Liselle Sambury

Liselle Sambury is a Toronto-based author of Caribbean descent who writes young adult fantasy and contemporary fiction. Her work often explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and Caribbean culture through a speculative lens. Her debut novel "Blood Like Magic" (2021) and its sequel "Blood Like Fate" (2022) follow a Black teen witch who must complete a dark family rite of passage. The duology garnered attention for its blend of urban fantasy with contemporary issues and its representation of Caribbean-Canadian culture. Sambury's writing has been recognized within the young adult publishing community, with "Blood Like Magic" being named one of the Ontario Library Association's Best Bets List selections. She has contributed to discussions about diversity in young adult literature and draws from her Trinidadian heritage in crafting authentic representations in her work. The author maintains an active presence in the writing community and has participated in various literary events and panels focusing on young adult literature and diverse voices in publishing. Her background in technical writing and game journalism informs her approach to world-building and storytelling.

Readers praise Sambury's portrayal of Caribbean-Canadian culture and family dynamics in her Blood Like Magic series. The magic system and Toronto setting receive positive mentions in reviews, with readers appreciating the modern urban fantasy elements. Liked: - Complex family relationships and generational dynamics - Detailed world-building that blends magic with technology - Authentic representation of Caribbean culture - Strong character development, particularly of protagonist Voya Disliked: - Pacing issues, with some readers finding the first half of Blood Like Magic slow - Romance subplot received mixed feedback - Some readers found the magic system rules confusing Ratings: - Blood Like Magic: 3.8/5 on Goodreads (7,000+ ratings) - Blood Like Fate: 4.0/5 on Goodreads (2,000+ ratings) - Amazon ratings average 4.5/5 across both books Notable reader comment: "Finally a fantasy that feels real to my Caribbean household experience - from the family dynamics to the food descriptions." (Goodreads reviewer)

Blood Like Magic (2021) A 16-year-old witch in near-future Toronto must sacrifice her first love to save her family's magic through a complex rite of passage that connects her to her ancestor's memories.

Blood Like Fate (2022) Following the events of Blood Like Magic, witch Voya Thomas works to protect her family's magical future while confronting visions of a dark fate threatening her community in Toronto.

Karen Strong writes Southern Gothic young adult fiction that centers Black teens navigating supernatural elements and family legacy. Her work "Just South of Home" incorporates themes of ancestral connections and dark family histories similar to Sambury's approach.

Claribel Ortega combines Dominican culture with paranormal elements in middle grade and young adult stories that feature witchcraft and family magic. Her Ghost Squad series shares DNA with Sambury's work through its exploration of cultural identity within supernatural frameworks.

Tracy Deonn crafts contemporary fantasy that weaves Black history and mythology with modern teenage experiences. Her Legendborn series features similar themes to Sambury's work regarding inherited magic and family obligations.

Zoraida Córdova creates urban fantasy incorporating Latinx culture and magical elements in contemporary settings. Her Brooklyn Brujas series parallels Sambury's work in its focus on family magical traditions and modern teen life.

Bethany C. Morrow writes speculative fiction centered on Black teenage experiences with supernatural elements. Her work addresses similar themes to Sambury's regarding identity and family relationships within fantastical contexts.