Gwendolyn Kiste Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Gwendolyn Kiste

Gwendolyn Kiste is a notable author in the American horror fiction space. Her writing captivates readers with its imaginative and immersive nature. She brings a unique touch to the horror genre. Distinctively, her work often intertwines the eerie with the human experience.

She excels at crafting well-rounded characters and engaging protagonists. These characters often draw readers in with their complexity and relatability. This multi-dimensional approach makes her stories fascinating and emotionally engaging. As a result, readers find themselves deeply invested in the narrative.

One of Kiste’s strengths lies in her ability to weave compelling stories with intricate plots. Her narratives are known for their depth and creativity. This quality not only entertains but also keeps the readers hooked. Consequently, each story delivers a memorable reading experience.

Her work has garnered a global audience, resonating deeply with readers everywhere. She manages to entertain people across different cultures with her unique brand of horror. Her stories draw readers in with their universal themes and relatable emotions. By staying true to her distinct voice and style, she creates a genuine connection with her audience.

Kiste’s commitment to her own vision is evident in each of her works. She doesn’t shy away from exploring original ideas and pushing the boundaries of the genre. This authenticity shines through and makes her stories stand out among the rest. Her dedication to her craft ensures that her work remains fresh and captivating.

Readers appreciate how Kiste balances her unique perspective with broad appeal. Her ability to combine personal authenticity with universal horror elements sets her apart. Each of her stories feels both intimate and expansive. This blend of personal touch and broad entertainment makes her writing both genuine and widely appealing.

Early and Personal Life

Gwendolyn Kiste, a speculative fiction writer based in Pennsylvania, has always been passionate about reading and writing. Originally hailing from Ohio, she developed a love for stories during her childhood. Over time, her interest in horror and speculative fiction blossomed, leading her to pursue a career as an author.

Living on an abandoned horse farm outside of Pittsburgh, Kiste finds inspiration in her unique surroundings. Her husband and their lively calico cat keep her company, adding warmth to her creative environment. This tranquil and somewhat unconventional setting sparks her imagination, fueling her storytelling.

Kiste has continually grown and evolved as an author, drawing from her experiences and environment. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to find inspiration everywhere have shaped her into a distinctive voice in speculative fiction. With each new work, she captivates readers, demonstrating her remarkable talent in the horror genre.

Writing Career

Gwendolyn Kiste’s writing career has been notable, with her work featured in publications such as Nightmare, Interzone, Shimmer, Lamplight, and Daily Science Fiction, among others. Her debut collection, ‘And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe,’ was released in April 2017 through JournalStone. This collection marked the beginning of a successful journey in speculative fiction.

Kiste has achieved significant recognition in her career, winning three Bram Stoker Awards. Her notable works include novels like ‘The Rust Maidens’ and ‘Boneset & Feathers.’ Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in several esteemed outlets, earning her awards like the Lambda Literary Award and nominations for the Ignotus and Premios Kelvin awards. With more works to come, she continues to engage and captivate readers with her unique storytelling.

The Haunting of Velkwood

Gwendolyn Kiste’s stand-alone paranormal horror novel, ‘The Haunting of Velkwood,’ was published by S&S/Saga Press. The book was officially released on March 5, 2024. This work adds to Kiste’s impressive repertoire in the horror genre.

The Velkwood Vicinity, shrouded in mystery, intrigued occult theorists, tabloid shows, and pseudo-scientific investigations, as a block of homes vanished behind a nearly impenetrable veil, accessible only to three survivors—one of whom entered it in the past twenty years. Talitha Velkwood avoided everything related to the tragedy that claimed her mother and sister, drifting through life without settling, haunted by her past.

A new researcher finds her, offering payment for her to return and enter the vicinity, which Talitha agrees to, claiming it’s just for the money. No one has uncovered what happened the night Talitha, her former best friend, Brett, and Grace, escaped two decades ago; now, she seeks the answers she has longed for.

It’s a chilling and well-crafted paranormal horror novel that keeps readers glued to its pages. With its intriguing premise and mysterious atmosphere, it successfully captivates from start to finish. The characters are compelling and the story unfolds in a gripping manner. Fans of the genre will find it highly enjoyable.

Reluctant Immortals

‘Reluctant Immortals,’ a stand-alone Gothic historical novel by Gwendolyn Kiste, was published by S&S/Saga Press. The release date for this engaging work was August 23, 2022. This novel marks another addition to Kiste’s distinguished body of work.

Fans of Mexican Gothic will appreciate ‘Reluctant Immortals,’ a novel by three-time Bram Stoker Award winner Gwendolyn Kiste. This historical horror tale reimagines the untold stories of Lucy Westenra from Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and Bertha Mason from Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre.’ Set in 1967’s Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love, the undead protagonists combat toxic men like Dracula and Mr. Rochester.

The novel blends historical and gothic fiction, following the brave journey of two women as they fight for their own destinies.

The Rust Maidens

‘The Rust Maidens,’ a stand-alone Gothic historical novel by Gwendolyn Kiste, was published by Trepidatio Publishing. The book officially came out on November 16, 2018. This release adds another compelling title to Kiste’s body of work.

In the summer of 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio, Phoebe Shaw and her best friend Jacqueline face an unsettling future after high school graduation. On Denton Street, the girls they grew up with begin to undergo grotesque transformations, leaving dark water footprints and withering away. This eerie change draws attention from tourists, doctors, and government officials, but no one can explain it—except possibly the Rust Maidens themselves.

As Phoebe delves into the mystery of the Rust Maidens and her connection to them, she must act quickly to prevent losing her home, her best friend, and perhaps even her own body.