Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is an American author primarily known for writing young adult paranormal and fantasy fiction. Her breakout novel "Need" launched her career in young adult literature. Jones has worked as a newspaper reporter and high school teacher in addition to her writing career. She is based in Maine, which often serves as the setting for her works. Her writing frequently incorporates supernatural elements, particularly pixies and shapeshifters, while addressing themes relevant to young adult readers such as identity, relationships, and self-discovery. The Need series became her most recognized work and helped establish her presence in the YA paranormal genre. A graduate of Vermont College's MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, Jones has also contributed to various writing workshops and conferences focused on young adult literature. Her work has been translated into several languages and distributed internationally.

Readers describe Jones's writing as fast-paced with relatable teen characters and unique takes on paranormal creatures. Many point to her ability to balance supernatural elements with authentic high school experiences. What readers liked: - Strong female protagonists who show growth - Maine settings that feel authentic and atmospheric - Fresh interpretation of pixie mythology - Quick pacing that keeps pages turning What readers disliked: - Romance plots some found predictable - Character development sacrificed for action in later series books - Dialogue occasionally feeling forced - Abrupt endings in several books Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Need series averages 3.8/5 stars from 45,000+ ratings - Amazon: Books average 4.2/5 stars - Common Sense Media: Parent reviews average 4/5 stars One frequent reader comment notes: "Jones creates believable teen voices without trying too hard." Another states: "The Maine winter setting becomes its own character." Some critique repetitive plot devices, with one reviewer noting: "Later books follow the same formula as the first."

Need A young adult novel following Zara White as she moves to Maine and discovers a dangerous world of pixies hunting humans, while dealing with the mystery of her stepfather's death.

Captivate The second book in the Need series continues Zara's story as she faces escalating pixie threats and must decide whether to become a pixie herself to save someone she loves.

Entice Book three of the Need series sees Zara, now a pixie, embarking on a dangerous journey to rescue her boyfriend Nick from Valhalla.

Endure The final installment in the Need series concludes Zara's tale as she leads the fight against an apocalyptic threat to both humans and pixies.

After Obsession Co-written with Steven Wedel, this standalone novel follows two teens confronting a dangerous river spirit terrorizing their Maine town.

Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend A contemporary young adult novel about a girl dealing with her boyfriend's coming out in a small Maine town.

Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape) A companion novel to Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend, following Belle's continued journey through relationships and self-discovery.

Flying A young adult novel about a girl who discovers she can fly while dealing with her mother's death and her first romance.

Melissa Marr writes young adult urban fantasy featuring faeries and supernatural creatures in modern settings. Her Wicked Lovely series explores similar themes of characters discovering hidden magical worlds while navigating teenage relationships.

Julie Kagawa creates young adult fantasy focused on fae politics and supernatural beings living in secret. Her Iron Fey series combines traditional faerie lore with contemporary elements and complex character relationships.

Rachel Vincent specializes in young adult paranormal series with strong female protagonists facing supernatural threats. Her Soul Screamers series features similar elements of hidden magical creatures and high-stakes romance.

Maggie Stiefvater writes young adult supernatural fiction set in small towns with mythological elements. Her Wolves of Mercy Falls series deals with shapeshifters and romance in ways that mirror Jones's approach to paranormal storytelling.

Holly Black produces young adult dark fantasy involving faeries and supernatural beings in modern settings. Her Modern Faerie Tales series presents similar themes of teenagers discovering magical worlds while dealing with real-world challenges.