Five distinct manuscripts preceded the publication of the debut novel that launched Tahereh Mafi's career in 2011. Since that initial success, she has established herself as a prolific writer of young adult fiction, building expansive narrative universes while navigating the complexities of genre writing across multiple series and standalone titles from her home in the United States.
Early Education and Background
Born in Connecticut in 1988 to parents who immigrated from Iran, Mafi is the youngest of five children. Her formative years involved significant relocation, including a move to Northern California at age 12 and subsequently to Orange County at age 14. She completed her secondary education at University High School in Irvine and continued her studies at the Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo. During her undergraduate tenure, she participated in a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain, which provided an environment for full immersion in the Spanish language. Beyond her primary language, she maintains varying levels of competency in eight different languages.
The Shatter Me Universe
Mafi's primary body of work centers on the Shatter Me series, which began with the 2011 release of her first novel. This series expanded significantly over the following decade, spawning numerous sequels and novellas including Destroy Me, Fracture Me, Shadow Me, Reveal Me, and Believe Me. In 2017, she initiated a second trilogy set within the same universe, commencing with the 2018 publication of Restore Me. This later installment utilized a dual-point-of-view narrative structure focusing on the protagonist, Juliette Ferrars, and the antagonist, Warner. The commercial potential of the series attracted interest from 20th Century Fox, which purchased the film rights.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Diversification and Recent Works
Beyond the Shatter Me franchise, Mafi has explored middle-grade fiction and standalone young adult literature. In 2016, she released Furthermore, a narrative centered on a pale girl existing in a world defined by magic and color. She followed this with the 2018 publication of A Very Large Expanse of Sea, a work that achieved recognition as a longlist candidate for the 2018 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. More recent contributions to her bibliography include the This Woven Kingdom series, which began in 2022, and the New Republic spin-off titles scheduled for release through 2026.
Personal Life
Mafi resides in Irvine, California, where she maintains her writing practice. She married fellow author Ransom Riggs in 2013. The couple welcomed a daughter, Layla, on 30 May 2017. Mafi, who identifies as Muslim, announced the pregnancy publicly via Twitter in March 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Connecticut
- Citizenship: United States
- Spouse: Ransom Riggs
- Daughter: Layla, born 30 May 2017
- Education: University High School, Soka University of America
- Language Competency: 8 languages
- Series: Shatter Me, Furthermore, This Woven Kingdom
Questions readers ask
What was Mafi's first published novel?
Her first published novel was Shatter Me, released on November 15, 2011.
Does Mafi write in languages other than English?
While her published work is in English, she possesses varying levels of competency in eight different languages.
Has any of her work received major award recognition?
Yes, her 2018 novel A Very Large Expanse of Sea was longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
Achievements
- Genres: romance
.jpg)
