K.J. Parker

K.J. Parker is a highly acclaimed author in the fantasy genre, best known for their series such as The Siege, the Saloninus series, and The Two of Swords. Parker has been honored with two World Fantasy Awards, a testament to their storytelling prowess and creativity.

Parker is actually a pen name for the author Tom Holt, who kept their identity hidden for 17 years. Holt, who is also a well-known author of parody science fiction novels, decided to adopt the pseudonym K.J. Parker to explore different perspectives in the fantasy fiction genre. This allowed Holt to create a unique voice and style that is distinct from his other works.

According to biographical notes, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, an upbringing that had a significant influence on their writing. Before becoming a full-time author, Parker worked in various fields, including numismatics, journalism, and law. After retiring, Parker turned to writing and creating works of art from wood and metal. Parker is currently married to a solicitor and resides in southern England.

In 2015, Holt publicly admitted to being the person behind the K.J. Parker pseudonym, putting an end to the mystery surrounding the author's identity. Despite this revelation, Parker's works continue to be celebrated for their originality, depth, and engaging storytelling. Parker's writing has captivated readers and critics alike, earning a special place in the hearts of fantasy fiction enthusiasts.