Steve Aryan
Steve Aryan is represented by Juliet Mushens
Stephen Aryan grew up in the North-East of England but now lives in the West Midlands where he works part-time in marketing. He’s been an avid fantasy reader since an early age, as well as a fan of myths and legends from around the world. The work of David Gemmell was a significant influence in his teens and continues to be a major factor in Stephen’s writing to date.
His debut trilogy, Age of Darkness, starts with Battlemage, which was published in 2015 by Orbit UK and Orbit US. Battlemage was a finalist for the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for best debut fantasy novel in 2016. Battlemage won the inaugural Hellfest Inferno prize in 2017, organised by French publisher, Bragelonne, and the Hellfest Open Air Festival. The sequel, Bloodmage, was published in April 2016, and the final instalment, Chaosmage, was published in October 2016. His second trilogy from Orbit, Age of Dread, started with Mageborn in October 2017 and was followed by Magefall in September 2018 and Magebane in August 2019.
The first book in his The Quest for Heroes duology, The Coward, was published by Angry Robot Books in June 2021. The second book, The Warrior, was published in July 2022. Stephen’s latest novel, The Judas Blossom, was published in July 2023 with Angry Robot.
Praise for Battlemage:
‘This is epic fantasy for readers who appreciate extra helpings of carnage with their backstabbing.’ — Publishers Weekly
‘Aryan's battle scenes are visceral masterpieces that transport the reader deep into the melee. Read. This. Book.’ —Taran Matharu, author of the Summoner series
‘Stephen Aryan puts the epic into Epic Fantasy. This is a ground-shaking debut, full of fiery promise.’ — Den Patrick, author of The Boy with the Porcelain Blade
‘A vivid and rousing adventure with the kind of magic that punches you right in the face.’ — Jen Williams, author of The Copper Promise
Praise for Mageborn:
‘A propulsive combination of thrills, mystery, and magic.’ — Barnes and Noble Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog
‘[Stephen Aryan] enlivens his tale with abundant politics, intrigues, double-crossings, and plot twists to keep the pacing brisk and whet readers' appetites for future installments.’ — Publishers Weekly
Rights sold:
The Age of Darkness trilogy: Orbit (UK), Bragelonne (France), Piper (Germany), AST (Russia)
The Age of Dread trilogy: Orbit (UK)
The Quest for Heroes duology: Angry Robot Books (WEL)
The Judas Blossom: Angry Robot Books (WEL) and Kariera (Russia).