Introduction

Let's turn the spotlight onto A.E. Faulkner, a voice in young adult dystopian fiction, for this edition of "Author Spotlight". A.E. Faulkner explores the terrifying, and all-too-possible, consequences of environmental collapse. Her Nature's Fury series imagines a world where Mother Nature retaliates against human destruction, while her Divided States series paints a chilling picture of a future ravaged by disease. A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, A.E. Faulkner brings a deep-seated passion for the environment, and strong story-telling skills, to her gripping novels.

From Environmental Concerns to Dystopian Worlds: A.E. Faulkner's Journey

A.E. Faulkner's journey as a writer is as captivating as the worlds she creates. Her deep-seated passion for nature, evident in every carefully crafted sentence, stems from a childhood spent exploring the woods and fields near her home. "I was always a bit of a dreamer," she confesses, "lost in my own world, creating stories in my head." Those early years of imaginative exploration laid the foundation for the intricate narratives and vivid landscapes that characterize her work.

But Faulkner's writing isn't merely a product of childhood fancy. It's a reflection of her profound concern for the environment and a desire to inspire change. "I worry about the world we're leaving for our children," she shares, her voice filled with both urgency and hope. "I believe stories have the power to awaken our connection to nature and ignite a sense of responsibility." This belief is woven into the very fabric of her Nature's Fury series, where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural blur, and the consequences of human actions are brought to life in breathtaking and sometimes terrifying ways.

Faulkner's commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond the pages of her books. She actively participates in local conservation efforts, volunteers at wildlife rehabilitation centers, and uses her platform to raise awareness about pressing ecological issues. "It's not enough to simply write about these problems," she insists. "We need to take action, to be the change we want to see in the world." This sense of urgency and purpose resonates throughout her writing, urging readers to not only appreciate the beauty of the natural world but also to become active participants in its preservation.

And it's not just the grand landscapes and epic struggles that capture Faulkner's attention. She finds inspiration in the smallest details, the delicate dance of a butterfly, the intricate patterns of a spider's web, the quiet resilience of a single blade of grass. "There's magic in the everyday," she muses, "if we only take the time to look." This attentiveness to the subtle wonders of nature infuses her writing with a sense of wonder and enchantment, inviting readers to rediscover the beauty that surrounds them.

Faulkner's writing is a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and ignite change. It's a call to action, a celebration of the natural world, and a reminder of our interconnectedness with all living things. Through her words, she invites us to step into a world where nature speaks, where magic lingers, and where the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.

The Nature's Fury Series: A Saga of Survival and Sisterhood

The Nature's Fury series, now complete with five installments, plunges readers into a world ravaged by extreme weather events and ecological disasters. It's a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family, told primarily through the eyes of two sisters, Quinn and Riley.

• Darkness Falls (Book 1): The series begins with a sudden and catastrophic disruption. A family vacation is cut short by a series of devastating natural disasters, leaving Quinn and her younger sister, Riley, stranded and alone, hundreds of miles from home. With their parents gone and basic infrastructure collapsing – no car, no phones, no money, dwindling food – the sisters must rely on their wits and each other to survive.

• Anguish Unfolds (Book 2 - Novella): This novella shifts the perspective to Riley, offering a harrowing account of her experiences during a period of separation from Quinn in Darkness Falls. It's a story of vulnerability, inner strength, and the desperate measures taken to protect loved ones.

• Devastation Erupts (Book 3): The reunited sisters, along with new allies, continue their struggle for survival as the environmental catastrophes escalate. The eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano throws the world into further chaos, forcing Quinn and Riley to confront not only the forces of nature but also the darker aspects of human nature in a world falling apart.

• Allegiance Unravels (Book 4 - Novella): This novella provides a different perspective on the unfolding crisis, focusing on Sergeant Bowen, a military man grappling with a moral dilemma. As he's drawn into a secretive project at Langley Air Force Base, he begins to question the ethics of his orders and the true cost of national security.

• Hope Emerges (Book 5): The final book in the series brings Quinn and Riley's journey to a close, exploring the challenges of rebuilding civilization in the aftermath of widespread devastation. New societal structures emerge, some threatening to repeat the mistakes of the past, forcing the characters to fight for a truly sustainable and humane future.

