Kacen Callender, born Kheryn Callender on September 19, 1989, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is an acclaimed author known for their impactful works in children’s and young adult literature. They gained recognition with their debut novel, Hurricane Child (2018), which won the Stonewall Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award. Callender’s writing often explores themes of identity, race, and belonging, reflecting their own experiences as a Black, queer, and trans individual. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Japanese from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from The New School. In addition to their literary achievements, Callender has been active in community support efforts, notably raising funds for Hurricane Irma relief in 2018. Their notable works include Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, and the Islands of Blood and Storm series. Currently residing in Philadelphia, Callender continues to inspire readers with their diverse storytelling.
Adrian Tchaikovsky Books
in Science Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Speculative FictionAdrian Tchaikovsky, born Adrian Czajkowski on June 14, 1972, in Woodhall Spa, England, is a renowned British author celebrated for his contributions to the fantasy and science fiction genres. He studied psychology and zoology at the University of Reading, which greatly influenced his writing, particularly in exploring themes of evolution and the natural world. Tchaikovsky’s debut novel, Empire in Black and Gold, was published in 2008 after years of striving to become a published author. He gained widespread acclaim with his novel Children of Time (2015), which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and established him as a significant voice in speculative fiction. His works often feature intricate world-building and complex characters, as seen in series such as Shadows of the Apt and Children of Time. Tchaikovsky currently resides in Leeds with his family and continues to write full-time, having received an honorary doctorate from the University of Lincoln in 2019.
Robin Hobb Books
in Fantasy, Character-Driven Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Speculative FictionMargaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden, known by her pen names Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm, was born on March 5, 1952, in Oakland, California. She spent her early years in Alaska, where her love for nature and self-sufficiency blossomed, significantly influencing her writing. Hobb began her literary career in the 1970s, initially publishing under the name Megan Lindholm with works that included urban fantasy and science fiction. However, she gained widespread acclaim after adopting the pen name Robin Hobb and publishing Assassin’s Apprentice in 1995, the first book in the acclaimed Farseer Trilogy. This marked the beginning of her expansive Realm of the Elderlings series, which includes multiple trilogies such as The Liveship Traders and The Tawny Man. Hobb’s intricate storytelling and deep character development have earned her numerous awards and a dedicated readership worldwide. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she continues to write and explore themes of identity, magic, and the human experience.
Steven Erikson Books
in Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Speculative FictionSteven Erikson, born Steve Rune Lundin on October 7, 1959, in Toronto, Canada, is a celebrated fantasy author best known for his epic ten-volume series, Malazan Book of the Fallen. Educated as an archaeologist and anthropologist, Erikson’s diverse background informs his intricate world-building and complex narratives. He began his writing career in the early 1990s and achieved significant acclaim with his debut novel, Gardens of the Moon, published in 1999. This series has garnered a dedicated following and is often hailed as one of the most significant works in modern fantasy literature. Erikson’s writing is characterized by its depth, rich characterizations, and philosophical themes. He has lived in various places, including Cornwall, UK, but eventually returned to Winnipeg, where he continues to write and create expansive fictional worlds.
Garth Nix Books
in Fantasy, Children's Literature, Short Stories, Speculative Fiction, Young Adult FictionGarth Nix, born on July 19, 1963, in Melbourne, Australia, is a renowned author celebrated for his contributions to children’s and young adult fantasy literature. He grew up in Canberra and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing at the University of Canberra. Nix’s writing career took off with the publication of his first novel, The Ragwitch, in 1990, but he gained widespread acclaim with his Old Kingdom series, starting with Sabriel in 1995. Over the years, he has published numerous bestselling works, including the Keys to the Kingdom and The Seventh Tower series, selling over five million copies globally. Nix has also worked as a literary agent, editor, and marketing consultant, and he currently resides in Sydney with his family. His engaging storytelling and imaginative worlds have made him a significant figure in contemporary fantasy literature.
