Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum was working as an editor for Deseret Book Publishing when she wrote her first novel for young adults, The Hourglass Door, which is the first book in what will be a trilogy. The second book of the trilogy, The Golden Spiral, was released in May, 2010, and Mangum is currently working on the third book, to be called The Forgotten Locket, to be released in 2011.

The Hourglass Door won the 2009 Book of the Year for Young Adult Fiction, presented by ForeWord Reviews — a print magazine and online review service for readers, booksellers, book buyers, publishing insiders and librarians. Mangum's second book, The Golden Spiral, won the same award in 2011. [1]

Deseret News said of The Hourglass Door: "In a time when copycats abound, Mangum has created a unique story with interesting characters and an intriguing plot. And because “Hourglass” centers on relationships, fantastical elements feel believable rather than, well, fantastical."

“The Hourglass Door has everything: a heroine who is genuine, strong, and lovable; an interesting and compelling love story; gorgeous language, fast pacing, and an intricate and exciting plot. For readers who have been waiting for the next book to sweep them off their feet — this is it.” — Allyson Braithwaite Condie, author of the Yearbook trilogy.

The third book in the series, The Forgotten Locket, was published in 2011. She is also the author of stand-alone After Hello (2012).

Mangum has worked in the publishing department of Deseret Book since 1997, specializing in editing fiction for the Shadow Mountain imprint. She is currently an assistant editor. She has worked with New York Times best-selling authors Ally Condie, James Dashner, Jason F. Wright, and others. She also works with nonfiction titles and children’s picture books.

Her first paying job was shelving books at the Sandy City Library. She graduated with honors with an English degree from the University of Utah. She is the daughter of David and LaRene Gaunt. She lives in Taylorsville, Utah, with her husband, Tracy.