Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons, and currently calls Rome, Italy, home. A triplet born on Leap Day, she is the author of YA fantasy novels including the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, The Poison Season, A Multitude of Dreams, and A Curious Kind of Magic. When she's not writing, Mara can be found curled up with a good book, a cup of tea, and Mishka (a magical creature often mistaken for a dog).