The 2012 release of Shadow and Bone marked the emergence of the Grishaverse, a fantasy realm inspired by early-19th-century Russia that propelled Leigh Bardugo to international prominence. Born in Jerusalem in 1975, the author transitioned from a career in journalism and special effects to become a prolific novelist whose works have reached readers in over 50 countries.
Background and Early Career
Bardugo was raised in Los Angeles after her birth in Jerusalem. She attended Yale University, where she joined the Wolf's Head secret society and earned a degree in English in 1997. Before achieving success as a novelist, she worked in various creative roles including advertising, copywriting, journalism, and makeup special effects. Her professional history also includes a stint as a singer in the band Captain Automatic between 2006 and 2007.
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The author’s debut novel, Shadow and Bone, was published by Macmillan in 2012, launching a trilogy that continued with Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. She coined the term Tsarpunk to describe the aesthetic of this series. She expanded the universe with the Six of Crows duology, consisting of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom, and later the King of Scars duology. Her world-building also encompasses companion collections such as The Language of Thorns and The Lives of Saints.
Adult Fiction and Expansion
In 2019, Bardugo transitioned into adult fiction with Ninth House, the opening volume of the Alex Stern series, which won the Goodreads Choice Award for best fantasy novel. She followed this with the sequel Hell Bent in 2023, while her historical fantasy, The Familiar, arrived in 2024. Beyond her original series, she contributed to the DC Icons project with Wonder Woman: Warbringer in 2017.
Adaptations and Industry Work
Netflix launched a television series based on the Grishaverse in 2019, with Bardugo serving as an executive producer and making a brief appearance in the third episode. Amazon Studios also moved to adapt the Alex Stern series. Throughout her career, she has remained active in the literary community, appearing at events like New York Comic Con and participating in labor actions as a member of the Writers Guild of America.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Jerusalem
- Education: Yale University
- Notable Series: Grishaverse, Alex Stern
- Awards: Inkpot Award (2019)
- Occupations: Writer, journalist, executive producer
- Citizenship: United States, Israel
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
What inspired the character Kaz Brekker?
Bardugo drew from her own experience with osteonecrosis, a condition that occasionally necessitates her use of a cane.
What is the final book of the Alex Stern series?
The third and final book in the series is titled Dead Beat, scheduled for release on September 15, 2026.
Achievements
- Notable work: Shadow and Bone
- Notable work: Six of Crows
- Notable work: Crooked Kingdom
- Notable work: King of Scars
