I’m Alicia Rades, a USA Today Bestselling Author of young adult and new adult paranormal fiction. My stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering your power and overcoming limitations. 

I grew up solving mysteries with psychics, falling head-over-heels for sparkling vampires, and uncovering the truth of King Arthur reincarnations. As I kid, I loved browsing the YA section at my small-town library, and I’d beg my parents to take me to Barnes & Noble to look at the books, even though we couldn’t afford them. 

I wrote poetry and short stories throughout my teens and started writing long-form fiction in college, where I was studying to earn a Bachelor’s in Science. The first time I failed an exam, I’d spent the night writing a book instead of studying. That was the moment I realized I didn’t just want to be a writer—I had to become one. 

I immediately changed my major and later earned my bachelor’s degree in communications. I independently published my first book in 2013 and haven’t stopped since! To date, I’ve written over 40 novels, including the Hidden Legends Universe co-authored with Megan Linski, and my books have received over 2 million downloads world-wide. Small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world are my jam! Bonus points if there’s a psychic character or two involved.

These days, I spend my time dreaming up magical stories, binge-watching paranormal TV shows, or making crafts and cooking food with my family. I love attending plays and other live shows—my favorite is Wicked! I have a passion for personal-development and can often be found meditating, journaling, or listening to emotional-empowerment podcasts. Through my stories, I hope to inspire readers to discover their own power so that together we can leave this world a better place.

Awards I’ve won include:

• Best Fantasy Book of the Year 2019 by Once Upon a Book (The Fire Prophecy)
• Best Co-Authored Book of the Year 2022 by Once Upon a Book (The Infernal Underground)
• Best Book Friends (Ava and Kallie from Prison for Supernatural Offenders) 2023 by Once Upon a Book
• Keynote Speaker at Once Upon a Book 2023
• Six-time Award Winner in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards (Including Gold Medalist for The Coven’s Secret) 
• Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Winner (Fire in Frost)