About K. L. Engel
K. L. Engel writes character-driven fantasy that delves into the intersection of power, knowledge, and culture. Her stories range from sun-scorched ruins where scholars unlock ancient mysteries to shadow-draped cities where political intrigue twines with dark magic.
In her work, you’ll find:
- Characters who’ll steal your heart but make you thankful they exist only in ink and imagination
- People doing questionable things for understandable reasons
- Worlds you can get lost in without having to sit through history lessons
- Scheming and subtle power plays where what’s left unsaid is more dangerous than any sword
- Characters carrying invisible baggage that occasionally spills open at inconvenient moments
- Magic and politics that actually matter to the characters, not just cool window dressing
- Problems bigger than a dinner party but smaller than saving the universe
- A concerning amount of tea consumption (it’s basically character development in a cup)
A lifelong fantasy reader, Engel was first captivated by Patricia Wrede’s blend of magic and wit. That early inspiration evolved into a deep appreciation for the character-driven psychological fantasies of Katherine Addison/Sarah Monette, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Martha Wells—authors whose complex characters navigate intricate personal and political landscapes while wrestling with their own histories.
When not crafting stories, Engel can usually be found pursuing her latest passion project. Past adventures have included everything from knitting intricate lace shawls to constructing languages and studying linguistics to earning a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This collector of skills and stories particularly enjoys discovering women authors across genres, from fantasy to true crime.
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