Picture a fantasy storyteller who spun epic tales from a life shaped by bookstores and geodesic domes—meet Alec Hutson! This American author, now enchanting readers from Shanghai, burst onto the scene with his bestselling debut, The Crimson Queen, crafting worlds where magic pulses and characters leap off the page. His journey from teaching to weaving intricate fantasy series has captivated fans worldwide.
Hutson’s stories blend classic epic fantasy with nuanced characters, offering a refreshing nod to traditional tales while carving his own path. With awards piling up and a knack for immersive world-building, he’s a name every fantasy lover should know.
The Making of Alec Hutson
Born in the U.S., Alec Hutson grew up in a quirky blend of a geodesic dome and a bookstore owned by his aunt in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Surrounded by books and inspired by authors like George R.R. Martin and Elizabeth Moon, he penned his first fantasy story in second grade. After college, Hutson moved to Shanghai to teach English, a leap that immersed him in a vibrant culture that would later fuel his vivid settings—like the dawn over Angkor Wat sparking The Crimson Queen.
While teaching, he honed his craft, eventually attending the Odyssey Writing Workshop in 2003. His debut novel took years to perfect, written during weekends and vacations, marking his shift from educator to full-time author after its surprising success.
Alec Hutson’s Unforgettable Stories
Hutson’s breakout, The Crimson Queen (2016), kicks off The Raveling series, a tale of a fishing village boy with strange powers and a queen reigniting magic in a twilight world. Its classic fantasy vibe, layered with complex characters, won the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award for Epic Fantasy and hit Amazon’s #1 bestseller spot. The trilogy continues with The Silver Sorceress (2018) and The Shadow King (2019), expanding the saga’s scope with rich lore.
The Swords and Saints series, starting with The Cleansing Flame (2020), follows a nameless warrior wielding a green glass sword across dying lands, blending sword-and-sorcery with interdimensional twists. The Sharded Few, led by The Umbral Storm (2022), explores warriors bonded with magical shards, earning praise for its fresh take on progression fantasy. His latest, The Pale Blade (2023), launches the Empire of Flame & Fang, weaving dragons and conquest into a thrilling narrative.
Hutson’s style shines through lush prose, intricate worlds, and characters who feel alive, balancing cozy familiarity with dangerous stakes. His love for classic fantasy shines, but he avoids grimdark’s nihilism, crafting hopeful yet thrilling tales.
Why Alec Hutson Matters
Alec Hutson has carved a niche in epic fantasy, blending nostalgic storytelling with modern depth. His self-published works, lauded for their polish, prove indie authors can rival traditional giants. Fans on platforms like Reddit call him underrated, praising his ability to weave wonder and adventure. His stories resonate globally, reflecting his diverse experiences in Asia and beyond.
With each series, Hutson pushes boundaries, from cosmic horrors in The Book of Zog to dragon-filled epics in The Pale Blade. He’s not just telling stories—he’s inviting readers to explore boundless imagination, making him a rising star in fantasy.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Crimson Queen, The Umbral Storm, The Pale Blade
- Awards: 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award for Epic Fantasy, #1 Amazon Bestseller
- Current Home: Shanghai, China
Ready to lose yourself in epic worlds? Snag The Crimson Queen and dive into Alec Hutson’s spellbinding fantasy!