Magic, Myths, & Monsters.


Samantha B. Cummings

Welcome! My name is Samantha (but you can just call me Sam), and I am a Young Adult Fantasy author known for my atmospheric, character-driven novels. I specialises in genre-blending, often pulling elements from Dark Academia and mystery to create immersive worlds that I like to fill with complex magic systems and unforgettable morally grey characters.

My works include the well-loved Moons & Magic series (girl werewolves who have a nose for trouble), and the newly released Dark Academia series, Deighton Academy, which delves into themes of grief, loyalty, the secrets buried in old libraries, and hidden societies.

When not writing, I co-host a popular podcast discussing what it takes to be an indie author, and I pick up any and all hobbies along the way because ADHD, baby!

Find out more about me and my life by following me on social media, and connect with me via my newsletter, The Coven.

SOCIAL LINKS:

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • I specialise in young adult fantasy novels, weaving together stories of magic, myths, and monsters. My catalogue ranges from high-stakes magical adventures, like my werewolf novel Curse of the Wild, to atmospheric mysteries that lean into the dark academia sub genre, such as the newly released novel The Moon Is a Door.

  • Yes! While all my books are rooted in YA fantasy, The Moon Is a Door is my clearest exploration of the dark academia aesthetic. It blends the classic mystery structure with a secretive, academically-focused setting, where arcane magic and danger lurk in every library corner. You can learn more about it here.

  • Yes! The entire bibliography published under Samantha B. Cummings is firmly within the Young Adult (YA) category. I write for readers aged 15+, focusing on themes of identity, complex friendships, and first love, but always with a strong foundation in fantasy and magical realism.

  • You can find a complete, updated list of all my published and upcoming YA Fantasy titles, including series reading order and synopses, here.

  • My love for YA Fantasy started early with classic tales of magic and mythology, along with books like Point Horror, and TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

    My personal experience in writing and literature took me down the route of a degree in English Literature and Language, focusing on creative writing, which helped me develop the expertise to build complex world systems and character arcs. My goal is to write the kind of immersive fantasy I always wanted to read.

  • The best way to get behind-the-scenes insights is by checking out my Podcast! I often discuss my writing routine there.

    For more information on the research I do for my dark academia settings, and my thoughts on current YA fantasy trends you can sign up to my mailing list, The Coven, for weekly drop ins and behind the scenes fun, or head to my blog and find out what I’m currently obsessing over.

  • It’s a delicate balance rooted in my expertise in the genre. My stories explore complex, darker themes—like grief and moral ambiguity—but I always maintain an appropriate focus on hope, character growth, and resolution, fitting the standard of modern Young Adult fiction.

  • The two best ways are to join my Coven newsletter for exclusive news (and free short stories and novellas) and to post honest reviews on Goodreads or Amazon for the books you’ve enjoyed. Reviews are a huge factor for indie authors!