Namina Forna is an acclaimed author and screenwriter, best known for her YA fantasy debut, "The Gilded Ones," which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Born in Sierra Leone and raised in the United States, Forna draws inspiration from West African mythology to craft powerful narratives about identity and resilience. With a BA from Spelman College and an MFA from the University of Southern California, she blends her rich cultural heritage with her passion for storytelling. Forna's work has been praised for its vivid world-building and strong, complex female protagonists, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary fantasy literature.