Gregory Keyes, also known as J. Gregory Keyes, is a distinguished author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on April 11, 1963, to a large and diverse family who were all storytellers. Keyes' love for reading and writing began at an early age, inspired by his mother who read to him frequently. This passion for storytelling was further nurtured by his experiences growing up in the forests of Mississippi and the red-rock cliffs of the Navajo Nation, where his father worked. Keyes took advantage of public libraries and bookmobiles to read extensively, developing a particular interest in science fiction, folktales, and mythology.
Keyes pursued his love for storytelling and knowledge by earning degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as an archaeologist, traveled, played strange and violent games, learned to play music, and worked as a night guard and ironing newspapers. His varied experiences and education have greatly influenced his writing, providing rich and diverse source material for his novels.
In 1996, Keyes realized his dream of becoming a published author with the publication of his first novel, The Waterborn. Since then, he has published over thirty books, including original series such as Children of the Changing, The Age of Unreason, and The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, as well as stand-alone books like The Hounds of Ash and Footsteps in the Sky. Keyes has also contributed to other universes, writing books for Babylon 5, Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Pacific Rim, The Elder Scrolls, XCOM, Independence Day, and Marvel's Avengers, and novelizing the films Interstellar, Godzilla King of the Monsters, and Godzilla vs Kong. He recently scripted his first graphic novel, Godzilla Vs. Kong: Dominion. Keyes is currently finishing the third book in his newest trilogy, The High and Faraway. He lives in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife Nell, son John, daughter Lilith, and a small pack of dogs.