Laini Taylor is an American author known for her young adult fantasy novels. Born in Chico, California, she spent her formative years living in Europe and California as a military child. She pursued an English degree from UC Berkeley and currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with her family. Taylor's lifelong aspiration to write led her to complete her first novel at age 35.

Her writing career began with a graphic novel in 2004, followed by her debut novel, Dreamdark: Blackbringer, in 2007. She gained significant recognition for the "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" series, starting in 2011, which was praised by Amazon as the Best Teen Book of 2011. Her subsequent works, including "Strange the Dreamer" and its sequel "Muse of Nightmares," have also received critical acclaim, with "Strange the Dreamer" earning a Michael L. Printz Honor. Taylor is noted for her intricate world-building, including the creation of unique languages for her fictional settings.

Laini Taylor's work is characterized by imaginative fantasy worlds and compelling narratives, often aimed at young adult readers. She is particularly noted for her intricate world-building, a skill demonstrated in series like "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" and "Strange the Dreamer." In the latter, she developed a unique language that is woven into the fabric of the story, highlighting her dedication to creating immersive fictional universes. Her novels frequently explore themes of identity, loss, and the extraordinary within the ordinary, resonating with a dedicated readership.

Taylor's publishing journey commenced with a graphic novel in 2004, followed by her first novel, Dreamdark: Blackbringer, in 2007. The "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" series, launched in 2011, marked a significant turning point, earning accolades such as Amazon's Best Teen Book of 2011. Her later works, including "Strange the Dreamer" (2017) and "Muse of Nightmares" (2018), continued this trajectory of success, with "Strange the Dreamer" receiving a Michael L. Printz Honor and the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature. These achievements underscore her consistent contribution to the young adult fantasy genre.