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§Author· 2 books
C.S. Pacat
Also known as S.U. Pacat, Catherine Pacat
Speculative fiction and graphic novels featuring intricate character dynamics and competitive tension have built a dedicated international readership within queer fantasy and young adult fiction. Australian author C.S. Pacat first gained broad public recognition with the high-stakes fantasy trilogy Captive Prince, which developed from an online serial into a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
In addition to standalone and series fantasy novels such as Dark Rise, Pacat expanded into comic books and graphic literature, co-creating the GLAAD-nominated sports comic series Fence and writing for DC Comics.
Career & Background
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Pacat was educated at the University of Melbourne before living in several cities internationally, including Perugia, Italy—where she studied at Perugia University—and Tokyo, Japan, where she lived for five years. Before pursuing full-time creative writing, Pacat trained as a geologist and worked as a translator.
Her writing career began with the online serial release of Captive Prince under the pseudonym S.U. Pacat on LiveJournal. Self-published in February 2013, the trilogy gained widespread viral attention before being acquired and republished commercially by Penguin Random House in 2015. Pacat subsequently returned to Melbourne, where she currently resides and continues her writing career across novels and graphic media.
Writing Style & Themes
Pacat's narrative approach centers on slow-burn romantic development, political maneuvering, complex power dynamics, and intense rivalries. Her plots emphasize strategic conflict and high stakes, whether framed within fictional kingdoms or competitive school environments.
A central element of her work is the portrayal of queer relationships and nuanced character growth. Through works ranging from high fantasy to young adult comics, Pacat focuses on subverting traditional genre expectations while exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption.
Major Works
- Captive Prince — Originally self-published in February 2013 and published by Penguin Random House in 2015, this bestselling fantasy trilogy follows a fallen prince navigating political intrigue, captivity, and shifting alliances.
- Fence, Vol. 6: Redemption — A key entry in the GLAAD-nominated graphic novel series set at an elite boys' boarding school, focusing on competitive fencing, team rivalries, and evolving personal relationships.
- Dark Rise — A New York Times and USA Today bestselling young adult fantasy novel set in an alternate London where ancient magic and reawakened heroes confront looming darkness.
§All Books
Captive Prince
C.S. Pacat, 2013
270 ratings
Fence, Vol. 6: Redemption
C.S. Pacat, 2024
14 ratings