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
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
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)
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
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
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
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