Amie Kaufman

Amie Kaufman is a bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy, best known for The Illuminae Files, Aurora Cycle, and Starbound trilogy. Her work features fast pacing, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling formats.

Amie Kaufman is an internationally bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy, widely recognised for her emotionally driven narratives, cinematic pacing, and innovative storytelling techniques. Born in Ireland and raised across multiple countries, Kaufman’s global background influences the diverse worlds and characters found throughout her work. She is particularly known for blending character-focused drama with high-concept speculative ideas.

Kaufman rose to prominence as the co-author of The Illuminae Files alongside Jay Kristoff, a critically acclaimed science fiction series notable for its unconventional mixed-media format. Told through documents, transcripts, and visual elements, the series redefined expectations for young adult science fiction and became a major commercial and critical success.

Beyond Illuminae, Kaufman has co-authored several popular series, including The Aurora Cycle (with Jay Kristoff) and the Starbound trilogy (with Meagan Spooner). These works showcase her talent for balancing action-driven plots with heartfelt character arcs, romance, and found family dynamics. Her stories often centre on young protagonists facing galaxy-spanning threats while navigating personal identity, loyalty, and emotional growth.

Recurring themes in Amie Kaufman’s writing include resilience, teamwork, love under pressure, and the importance of connection in extreme circumstances. Her science fiction frequently explores artificial intelligence, space warfare, and corporate corruption, while maintaining a strong emotional core that resonates with readers.

Kaufman regularly incorporates popular genre tropes such as found family, enemies-to-lovers, space opera, AI antagonists, ensemble casts, and high-stakes survival narratives. Her approachable writing style and emphasis on character relationships have made her a favourite among both young adult and adult readers.

Celebrated for her ability to combine innovation with accessibility, Amie Kaufman continues to be a leading voice in modern speculative fiction, particularly within science fiction and genre-blending fantasy.