• Fate Collides: Readers can also get a sneak peek at the series, through downloading a free short story on A. E. Faulkner's website!

The Divided States Series: A New Dystopian Vision

A.E. Faulkner also explores a different, but equally chilling, dystopian future in her Divided States series. This series envisions a world a century after a devastating pandemic, where the United States has been fractured into isolated territories.

• Upheaval (Book 1): This novel introduces readers to a society governed by strict rationing and a rigid division between "day dwellers" and "night dwellers" to conserve resources. Everly Scott, a young woman preparing to graduate, is chosen for a rare opportunity: to serve on an inter-Territory delegation tasked with assessing the Alliance Agreement that governs relations between the fractured regions. However, this seemingly prestigious assignment quickly turns dangerous as Everly uncovers hidden secrets and conspiracies within each Territory. The story explores themes of societal control, resilience, and the courage to question authority.
  
  
• Uprising (Book 2 - Work in Progress): The story will continue.

Beyond the Series: Contributing to Gaia Awakens

A.E. Faulkner's passion for environmental themes extends beyond her own series. She contributed to Gaia Awakens: A Climate Crisis Anthology, a collection of stories exploring the potential consequences of climate change and humanity's relationship with the planet. This anthology, featuring authors from six different countries, presents a unified narrative, with each story interconnected within a shared universe. The project underscores the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and inspiring action on climate change. It showcases a range of genres.

What Readers Are Saying About A.E. Faulkner's Work:

A.E. Faulkner's novels have resonated with readers around the globe, who praise her compelling characters, fast-paced plots, and thought-provoking themes. Here's a taste of what readers are saying:

• "...A.E. Faulkner does a remarkable job of keeping the reader interested throughout the novel. As I began reading the book, the first few chapters kept me so engaged that I wanted to read more. In addition to keeping the reader absorbed, the author does a great job of clearly defining each personality in the book...Overall, I would give Darkness Falls a five-star rating because the author clearly voices her concern to the reader that the time to change the world is now." - Melina Blackwell on Darkness Falls, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "...This series is amazing!" - Feather Chelle on Anguish Unfolds, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "The story just gets better with each book. You know in the first few pages the story will continue to grab your attention. Its like a puppy with a tug toy; you don't want to put it down. When you can envision the people, places and events in a book, you just know its a goodread." - George OBERTO on Devastation Erupts, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Faulkner does it again with another outstanding story!...Book 4 of The Nature’s Fury Series does not disappoint and Faulkner continues to entertain! If you enjoy dystopia climate fiction, read this series!" - Ernest Solar on Allegiance Unravels, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "What a fantastic ending to a fantastic series...As with the rest of the series, I couldn’t put this one down. It’s one of those books that instantly grabs your attention at the beginning and keeps you hooked until the very last word." - Graeson on Hope Emerges, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "...AE is a masterful author weaving darkness and intrigue in her tales. Her vivid descriptions pull you into her world so you feel like you are standing or running right beside the delegates...AE's style is fast paced and engaging from beginning to end. I highly recommend her books." - Sassy on Upheaval, 5 Stars, Goodreads  

A Call to Connection

I encourage you to explore the thrilling dystopian worlds and compelling characters of A.E. Faulkner's Nature's Fury and Divided States series. You can connect with her and learn more about her work on her website, and through her social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She is also on Goodreads.

You can purchase her books, as well as the anthology she's published in, through the Amazon affiliate links below:    

• Darkness Falls
• Anguish Unfolds
• Devastation Erupts
• Allegiance Unravels
• Hope Emerges
• Upheaval
• Gaia Awakens: A Climate Crisis Anthology

All of the above books, with the exception of the anthology, are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!   

You can also download her free short story, Fate Collides, for a sneak peek into the Nature's Fury series. You can download it here.

A.E. Faulkner will also be attending the Books Books Books event at the Lancaster Wyndham Expo Barn in Lancaster, PA, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Conclusion

A.E. Faulkner is a powerful voice in young adult dystopian fiction, crafting stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. Her deep concern for the environment shines through her work, creating worlds that force readers to confront the potential consequences of our actions. With the completed Nature's Fury series and the exciting Divided States series underway, A.E. Faulkner is an author to watch, and I highly recommend diving into her gripping and imaginative novels.

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.