Joseph Malik is an author known for his military fantasy novels, blending firsthand combat expertise with immersive storytelling. His debut novel, "Dragon’s Trail," sold over 10,000 copies in eighteen months and earned critical acclaim, qualifying him for the 2017 and 2018 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction and Fantasy. The book became a #1 Kindle bestseller in Epic Fantasy in the U.S., Australia, and Canada, while its sequel, "The New Magic," reached the Kindle Epic Fantasy Top 50 New Releases and ranked #23 on Goodreads’ Hugo Award recommendation list.
Raised in a traditional Blackfeet household in East Glacier, Montana, Malik draws from his extensive military and survival experience to craft authentic action sequences and tactical realism. A medically retired U.S. Army veteran, his assignments included USSOCOM, USASOC, and the Defense Intelligence Agency, with training stints at the French Foreign Legion Desert Commando School. His hands-on knowledge of edged weaponry, warfighting, and outdoor survival informs his writing, lending credibility to his portrayal of armored combat and special operations.
Malik holds a B.A. in English from the University of Washington and studied counterintelligence at American Military University. A frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, he is recognized for his expertise in both storytelling and practical combat techniques. He resides with his wife on Puget Sound, where they homestead. His forthcoming work, "I Wrote a Novel About a Woke Special Ops Team and Broke the Brains of People who Failed the ASVAB: A Memoir," continues his tradition of blending sharp wit with military insight.