Richelle Mead (born November 12, 1976) is an acclaimed American fantasy author, renowned for her contributions to the genre through a variety of series. She has gained a reputation for her captivating storytelling in series such as Georgina Kincaid, Vampire Academy, Bloodlines, and Dark Swan.

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Mead has a distinct niche in urban fantasy, catering to both adult and teen audiences. Originally hailing from Michigan, she now resides in Seattle, Washington, dedicating her time fully to her writing pursuits across her three main series: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy. A voracious reader from a young age, Mead has always been fascinated by mythology and folklore, incorporating these elements into her work. Beyond the realm of writing, she indulges in bad reality TV, travel, experimenting with interesting cocktails, and has a keen eye for dresses. Additionally, Mead is an avid coffee enthusiast and enjoys the quirky and humorous side of life.