Will Wight Books
in Fantasy, GameLit, Science Fiction, Short StoriesWilliam Lawrence Wight III, born on August 11, 1989, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an acclaimed American author known for his contributions to the fantasy genre. He gained significant recognition for his independently published Cradle series, which has topped bestseller lists, including the New York Times and Amazon Kindle Store. Wight graduated with a B.A. in 2011 and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing in 2013 from the University of Central Florida, where he began self-publishing his works. His debut series, Traveler’s Gate, launched his career in 2013, leading him to establish Hidden Gnome Publishing to manage his growing body of work. Notable for blending traditional fantasy with elements of GameLit and progression fantasy, Wight has garnered a dedicated readership and multiple awards, including the Stabby Award for Best Self-Published Novel. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida, where he continues to write and expand his literary universe.
Penelope Ward Books
in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Short StoriesPenelope Ward is a bestselling American author known for her captivating contemporary romance novels. Born on July 10, 1975, in Boston, Massachusetts, she grew up with five older brothers, which influenced her storytelling and character development. Before becoming a full-time writer, Ward spent her twenties as a television news anchor. She gained significant recognition with her fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, which became the #1 independently published Kindle ebook of the year in 2014 and helped ignite a new subgenre of romance. With over forty novels to her name and numerous titles appearing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, Ward’s work has been translated into multiple languages and has garnered a dedicated global readership. She resides in Rhode Island with her husband and children, including a daughter with autism, who inspired the character Callie in her novel Gemini.
Vi Keeland Books
in Contemporary RomanceVi Keeland is a bestselling American author renowned for her captivating contemporary romance novels. Born and raised in New York, she began her writing career after being inspired to publish her debut novel, First Thing I See, in 2013, following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Since then, she has achieved remarkable success, with numerous titles hitting the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, including the #1 hit Bossman. Keeland’s engaging storytelling and dynamic characters have resonated with readers worldwide, leading to translations in over twenty-seven languages. Before becoming a full-time author, she practiced law as a tax attorney. Now residing on Long Island with her husband and three children, Keeland continues to inspire aspiring writers through her journey from attorney to literary sensation.
Lucy Holland Books
in Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Mythological FantasyLucy Holland, born in April 1986, is a British author renowned for her contributions to the fantasy genre, particularly historical and mythological fantasy. She initially trained as an actress and dancer but found her true calling in writing, influenced by literary giants such as Tolkien and Terry Pratchett. Holland is best known for her bestselling novel Sistersong (2021), which draws inspiration from British folklore, and its follow-up, Song of the Huntress (2024). Under the name Lucy Hounsom, she authored the Worldmaker Trilogy, which includes Starborn, Heartland, and Firestorm. In addition to her writing, Holland co-hosts the award-winning feminist podcast Breaking the Glass Slipper, where she advocates for marginalized voices in speculative fiction. She resides in Devon, where the rich history and legends of the West Country significantly influence her work.
Kacen Callender Books
in Fantasy, Children's Literature, Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult FictionKacen Callender, born Kheryn Callender on September 19, 1989, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is an acclaimed author known for their impactful works in children’s and young adult literature. They gained recognition with their debut novel, Hurricane Child (2018), which won the Stonewall Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award. Callender’s writing often explores themes of identity, race, and belonging, reflecting their own experiences as a Black, queer, and trans individual. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Japanese from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from The New School. In addition to their literary achievements, Callender has been active in community support efforts, notably raising funds for Hurricane Irma relief in 2018. Their notable works include Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, and the Islands of Blood and Storm series. Currently residing in Philadelphia, Callender continues to inspire readers with their diverse storytelling.
Emily Rath Books
in Fantasy, Finnish Mythology, Historical Romance, New Adult Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Sports RomanceEmily Rath is an American author known for her romance and fantasy novels. She grew up in Northern Kentucky and developed a passion for writing from a young age. Rath pursued higher education, earning a BA in political science and philosophy, as well as a PhD in peace studies and political science, specializing in African politics. Her time living in Malawi reignited her love for writing. Now a full-time author based in Florida, Rath has gained recognition for her works, including the Second Sons series and the Jacksonville Rays series. Her debut novel, “Beautiful Things,” became an Amazon top 100 bestseller in Regency and Bisexual romance categories. Rath’s books are characterized by their blend of humor, spice, and diverse characters, often featuring LGBTQ+ themes. When not writing, she enjoys exploring local beaches with her family, searching for shark teeth.