“My mother was a voice of reason, a reminder that they had to stay focused and fully assess the situation. Her composure calmed everybody; her strong manner inspired them. This, I realized, was how a leader behaved.”

American author of the *Vampire Academy* series and other young adult fantasy novels, Mead blends gothic romance with sharp character studies. She’s best known for her morally complex heroines and richly detailed world-building, often exploring themes of loyalty, power, and identity.