Maryam Durrani

Hi, I’m Maryam!

I wrote my first novel when I was thirteen because I couldn’t find the kinds of stories I wanted to read. I was searching for fantasy with strong female protagonists—girls who were brave, flawed, resilient, and capable of shaping their own destinies. I wanted to read about women who weren’t waiting to be rescued, instead, they were leading rebellions, making impossible choices, and standing up to oppressors.

That story became Assassin, the first book in the Assassin trilogy, followed by Ascendant and Apprentice. Writing those books shaped not only the stories I wanted to tell, but the kind of author I wanted to become.

Today, I write fantasy romance featuring immersive worldbuilding, emotionally driven characters, and stories where love, loyalty, sacrifice, and rebellion against oppression are central to the journey.

As a Pashtun author, I’m passionate about writing books rich with the culture, history, and the folklore that shaped me. Growing up, I rarely saw worlds that reflected my heritage, and I hope my stories offer readers something both familiar and new.

I’m still writing the books I wished I’d had as a kid: stories with courageous heroines, unforgettable adventures, sweeping romances, and worlds readers can lose themselves in.

When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me reading with an iced latte on hand (always), adding another book to my ever-growing to-be-read pile, or just hanging out with my family . . . my favorite thing to do!