Zeba Shahnaz Books in Order

Need a complete list of Zeba Shahnaz books in order? This complete reading order guide covers all the books from first to latest, and is always updated so you won’t miss a release!

Zeba Shahnaz is a fresh and powerful voice in the world of young adult fantasy fiction. With her debut novel Midnight Strikes, published in 2023, she quickly proved herself to be a writer with something meaningful to say. Her stories are rich with political intrigue, romance, time-bending twists, and just the right amount of emotional depth. She writes the kind of books that keep you turning the pages long after midnight—books that challenge your heart and mind at the same time.

A proud Pakistani American, Zeba brings a unique perspective to the YA fantasy genre. She grew up in New Jersey, where stories first captured her imagination. Although she has tried to escape the state (her words, not ours!), she still finds herself pulled back to her roots. Today, she splits her time between New Jersey and Washington D.C., where she works in research. But even with a busy professional life, storytelling remains at the center of who she is.

Zeba’s academic background is just as impressive as her creative one. She studied history in college and later earned a master’s degree in South Asian studies. That academic curiosity—especially her passion for culture, identity, and narrative—shines through in her fiction. Her writing is layered and thoughtful, with rich world-building and characters who feel incredibly real. Her stories often explore deeper themes like power, memory, and the way history repeats itself, all without losing the magic that makes fantasy so enjoyable.

Even though she has been writing for much of her life, Zeba’s journey to publishing wasn’t easy. Like many writers, she struggled for years to finish a manuscript she believed in. Many projects came close, but she would eventually abandon them. That all changed in 2018 when an idea struck her—a time loop fantasy that would become Midnight Strikes. She knew from the beginning it would be a challenge. Writing a time loop story required careful plotting and stepping out of her comfort zone. But this time, she didn’t give up. She poured her heart into the project and ended up with a 150,000-word draft.

What followed was more than a year of intense revision. Zeba went through five full rounds of edits with critique partners and spent months polishing just the first two chapters. Her dedication paid off. When she finally queried again, she signed with an agent who was confident the manuscript was ready. Shortly after, one of her dream publishers made an offer. It was the moment she had been working toward for so long.

Zeba often credits the writing communities and critique groups she’s been a part of over the years for keeping her going. These spaces gave her encouragement, tough feedback, and friendships with fellow writers who understand the highs and lows of the creative process. Now, she gives back by mentoring new writers—especially Muslim and BIPOC voices—who are breaking into the fantasy world. She’s especially passionate about crossover and upper YA fantasy, and loves helping writers develop strong character arcs, emotional depth, and powerful romantic subplots.

Beyond writing, Zeba is a passionate reader. Her favorite books are usually ones with strong narrative voices, immersive worlds, and moving characters. She loves the work of authors like Leigh Bardugo, Naomi Novik, Megan Whalen Turner, and Catherynne Valente. She’s also a huge fan of film and television, enjoying everything from The Bachelor and The Americans to Knives Out, Pride and Prejudice, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Zeba Shahnaz may have started her career with a single book, but it’s clear that her voice is one that will be around for a long time. With her sharp mind, emotional insight, and love for storytelling, she’s one of the most exciting new authors in YA fantasy today. If you love stories that mix romance, danger, and depth, then Zeba’s books are absolutely worth exploring.