Juliet Marillier, born on 7 August 1948, is a New Zealand-born writer renowned for her contributions to the fantasy genre, particularly historical fantasy. Her upbringing in Dunedin, New Zealand, was rich with Celtic music and stories, which greatly influenced her writing style and themes. Marillier's Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to craft the celebrated Sevenwaters Trilogy.

She pursued her education at the University of Otago, majoring in music and languages, and graduated with a BA and a Bachelor of Music (Hons). Her deep-seated interest in history, folklore, and mythology significantly shapes her narrative voice.

Juliet Marillier is the author of twenty-one historical fantasy novels for both adults and young adults, in addition to a collection of short fiction. Her work has garnered numerous awards, cementing her status as a prominent voice in the genre.

Currently, Juliet resides in a 110-year-old cottage in a riverside suburb of Perth, Western Australia, where she dedicates her time to her writing and tending to her small pack of rescue dogs.