Melissa Caruso

Melissa Caruso is an American fantasy novelist who lives in Massachusetts. She writes interconnected epic fantasy trilogies, including Swords & Fire, beginning with The Tethered Mage, and Rooks & Ruin, beginning with The Obsidian Tower, both set in a shared magical world of political intrigue and dangerous artifacts. Her stand-alone novel The Last Hour Between Worlds was named one of the best books of the year by outlets including People and NPR. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the Gemmell Morningstar Award, recognizing debut fantasy fiction. Caruso continues to build out her Echo Archives universe alongside further stand-alone work, and her fiction is known for combining intricate magic systems and political stakes with strong character relationships across multi-book arcs.