Cecilia Dart-Thornton for Grimm Retold
It was sometime in late 2005, sitting behind the counter at my job at the K-cafe on a quiet night, that I finished The Battle of Evernight, the last of the Bitterbynde triology by Cecilia Dart-Thornton.
I closed the book and right there, at my job in the back of K-mart, I cried.
I’m not sure I have ever before been so moved by a series, so invested in a character, or read so gorgeous and perfect a conclusion. To this day I struggle to put words to the depth of emotion that series provoked in me, but it remains one of my favorite series of all time.
At the time, Facebook wasn’t a thing. People didn’t live online, but I looked anyway to see if Ms. Dart-Thornton had a website and it turns out she did. I wrote her an email, just to let her know how much her books meant to me. This is something I’ve done only three times in my life.
She emailed me back. She was gracious and kind and she even directed me to bonus material she had written for fans who had wanted more than that absolutely perfect ending. In short, the interaction was as lovely as the series itself and I never forgot it.
In 2024, I have been privileged to work with my writing hero. Cecilia Dart-Thornton has supported GRIMM RETOLD in a number of ways, but most graciously to agree to write us the Foreword for the book. She provided research and quotes about her dear friend, the late Tanith Lee, whose story is featured in the anthology.
It has been such a joy working with her. She is so gracious and kind. It was clear that Cecilia Dart-Thornton is the light that shines through her work.
Here’s her full bio. I cannot recommend her works enough.
Dart-Thornton is a multi-genre author known for intricate world-building and richly developed characters. Internationally recognized, with works translated into multiple languages, she is published under pen-names and her own name.
Notably, she’s the author of fantasy series the Bitterbynde Trilogy and the Crowthistle Chronicles. Using the name “Barb Dwyer,” she also authored the humorous sci-fi/fantasy satire series, Cyberchicks.
Website: dartthornton.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cecilia.dartthornton/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cecilia_dart_thornton/
Awards and Recognitions
· Amazon's Best 2001
· Locus Magazine's Best First Novels 2001
· Sydney Morning Herald's Top Twenty 2001
· Australian Publishers' Association 'Australia's Favourite Read' 2001
· Judge on the panel of World Fantasy Awards 2021