Historical fantasy romance where science flirts with magic, love defies the odds, and every discovery could be deadly.
Though USA TODAY bestselling author Anne Renwick holds an M.A. in Physical Anthropology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology and greatly enjoyed tormenting the overburdened undergraduates who were her students, fiction has always been her first love. Today, she writes steampunk and gaslamp-infused historical fantasy romance, blending cutting-edge biotechnology, mad science, and 19th-century intrigue with strong heroines, formidable men, and daring villains.
Anne brings an unusual perspective to fantasy romance. A number of years spent locked inside the bowels of a biological research facility left her permanently altered. In her novels, the Victorian-era fascination with anatomy and technology led to alarming inventions—ones the enemies of Britain would dearly love to possess.
When not writing, she wanders through life with her pathologist husband, seeking the darkly curious and delightfully strange. Over the years, she’s raised two sons, now engineers, giving her firsthand experience with relentless curiosity, creative destruction, and the art of building things that probably shouldn’t exist.
How to find Anne:
- Join her email list
- Find her on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Bluesky
- Join her Facebook group the Department of Cryptobiology
- Follow her on Bookbub to stay informed about new books and deals
- Follow her on Goodreads
- Email her at anne @ annerenwick (dot) com
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Do you have steampunk outfits?
Of course! Here’s a photo of me on my way to a local book signing.
Is your favorite holiday Halloween?
It most certainly is! Here’s the earliest photo I have of the holiday with my childhood cat, Kitty, who was only a baby kitten herself.
Have you ever visited London?
Twice! And on the second trip we visited the Science Museum and, after hearing about how they had parts made in the shop in graduate school classes, I was excited to see the original model of DNA as built by Watson and Crick themselves.
Did you really work in a research laboratory?
Yes! For almost six years! My research involved studying a cell surface protein involved in cell migration during the embryological development of mice.
Have you ever traveled for book research?
We’ve always wanted to visit Iceland… but I’ll admit I sped up our visit when I started working on my current project, Icy Betrayals. We’re standing in a cave behind the waterfall.
FAQ
Q1: What genre does Anne Renwick write?
A: Anne Renwick writes historical fantasy steampunk romance — blending Victorian-era settings with science, biotechnology, and elements of gaslamp fantasy.
Q2: What makes Anne Renwick’s books unique?
A: Her stories stand out for their mix of science and romance. With a M.A. in Physical Anthropology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Anne infuses her books with real scientific concepts, such as biological alchemy, cryptids, and medical curiosities, all within imaginative steampunk worlds.
Q3: Do I need to read Anne Renwick’s books in order?
A: While each story stands alone, characters and events do overlap. For the richest experience, it’s recommended to read the Elemental Web Chronicles, Tales & Stories in order.
Q4: What are the Elemental Web series about?
A: These series — all set in the same world — follow heroines and heroes navigating a steampunk/gaslamp world filled with danger, discovery, and romance. Expect scientific intrigue, high-stakes plots, and smart characters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the name of love or science.
Q5: Are Anne Renwick’s books appropriate for all ages?
A: These books are written for adult readers and contain romantic scenes and thematic elements suited to mature audiences.
Q6: Where should I start reading Anne Renwick’s work?
A: A great starting point is The Golden Spider, the first book in the Elemental Web Chronicles. For her other series, Elemental Web Tales, start with A Trace of Copper.
Q7: Are Anne Renwick’s books connected?
A: Yes, all books take place in the same universe. Characters from one book may appear in others, and recurring themes link the stories together.
Q8: Does Anne Renwick write science fiction or fantasy?
A: Her work is a blend of both — often called “gaslamp fantasy” or “scientific romance.” Expect speculative science with a fantasy edge rather than traditional sci-fi.
Q9: Is Anne Renwick a real scientist?
A: Yes! She holds a Ph.D. in biology and has taught anatomy and physiology — knowledge she weaves directly into her stories.
Q10: Where can I find more about Anne Renwick and her books?
A: You can explore her work at https://www.annerenwick.com, where you’ll find book lists, reading order guides, and more.
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