ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meet Tonimaria Anne Hawkins
Toni Hawkins was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. She discovered her passion for writing at age twelve. She started writing her stories of mystery, fantasy, and the supernatural, inspired by reading short stories in middle school and encouraged by her teacher’s belief in her talent. Today, Toni is best known as the international bestselling author of The Gifted Series, a thrilling mix of urban fantasy, drama, and coming-of-age stories. She explores themes of power, identity, family legacy, and the fight between light and darkness through her work. Her stories carry influence from iconic authors like Stephen King, Toni Morrison, and J.K. Rowling, but her voice remains uniquely her own. Outside of her writing, Toni dedicates her time to the church community, enjoys the suspense of American Horror Story, and expresses her creativity through baking. She holds a degree from the University of Maryland and is a proud member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.
A Journey of word and will
Every story I write begins long before the first page. It started with quiet nights, strong faith, and the people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Writing wasn’t always easy, but it was always home.
01
Where It All Began
In middle school, an English teacher asked us to write a short story. I didn’t know it then, but that assignment would change everything. For the first time, I felt what it was like to create something truly my own. That moment lit a spark that has burned ever since.
02
Discovering My Inspirations
My teen years introduced me to the kind of books that consume you. Writers like Stephenie Meyer, Charlaine Harris, and James Patterson didn’t just tell stories that built entire universes. I didn’t just admire them. I wanted to do what they did.
03
The Beginning of the Legacy
One night, an idea wouldn’t leave me alone. I jotted it down, and it grew into what would become The Gifted Series. It was raw, real, and messy, but it was mine. That story, and the characters within it, made me realize that I was capable of more than I imagined.
04
The Story That Reached the World
Today, my writing has traveled far beyond what I once imagined, finding its place on shelves, in hands, and hearts across the globe. Connecting with readers who resonate with my characters is the most fulfilling part of this journey. And as I continue creating, I’m more inspired than ever to keep pushing boundaries.
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A Different Kind of Magic, A Different Kind of Story
At its core, The Gifted Series is about identity, discovering it, accepting it, and learning how to wield it. While the story is filled with witches, visions, and danger, what keeps readers hooked is the deeply human journey underneath.
It’s a fantasy that held a mirror to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong and leaves echoes long after the story ends.
- Serenity’s past shapes her, but her choices define her.
- Flawed, human characters finding their way.
- Darkness mirrors fear, trauma, and control.
- Stories that linger long after the last page.