Picture a Charlotte-born storyteller who swapped courtrooms for cliffhangers, crafting tales that keep teens up past midnight—meet Brendan Reichs! A master of young adult fantasy and thrilling sci-fi, Reichs hooks readers with his pulse-pounding series like Project Nemesis, Virals, and DarkDeep. His knack for blending mystery, conspiracy, and heart makes him a standout in YA literature.
From his North Carolina roots to his role as a literary festival board member, Reichs’s journey is as gripping as his novels. Let’s dive into the life and works of this dynamic author whose stories spark imaginations worldwide.
The Making of Brendan Reichs
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brendan Reichs grew up as a proud Myers Park Eagle and South Meck Sabre. He studied at Wake Forest University before earning a law degree from George Washington University School of Law. For three years, he tackled the high-stakes world of litigation, but his heart wasn’t in it. Inspired by a love for storytelling, Reichs left law to pursue writing full-time, later earning an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. His transition from attorney to author was fueled by a passion for crafting tales that resonate with young readers.
Brendan Reichs’s Unforgettable Stories
Reichs’s bibliography is a treasure trove of suspense and imagination. His Project Nemesis series, starting with the 2017 New York Times bestseller Nemesis, follows teens Min and Noah navigating a deadly conspiracy tied to a world-ending asteroid. Critics praise its fast-paced, twist-filled narrative, comparing it to Orphan Black meets Lord of the Flies. The trilogy continues with Genesis (2018) and Chrysalis (2019), each ramping up the stakes.
Co-authored with his mother, Kathy Reichs, the Virals series blends science fiction and crime, following Tory Brennan and her team of super-sensed teens solving mysteries. This six-volume saga, including titles like Code and Terminal, has won international acclaim. Meanwhile, Reichs teamed up with Ally Condie for the DarkDeep series, a middle-grade adventure where kids uncover a mysterious portal that brings their fears to life. Books like The DarkDeep (2018) and The Beast (2019) channel Stranger Things vibes with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Reichs’s style is electric—think heart-pounding action, layered characters, and mysteries that unravel with every page. His themes of survival, identity, and teamwork resonate deeply with young readers, making his books both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Brendan Reichs Matters
Brendan Reichs isn’t just an author; he’s a champion of young adult literature. As a board member for YALLWEST and YALLFEST, two of the largest YA literary festivals, he connects authors and readers, fostering a vibrant community. His work inspires teens to embrace their curiosity and resilience, while his genre-blending stories push the boundaries of YA fiction. Reichs’s ability to craft relatable characters facing extraordinary challenges has earned him a loyal fanbase and critical praise, cementing his place in the literary world.
About Brendan Reichs
- Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Key Works: Project Nemesis, Virals, DarkDeep, Clark & Lex (DC Comics graphic novel)
- Education: Wake Forest University, George Washington University School of Law, Vermont College of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Notable Role: Executive Board Member, YALLWEST and YALLFEST
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag Nemesis or The DarkDeep and dive into Brendan Reichs’s electrifying world of mystery and adventure!