Stacey Kade

Stacey Kade is an American author known for writing young adult fiction and science fiction novels. Writing under multiple pen names including S.A. Barnes and Stacey Klemstein, she has established herself in both the YA paranormal and contemporary fiction genres. Her breakthrough series "The Ghost and the Goth" helped establish her presence in young adult literature, with the second book "Queen of the Dead" receiving a YALSA nomination for Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2011. She later authored the "Project Paper Doll" trilogy, released between 2013-2015 through Disney-Hyperion. Before pursuing a career in fiction writing, Kade worked as a corporate copywriter where she won several awards for her work. Her diverse portfolio includes standalone novels such as "For This Life Only," "Starlight Nights," and "Finding Felicity," published through major publishers including Simon & Schuster and Forge Books. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Kade draws from her unique background as the daughter of a minister and music teacher. She continues to write while sharing her home with her husband and two retired racing greyhounds.

Readers often comment on Kade's humor and character development, particularly in her Project Paper Doll series and Ghost and the Goth trilogy. Many note her ability to balance light romance with deeper themes. Liked: - Natural, realistic dialogue between teenage characters - Handling of grief and loss themes without becoming melodramatic - Dual POV narration in several books - Romance that develops at a believable pace Disliked: - Some found plots predictable, especially in YA novels - Secondary characters can feel underdeveloped - Romance occasionally overshadows main plot - Later books in series lose momentum Ratings: Goodreads averages: The Ghost and the Goth: 3.9/5 (22,000+ ratings) Project Paper Doll: The Rules: 3.8/5 (1,800+ ratings) 738 Days: 4.0/5 (2,400+ ratings) Amazon averages remain consistent at 4.2-4.4 stars across titles, with readers specifically praising character voice and emotional authenticity.

The Ghost and the Goth (2010) A deceased high school queen bee must convince a reluctant teenage medium to help her cross over to the other side.

Queen of the Dead (2011) Alona and Will face new challenges when they discover others with supernatural abilities who have different plans for spirits.

Body & Soul (2012) The final installment in the Ghost and the Goth trilogy explores the consequences of Alona inhabiting another person's body.

The Rules (2013) First book in the Project Paper Doll series follows a genetically engineered girl trying to live a normal teenage life while hiding her true nature.

The Hunt (2014) The second Project Paper Doll book continues Ariane's story as she evades capture while uncovering more about her origins.

The Trials (2015) The Project Paper Doll trilogy conclusion deals with Ariane's final confrontation with the scientists who created her.

For This Life Only (2016) A teen struggles with questions of faith and afterlife following his twin brother's death.

Finding Felicity (2018) A college freshman creates elaborate lies about her high school experience based on her favorite TV show.

Starlight Nights (2019) A former child actress returns to her hometown where she must confront her past and an old flame.

Rachel Vincent writes paranormal YA series with supernatural elements and strong female leads, similar to Kade's Ghost and Goth series. Her Soul Screamers series deals with life/death themes and complex relationships between the mortal and supernatural worlds.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes combines contemporary settings with supernatural elements in her YA fiction, including The Naturals series. She writes plots centered on teens navigating both normal high school life and extraordinary circumstances.

Kelly Armstrong specializes in paranormal YA fiction with complex world-building and romance elements. Her Darkest Powers series features protagonists discovering supernatural abilities while dealing with institutional threats.

Amy Plum creates YA paranormal romance series with life-death themes and supernatural elements. Her Die for Me series explores relationships between humans and supernatural beings in contemporary settings.

Kiersten White writes YA supernatural fiction with elements of romance and complex character relationships. Her Paranormalcy series features protagonists balancing normal teenage experiences with supernatural abilities and responsibilities.