Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde is an American science fiction and fantasy author who has achieved significant recognition in both adult and middle-grade fiction. She has notably become the first person to win two Andre Norton Awards, receiving them for her debut novel "Updraft" and her middle-grade novel "Riverland." A Philadelphia native with degrees from the University of Virginia and Warren Wilson College, Wilde brings a diverse professional background to her writing, having worked as a sailing instructor, jeweler's assistant, teacher, and web developer. Her career trajectory has taken her from these varied roles into full-time writing and publishing. The Bone Universe series, beginning with "Updraft," established Wilde's reputation for creating unique fantasy worlds with complex social structures and technological elements. Her work frequently appears in prominent science fiction publications including Asimov's Science Fiction, Nature, and Tor.com. Wilde's writing consistently explores themes of social class, disability, and technological disruption, often set against backdrops of engineering and artisan culture. Her fiction has garnered multiple awards and nominations, including the Nebula Award nomination and the Compton Crook Award.

Readers connect with Wilde's detailed worldbuilding and unconventional magic systems. Reviews highlight her ability to create unique settings, particularly the bone towers and wind-based society in the Bone Universe series. What readers liked: - Original concepts and creative premises - Technical precision in descriptions of flight and engineering - Complex character relationships and family dynamics - Integration of disability themes without making them the sole focus - Strong female protagonists What readers disliked: - Pacing issues, especially in series conclusions - Dense worldbuilding that some found hard to visualize - Character motivations that weren't always clear - Writing style described as "clinical" by some readers Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Updraft" 3.7/5 (5,800+ ratings) - Amazon: "Riverland" 4.6/5 (120+ ratings) - "The Fire Opal Mechanism" 4.2/5 on Amazon (50+ ratings) One reader noted: "Her worlds feel completely original - no recycled fantasy tropes." Another mentioned: "The bone towers concept was fascinating but took time to understand."

Updraft (2015) In a city of living bone towers high above the clouds, a young woman aspires to become a trader but uncovers dangerous secrets about her society's flying traditions.

Cloudbound (2016) The second book in the Bone Universe series follows political intrigue and survival challenges as the city's foundations begin to crumble.

Horizon (2017) The conclusion of the Bone Universe trilogy deals with the consequences of revealed truths and the fight for survival in a changing world.

Riverland (2019) Two sisters escape into a magical realm through their bedtime glass of water while dealing with domestic violence in the real world.

The Fire Opal Mechanism (2019) Time travel and library preservation intersect as gems are used to steal time in this novella about knowledge preservation.

The Jewel and Her Lapidary (2016) A novella set in a valley where magical gems grant powers, following a young princess and her guardian as their kingdom falls.

The Ship of Stolen Words (2021) A middle-grade novel about a boy who must rescue his stolen sorry from word-stealing goblins.

Clock Star Rose Spine (2021) A collection of poetry exploring themes of technology, nature, and human connection.

The Witch Who Came in from the Cold (2017) A collaborative serial novel about spies and sorcery during the Cold War in Prague.

N.K. Jemisin creates intricate fantasy worlds with complex social hierarchies and power structures. Her work, like Wilde's, deeply examines societal inequalities and technological advancement through speculative settings.

Martha Wells builds detailed civilizations with unique technological systems and explores outsider perspectives. Her work centers on characters navigating complex social structures while dealing with questions of belonging and identity.

Ken Liu combines technological elements with cultural traditions in his fiction. His work explores the intersection of craft, engineering, and society while addressing themes of social change and adaptation.

Katherine Addison writes fantasy that delves into class structures and societal constraints through detailed worldbuilding. Her work examines power dynamics and social hierarchies while incorporating elements of craft and technology.

Becky Chambers focuses on societal structures and interpersonal relationships in science fiction settings. Her work explores how communities adapt to technological change while maintaining connections and dealing with social barriers.