Picture a British storyteller who conjured epic fantasy worlds from a pasty kiosk—meet Ben Galley! Born in 1987, this award-winning author and self-publishing guru has thrilled readers with dark, vivid tales like The Heart of Stone and the Chasing Graves trilogy. From his Vancouver hideout, Galley spins stories that blend gritty humanity with magical mayhem, earning him a devoted global following.
Galley’s not just a writer; he’s a mentor who’s reshaped indie publishing. With a knack for Nordic-inspired magic and complex characters, he’s a fantasy force to be reckoned with. Ready to dive into his wild worlds?
The Making of Ben Galley
Born in sunny England, Ben Galley grew up devouring J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Brothers Grimm tales. By age 13, he’d penned three (thankfully unpublished) books about anthropomorphic monkeys, honing his craft despite shaky grammar. A brief stint in the Royal Air Force fizzled when he realized military life wasn’t his vibe. Instead, music and odd jobs—like slinging pasties—kept him busy until his early 20s, when he returned to his childhood dream of writing epic fantasy.
At 23, after 18 months of scribbling while juggling bar gigs, Galley self-published his debut, The Written, in 2010. Inspired by his indie music roots, he applied DIY savvy to publishing, launching a career that’s since spanned over a dozen novels and countless speaking gigs.
Ben Galley’s Unforgettable Stories
Galley’s bibliography is a treasure trove of dark and epic fantasy. His debut, The Written, kicks off the Emaneska Series, a Nordic-inspired saga following mage Farden, whose tattooed spellbook fuels both power and peril. Packed with dragons, demons, and political intrigue, it’s a gritty love letter to classic fantasy.
The standalone The Heart of Stone (2017) is a standout, winning Best Self-Published Novel at the Booknest Fantasy Awards. It follows Task, a 400-year-old golem wrestling with his humanity in a war-torn realm. Galley’s Chasing Graves trilogy dives into a necromantic underworld, blending dark humor and moral ambiguity. His Scarlet Star trilogy, a weird western, fuses steampunk and magic, while the Scalussen Chronicles explore vengeance and redemption. Galley’s style—vivid, character-driven, and morally complex—makes every story a page-turner.
Themes of identity, sacrifice, and resilience shine through, often wrapped in inventive magic systems. Whether it’s a golem’s existential crisis or a mage’s descent into madness, Galley crafts worlds where no one escapes unscathed.
Why Ben Galley Matters
Ben Galley’s impact stretches beyond his books. As a self-publishing pioneer, he’s empowered countless authors through his consultancy, Shelf Help, and talks at venues like the London Book Fair and Book Expo America. His DIY approach—honed in the indie publishing “Wild West” of 2010—has inspired a generation of writers to take control of their careers.
For readers, Galley’s stories offer escapism with depth, tackling human struggles in fantastical settings. His ability to blend raw emotion with epic stakes has earned praise from peers like John Gwynne and fans who liken his work to Tolkien and Gemmell. From Vancouver’s wilds, Galley continues to shape fantasy’s future, one dark tale at a time.
About Ben Galley
- Born: 1987 in England
- Key Works: The Written, The Heart of Stone, Chasing Graves, Scarlet Star
- Awards: Best Self-Published Novel (Booknest Fantasy Awards, 2017), Library Journal’s Indie eBook of the Year (Bloodrush)
- Fun Fact: Owns an acre of the moon!
Snag The Heart of Stone or The Written and dive into Ben Galley’s thrilling fantasy worlds today!