Kristin Cast

Kristin Cast
Born (1986-11-04) November 4, 1986 (age 38)
Japan
OccupationEditor, novelist
LanguageEnglish
GenreYoung adult fantasy, young adult science fiction, young adult contemporary
SubjectVampires, boarding schools, witches, viruses
Years active2009–present
Notable works
RelativesP. C. Cast (mother)
Website
www.kcastauthor.com

Kristin F. Cast (born November 4, 1986 in Japan[1]) is a Nigerian American author of young adult books and graphic novels, best known for the House of Night series and Sisters of Salem series, written with her mother, P. C. Cast.[2]

Early life

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Cast was born on an air force base in Japan, and raised in Oklahoma.[3]

Cast graduated from Broken Arrow Senior High School in 2005. She served in the United States Air Force.[4] She's explored tattoo modeling and broadcast journalism.[1]

Personal life

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Cast is biracial and has Nigerian ancestry.[5] Some of her favorite authors are Pintip Dunn, Karin Slaughter, Nic Stone, VE Schwab, Caleb Roehrig, Justin Cronin, and Emily Suvada.[6] She's a fan of the TV show True Blood.[7]

She's open about having battled with addiction in her 20s and struggling with mental health issues.[8] Cast lives in Portland, Oregon.[5]

Career

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Cast has been writing stories since 2005.[1] As of September 2020, Cast and her mother have created more than 20 books together.[9] She's adapted their novel The Dysasters into a graphic novel and is working on more graphic novel scripts.[10]

Co-authored with P. C. Cast

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House of Night series (2007–2014)

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In 2007, the House of Night series began with the publishing of its first book, Marked. It was created by Kristin and her mother, P. C. Cast,[11] with Kristin beginning when she was 19-years-old.[12] Kristin was an editor for the series.[13] The last book of the series was Redeemed, published in 2014.[14]

Reception
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The first book, Marked, was criticized for its overreliance on teen slang by Publishers Weekly, who also noted that it may appeal to teenagers.[15]

The ninth book, Destined, published by St. Martin's Press in 2011, was criticized for its "cringeworthy" dialogue by Kirkus Reviews, though ultimately deemed not disappointing for fans of the series.[16]

The tenth book, Hidden, published by St. Martin's Press in 2012, was #10 on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list in 2012, with ~27,000 units sold.[17]

The twelfth and final book, Redeemed, was praised by Kirkus Reviews for its consistent theme throughout the series and said to be expected to resonate with fans "one last time."[18]

Adaptation
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Rights to the series had been optioned by Empire Pictures for a couple years, with a screenplay by Kent Dalian.[7]

In 2019, it was announced that Don Carmody and David Cormican, producers of the Shadowhunters television series, would create a House of Night live-action television show.[19]

Other
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In 2011, Cast mentioned that she was in the process of creating a House of Night fashion line.[7] As of 2014, the House of Night series has spent 152 weeks on the New York Times series bestseller list.[20]

Sisters of Salem series (2021–2022)

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The first novel, Spells Trouble, about twin witches about to be initiated into their full power, was published by Wednesday Books in 2021.[21] Cast says that she always incorporates her own experiences into the characters she writes, but in Spells Trouble in particular, she channeled feelings of inadequacy and rage for the main character Hunter.[8]

Reception
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Kirkus Reviews called the first novel, Spells Trouble, "only for hardcore fans of the authors."[21] Publishers Weekly criticized the novel for its references to Native Americans as "magical conduits" and "out of place" sex scenes.[22] It debuted on the New York Times-bestseller list at #8.[23]

Kirkus Reviews called the third novel, Hex You, "a rushed ending to a witchy trilogy."[24]

Co-authored with Pintip Dunn

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In October 2022, it was announced that Cast would co-author Seasick, a dual-POV contemporary, locked-door mystery thriller about former friends and affluent classmates out on a celebratory yacht trip. The novel is set to be published in summer 2024, by Delacorte Press.[25]

Solo projects

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The Escaped series (2015–2020)

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In 2014, Cast signed a five-book deal with Diversion Books for a series called The Escaped. In 2015, she released the first book of the series, Amber Smoke.[26]

Reception
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Reviews for the series were mostly negative. Publishers Weekly said about the first book, Amber Smoke, "All but the most diehard paranormal fans will be turned off by the weak writing, uneven storytelling, and lackluster chemistry."[27]

The second book, Scarlet Rain, was criticized by Publisher's Weekly for "obvious foreshadowing, inconsistent pacing, and awkward dialogue" that in their opinion turned "reading this short novel into a slog."[28]

The Key to Fear series (2020–2021)

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The Key to Fear, a dystopian YA novel about a corporation protecting citizens from a sinister disease, is her first solo project was published by Blackstone in 2020[29] Cast says she's been interested in viruses since eighth grade and was inspired to write the novel upon seeing a logo across the street in Portland.[6] A sequel, The Key to Fury, was released in April 2022.[30]

