Venessa Vida Kelley Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

About Vanessa Vida Kelley

Vanessa Vida Kelley is a Nuyorican author and illustrator who describes themself as an aspiring mermaid. They write fairy tales rooted in the real world so they can bring those stories to life through both words and art. Their work stands out because it finds wonder in everyday experiences. Readers connect with their stories because they feel both magical and true.

One of Kelley’s greatest strengths is how they create characters that stay with readers long after the story ends. Their protagonists feel real, with struggles and triumphs that resonate deeply. The way they blend emotion, humor, and adventure keeps their narratives fresh and entertaining. People enjoy their books because they’re fun to read while still having substance.

Kelley has a natural gift for storytelling that makes their books hard to put down. They build immersive worlds that feel vivid without being overly complicated. Whether through writing or illustration, they have a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Their work reminds readers that magic isn’t just in far-off lands—it’s all around us.

The way Kelley writes makes it easy to step into their characters’ shoes and forget the real world for a while. Whether it’s a whimsical adventure or a quiet moment of reflection, their stories offer a break from everyday life. The struggles and triumphs of their protagonists feel relatable, but the worlds they inhabit are anything but ordinary. That contrast creates the perfect kind of escapism—one that feels fresh yet comforting.

Even in the most fantastical moments, Kelley’s characters keep the story feeling human. Their hopes, fears, and quirks make them memorable long after the last page. Readers return to Kelley’s work not just for the magic, but for the way it makes them feel seen. It’s the kind of storytelling that stays with you, blending escape with emotional resonance.

It is Kelley’s stories that captivate readers across the globe because they strike a perfect balance—staying deeply personal while still having universal appeal. Their writing reflects their own experiences, perspectives, and cultural roots, giving their work an authenticity that shines through. Yet, the themes they explore—belonging, resilience, and finding magic in the mundane—are ones that resonate no matter where a reader lives.

What makes Kelley’s work so entertaining is their ability to infuse even the simplest moments with charm and adventure. Whether through witty dialogue, imaginative settings, or heartfelt character arcs, their stories never lose their sense of fun. Readers are drawn in by the playful energy of their prose, yet stay for the emotional depth beneath the surface. It’s this combination that keeps audiences everywhere coming back for more.

Kelley proves that staying true to oneself doesn’t limit a story’s reach—it expands it. By writing what genuinely moves them, they create tales that feel fresh and exciting, never forced or generic. Their unique voice and perspective make their work stand out in a crowded fantasy landscape. Readers worldwide appreciate that honesty, because it’s what makes their stories so vibrant, relatable, and impossible to put down.

Kelley’s creative journey is far from over—readers can expect even more enchanting stories and art in the years ahead. With each new project, they continue to refine their craft while staying true to the magic that makes their work special. Whether through fresh fairy tales, vivid illustrations, or unexpected creative turns, their future promises to be as imaginative as their stories. For fans old and new, the best is yet to come.

Early and Personal Life

Vanessa Vida Kelley’s journey as a writer began with a deep love for stories, nurtured through years of studying English literature. They earned both a BA and MA, sharpening their understanding of narrative and film, which later influenced their creative work. This academic background helped shape their ability to craft rich, layered stories that resonate with readers.

Beyond writing, Kelley’s artistic talents shine through their illustrations, which have added beauty to LGBTQ+ books across the globe. Their home in Washington, DC, is filled with creativity—overflowing with washi tape, teacups, and the lively energy of their spouse and two sons. These everyday inspirations often find their way into their work, blending the magical with the personal.

Kelley’s growth as an author comes from a mix of education, artistic expression, and life experiences. Their passion for storytelling extends beyond the page, whether through writing, drawing, or finding wonder in small moments. With each project, they continue to evolve, bringing fresh imagination to readers everywhere.

Writing Career

Vanessa Vida Kelley established themself as a fantasy author with the publication of When the Tides Held the Moon in 2025. This debut novel demonstrated their ability to craft imaginative stories grounded in emotional truth, blending fairy-tale elements with contemporary resonance. The work showcased their signature style – lyrical yet accessible prose with well-drawn characters facing real-world struggles in magical settings.

Their career trajectory suggests an author committed to quality over quantity, taking time to develop each project with care. Readers continue to anticipate future works from this promising voice in fantasy literature.

When the Tides Held the Moon

Venessa Vida Kelley’s fantasy romance When the Tides Held the Moon was published by Erewhon Books on April 29, 2025. The novel marks Kelley’s debut in the fantasy romance genre.

Benigno ‘Benny’ Caldera, a Puerto Rican blacksmith in 1910s New York, creates an iron tank for Coney Island’s Luna Park that impresses a sideshow owner. He joins the troupe and discovers their secret—the tank will hold a captured merman named Río from the East River. As Benny befriends Río, their connection grows into love, forcing Benny to confront the cruelty of Río’s captivity.

Faced with an impossible choice, Benny must decide whether to free Río and risk losing everything or remain complicit in his imprisonment.

Readers will find When the Tides Held the Moon a captivating blend of historical fantasy and heartfelt romance. Venessa Vida Kelley crafts a tender love story between a blacksmith and a merman that explores themes of freedom and belonging. The 1910s Coney Island setting adds rich atmosphere and depth. This debut promises an emotional, imaginative journey perfect for fantasy romance fans.