Curtis C. Chen

Curtis C. Chen is a Taiwanese-American author who is well-known for his science fiction and fantasy novels, particularly the Kangaroo series. Prior to becoming a novelist, Chen worked as a software engineer in Silicon Valley. His short stories have been featured in various publications such as Playboy Magazine, Daily Science Fiction, Mission: Tomorrow, and Oregon Reads Aloud. Chen is a graduate of the Clarion West and Viable Paradise writers' workshops, which provided him with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish himself as a successful author. He currently resides near Portland, Oregon.

In addition to his work as a novelist, Chen has also written short stories and nonfiction pieces. His writing has been published both online and in print, demonstrating his versatility as a writer. Chen's experience in Silicon Valley has provided him with a unique perspective that is often reflected in his work. His ability to combine elements of science fiction and humor has resulted in a distinctive writing style that has resonated with readers.

Chen's debut novel, Waypoint Kangaroo, is a science fiction thriller that follows the story of a superpowered spy on a mission to relax and enjoy his vacation. The novel was a finalist for the 2017 Locus Awards and the Endeavour Award, further solidifying Chen's reputation as a talented writer. The sequel, Kangaroo Too, takes the series to new heights by sending the protagonist to the Moon to uncover long-buried secrets.

In addition to his work as a writer, Chen is also known for his puzzle games. He runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon, and has hidden puzzles in the covers of his Kangaroo book series. These puzzles provide an added layer of enjoyment for readers, allowing them to engage with the story in a unique and interactive way. Chen's passion for puzzles is yet another example of his creativity and innovation as a writer and artist.
Kangaroo Books
# Title Year
1 Waypoint Kangaroo 2016
2 Kangaroo Too 2017
Aliens (Bantam) Books (with Various Various, with William Gibson, with Maurice Broaddus, with Sam Kieth, with Delilah S. Dawson, with Bryan Thomas Schmidt, with Scott Sigler, with Robert Sheckley, with Yvonne Navarro, with David Bischoff, with Steve Perry, with Ian Edginton, with Mark Verheiden, with David Barnett, with Chris Ryall, with Mira Grant, with E.C. Myers, with Steven L. Sears, with Jess Landry, with Alex White, with S.D. Perry, with William Simpson, with B.K. Evenson, with V. Castro, with Susanne L. Lambdin, with Paul Monette, with Roshni "Rush" Bhatia, with Louis Ozawa)
# Title Year
1 Predator 1987
2 Earth War 1990
3 Earth Hive 1992
4 Nightmare Asylum 1993
5 The Female War 1993
6 Genocide 1993
7 Alien Harvest 1994
8 Rogue 1995
9 The Labyrinth 1996
10 Music Of The Spears 1996
11 Female War 1997
12 Berserker 1998
13 The Complete Predator Omnibus 2018
14 Hairspray and Switchblades 2020
15 Alien: Phalanx 2020
16 Vasquez 2022
Curtis C. Chen Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Thursday's Children: Flash Fiction from 512 Words or Fewer 2014
2 Leading Edge, Issue 65: Blue Glow 2014
3 SNAFU: An Anthology of Military Horror 2014
4 2016 Young Explorer's Adventure Guide 2015
5 Oregon Reads Aloud of 25 Children's Stories by Oregon Authors and Illustrators 2016
6 Infinite Stars 2019
7 Devil's Ways 2020
8 Ninth Step Murders: The Complete Season 1 2023
9 Ninth Step Murders: The Complete Season 2 2023