Picture a Canadian storyteller who’s swung swords on stage, penned swashbuckling tales, and brought history to life with a flourish—meet Chris C.C. Humphreys! Known for his gripping historical fiction and adventurous fantasy, Humphreys, under his pen name C.C. Humphreys, weaves stories that pulse with action, romance, and meticulous historical detail. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to Viking-era mysticism, his novels captivate readers with their vivid characters and immersive worlds.
Born in Toronto and raised in Los Angeles and the UK, Humphreys carries a legacy of performance, with actor parents and grandparents who set the stage for his multifaceted career. His unique blend of theatrical flair and historical passion has made him a standout in historical fiction and young adult fantasy, earning accolades like the Arthur Ellis Award for his crime novel Plague.
The Making of Chris C.C. Humphreys
Chris Humphreys was born in Toronto, Canada, to a family steeped in the arts. His father, Peter Humphreys, was an actor and Battle of Britain pilot, while his mother, Ingegerd Holter, served as a spy in the Norwegian resistance. Raised in Los Angeles until age seven, he later moved to the UK, where his acting career took root. Humphreys performed in iconic roles like Hamlet and Jack Absolute in Sheridan’s The Rivals, honing the dramatic instincts that would shape his writing. His transition to novels began with a love for swashbuckling tales and history, fueled by his experiences as a fight choreographer and playwright.
Chris C.C. Humphreys’s Unforgettable Stories
Humphreys’s bibliography sparkles with variety, spanning historical fiction, fantasy, and crime. His Jack Absolute series, inspired by the roguish character from The Rivals, follows a daring British officer through the American Revolution. With titles like Jack Absolute and The Blooding of Jack Absolute, the series blends espionage, romance, and battle scenes with a wit that’s earned comparisons to Patrick O’Brian. Plague, a gripping tale of serial killers in 1665 London, won Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in 2015, showcasing his knack for dark, atmospheric storytelling.
Under his real name, Chris Humphreys, he penned The Runestone Saga, a young adult trilogy steeped in Norse mythology and time travel. Books like The Fetch captivate with their mystical charm, drawing readers into Viking legends. His fantasy series, Immortals’ Blood, starting with Smoke in the Glass, and the upcoming Tapestry Trilogy, reveal his versatility, blending epic stakes with rich world-building. Humphreys’s style—vivid, cinematic, and character-driven—brings history and myth to life, appealing to readers who crave adventure with a touch of heart.
Why Chris C.C. Humphreys Matters
Chris C.C. Humphreys has carved a niche in historical fiction by marrying theatrical energy with scholarly detail, making distant eras feel immediate and thrilling. His ability to craft heroes like Jack Absolute—flawed, funny, and fearless—resonates with readers seeking stories that balance action with emotional depth. His influence extends beyond books; his plays, like Shakespeare’s Rebel, have graced stages, and his audiobooks, often narrated by himself, bring his tales to new audiences. Humphreys’s work inspires a love for history and storytelling, proving that the past can pulse with modern relevance.
- Born: Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Jack Absolute, Plague, The Runestone Saga, Smoke in the Glass
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel (2015) for Plague
- Fun Fact: He’s a former schoolboy fencing champion!
Ready to leap into a world of spies, swords, and secrets? Snag Jack Absolute or Plague and dive into Chris C.C. Humphreys’s thrilling historical adventures!