We are deeply saddened to share that Olivia Levez, the critically acclaimed author of young adult novels including The Island, The Circus and Silver, has died following a serious illness.
Levez published The Island and The Circus with Rock the Boat, and Silver with Hot Key Books. Her work was widely praised for its emotional depth, lyricism and powerful exploration of human connection, earning her a devoted readership within the YA community.
Before becoming a writer, Levez spent many years teaching English at a secondary school. She later worked freelance as an author, tutor and mentor to students, and co-ran writing retreats with Inkwell, supporting and inspiring emerging writers. She lived in the Midlands and loved walking on the Malvern Hills, a landscape that often informed the reflective and atmospheric quality of her work.
Clare Wallace, managing director and literary agent at Darley Anderson Children’s Agency said: “Olivia was one of my first clients and I’ve had the honour of knowing and working with her for over a decade. Olivia had a voice like no other and wrote with acute humanity. She wrote about the power of love and, unafraid to take her writing into the dark, always found beauty and light. Olivia was an incredible woman, inherently kind and extremely perceptive, a friend, and an exceptional writer. I’m devastated by her loss and my heart is with her family, her friends, her publishers. We will all miss her so much.”
Ella Whiddett, editorial director at Hot Key Books, said: “I am truly heartbroken by the loss of Olivia Levez, a kind, thoughtful and empathetic woman who I had the genuine pleasure of working with in recent years. She had a rare and electrifying way with words, bringing extraordinary care and insight to her storytelling. Silver was the book of her heart, and it was a privilege to watch her shape it into something so special. I hope readers continue to discover and cherish her work for many years to come. I will miss her greatly, and my thoughts are with her family and friends, and with the Darley Anderson team.”
Juliet Mabey and Shadi Doostdar, publisher and editorial director at Rock the Boat, said: “Oneworld’s children’s list, Rock the Boat, had the absolute privilege of publishing Olivia’s first two YA novels, The Island and The Circus. Olivia threw herself into their promotion, organising a popular launch at Birmingham’s Waterstones, brilliantly supported by her mother’s fantastic refreshments. She also gathered together several debut authors for a UK tour, and took part in school events, where her experience as a primary school teacher shone through. She even made fun video content (such as how to make a bra shoe), well before this kind of promotion was mainstream. Olivia was a joy to work with and will be missed by all at Oneworld.”
At the request of Levez’s family, Hot Key would like to share a line from Silver:
“I am only dazzle. I dance, silver notes dispersing over the hills, whirling about the leaves, the underbellies of birds. I am light as larksong, free as trees.”
