Jessica Khoury

Jessica Khoury is a bestselling author of novels for young people. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages, and she has been a finalist for numerous awards, including the South Carolina Junior Book Award, the Maine Student Book Award, and the Ignyte Award.

Her middle-grade debut, The Mystwick School of Musicraft, was named one of Audible's Best Audiobooks of 2019 and remains one of the most listened-to children's books on the platform.

Jessica began her writing journey at age four, inspired by her rewriting of Danny and the Dinosaur's ending to make it happier. Her passion for storytelling grew throughout her childhood, leading her to write her first novel, Tirel, at 13.

After a university experience marked by setbacks, including the rejection of her second novel, Jessica succeeded with Origin (2012), a story born out of a moment of creative frustration and published internationally.

Since Origin, Jessica has written 13 novels, including The Forbidden Wish (2016), a reimagining of Aladdin, and the Skyborn series, which features her intricate cartographic illustrations. Her dual talent as a writer and fantasy cartographer sets her apart — her maps, which appear in books and games, bring her fantastical worlds to life.

Jessica's multicultural background deeply inspires her work, drawing on her Scottish and Middle Eastern heritage.

In addition to toting, Jessica is an avid traveller. She has visited countries such as New Zealand, Japan, and Botswana. She enjoys hiking near her home in Greenville, South Carolina, where the Smoky Mountains inspire her work.

Photo credit: Teresa Barrett Photography