Reception
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Though the first novel was included in awards and several roundups, reviews were mostly negative. Kirkus Reviews criticized it for not bringing anything new to the genre, despite publishing during the COVID19-pandemic and thus being timely.[31] Publishers Weekly noted that while Cast successfully managed to create an atmosphere of unease, the worldbuilding and characters did not seem developed enough.[32] The Key to Fear was a finalist for the 2020 Voice Arts Award, a Publishers Weekly Pick of 2020 Pandemic Novels for Young Readers, a Gizmodo Pick of New SFF & Horror Books, and a Tor.com Pick of the Month.[29]

The Key to Fury received mixed reviews, with Kirkus Reviews calling it "strictly for fans of the first book."[30]

Works

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House of Night series

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Co-created with P. C. Cast

  1. Marked, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312360269) May 1, 2007
  2. Betrayed, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 978-0-312-36028-3) October 2, 2007
  3. Chosen, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312360306) March 4, 2008
  4. Untamed, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312379834) September 23, 2008
  5. Hunted, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312379827) March 10, 2009
  6. Tempted, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312567484) October 27, 2009
  7. Burned, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312606169) April 27, 2010
  8. Awakened, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312650247) January 4, 2011
  9. Destined, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312650254) October 25, 2011
  10. Hidden, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9780312594428) October 16, 2012
  11. Revealed, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9781250061409) October 15, 2013
  12. Redeemed, St. Martin's Press (ISBN 9781250055439), October 14, 2014

The Escaped series

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The Escaped novella

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  • The Scent of Salt & Sand, Diversion Publishing, 2016 (ISBN 978-1682303436) (between books 2 and 3 of The Escaped)

Sisters of Salem series

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  • Spells Trouble, Wednesday Books, 2021 (ISBN 978-1250765635)
  • Omens Bite, Wednesday Books, 2022 (ISBN 9781250765666)

The Key series

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  1. The Key to Fear, Blackstone Publishing, 2020[29]
  2. The Key to Fury, Blackstone Publishing, 2022[30]

Other novels

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Kirichanskaya, Michele (2021-09-02). "Interview with Authors P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast". Geeks Out. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  2. ^ "P.C.; Cast, Kristin Cast Book List". FictionDB. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  3. ^ "Kristin Cast". www.fantasticfiction.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  4. ^ Wooley, John (2023-04-25). "Oklahoma Magazine". Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  5. ^ a b Cast, Kristin. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKCastAuthor%2Fposts%2F2180413102136185&show_text=true&width=500. Retrieved 4 March 2022. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Q&A: Kristin Cast, Author of 'The Key To Fear'". The Nerd Daily. 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  7. ^ a b c "'House of Night' exclusive: P.C. and Kristin Cast talk 'Awakened,' three upcoming 'minibooks,' and standing up to bullies". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  8. ^ a b Hall, Aliya. "P.C. and Kristin Cast Talk Darkness and Changes in YA Genre". The Stranger. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  9. ^ Skinner, Dan (9 September 2020). "Conversations: P.C. Cast, "Found"". Kansas Public Radio. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Exclusive Interview with P.C. and Kristin Cast". blog.booksamillion.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  11. ^ Milliot, Jim (February 15, 2010). "House of Night Shines for SMP". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  12. ^ Dyer, Lucinda (June 3, 2017). "BookCon 2017: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast Build a World Together". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  13. ^ Rought, Karen (February 3, 2020). "P.C. and Kristin Cast announce new series, Sisters of Salem (exclusive)". Hypable. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  14. ^ Baker, Jeff (June 2, 2015). "Kristin Cast, co-author of 'House of Night' series, moves to Portland, writes new book". OregonLive. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  15. ^ "Marked by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  16. ^ "Destined". Kirkus Reviews.
  17. ^ "Publishers Weekly Bestseller Lists". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  18. ^ "Redeemed". Kirkus Reviews.
  19. ^ McDonnell, Brandy (October 2, 2019). "Oklahoma authors P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast to have 'House of Night' YA books adapted to TV". Oklahoman.com. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  20. ^ "Children's Series Books - Best Sellers - Books - Nov. 2, 2014 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  21. ^ a b "Spells Trouble". Kirkus Reviews.
  22. ^ "Spells Trouble (Sisters of Salem #1) by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  23. ^ "Young Adult Hardcover Books - Best Sellers - Books - June 13, 2021 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  24. ^ "Hex You". Kirkus Reviews.
  25. ^ "Rights Report: Week of October 31, 2022". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  26. ^ Swanson, Clare (June 12, 2015). "Diversion Books Branches Out". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  27. ^ "Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast, Cast". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  28. ^ "Scarlet Rain by Kristin Cast". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  29. ^ a b c "The Key to Fear". www.blackstonepublishing.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  30. ^ a b c "The Key to Fury". Kirkus Reviews.
  31. ^ "The Key to Fear". Kirkus Reviews.
  32. ^ "The Key to Fear (The Key #1) by Kristin Cast". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  33. ^ "Amber Smoke". Publishers Weekly. April 13, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  34. ^ "Fiction Book Review: Scarlet Rain". Publishers Weekly. April 4, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  35. ^ "The Dysasters". Kirkus Reviews. November 7, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
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