Picture a storyteller weaving tales of mobsters, magicians, and demon-haunted underworlds—meet Craig Schaefer! This American author from Illinois has carved a niche in crime horror and urban fantasy, blending gritty noir with supernatural thrills. With series like Daniel Faust and the Revanche Cycle, Schaefer captivates readers who crave dark, thrilling adventures in richly imagined worlds.
From Las Vegas’s seedy underbelly to Renaissance-inspired realms, Schaefer’s stories pulse with black magic, political intrigue, and morally complex characters. His unique voice has earned a devoted following, making him a standout in modern fantasy literature. Ready to dive into his shadowy multiverse?
The Making of Craig Schaefer
Born and raised in Illinois, Craig Schaefer knew he wanted to be a writer by age four, though dreams of being a firefighter or astronaut briefly competed for his attention. Growing up, he devoured crime thrillers by Elmore Leonard and Richard Stark, later discovering the eerie worlds of H.P. Lovecraft and Clive Barker. These influences shaped his signature blend of gritty crime and supernatural horror. Schaefer didn’t publish until his forties, debuting with The Long Way Down in 2014, a late start that fueled his relentless work ethic—he writes eight hours a day, every day.
Craig Schaefer’s Unforgettable Stories
Schaefer’s Daniel Faust series is a pitch-dark urban fantasy following a sorcerer-conman navigating Las Vegas’s occult underworld. The Long Way Down introduces Faust, a morally ambiguous antihero facing demons, mobsters, and apocalyptic plots. Fans love its noir vibe, fast-paced heists, and witty dialogue, often comparing it to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files but with a grittier edge.
The Revanche Cycle, a four-book epic, trades Vegas for a Renaissance-inspired world of political intrigue and witchcraft. Winter’s Reach kicks off this saga, where characters like Livia Serafini and Felix Rossini grapple with power, betrayal, and revenge. Its multi-POV narrative and Game of Thrones-esque complexity showcase Schaefer’s knack for intricate plotting.
The Harmony Black series, a Daniel Faust spinoff, follows an FBI agent-witch hunting occult threats. Meanwhile, the Wisdom’s Grave trilogy ties these worlds together, revealing cosmic secrets through cursed heroines and interdimensional stakes. Schaefer’s style—vivid, violent, and character-driven—creates a shared multiverse where every series stands alone yet rewards dedicated readers with crossover Easter eggs.
Why Craig Schaefer Matters
Schaefer’s impact lies in his ability to merge genres, crafting stories that appeal to fans of crime, horror, and fantasy alike. His morally gray characters, like Daniel Faust and Livia Serafini, resonate with readers who enjoy flawed, relatable heroes. By building an interconnected multiverse, he offers a unique reading experience that feels both expansive and intimate. His prolific output—often three to four books a year—has built a loyal fanbase, with Reddit communities buzzing about his latest releases. Schaefer’s work proves that even late starters can leave a lasting mark on speculative fiction.
- Key Works: Daniel Faust series, Revanche Cycle, Harmony Black series, Wisdom’s Grave trilogy
- Genres: Urban fantasy, crime horror, dark fantasy
- Fun Fact: Schaefer lives with cats who try to sabotage his writing!
Snag The Long Way Down and dive into Craig Schaefer’s thrilling, shadowy multiverse today!