Picture a British storyteller who swapped archaeological digs for penning pulse-pounding adventures—meet Dan Hanks! From his home in the lush Peak District, this fantasy and horror maestro crafts tales brimming with archaeology, mythology, and razor-sharp wit. His debut, Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire, exploded onto the scene in 2020, hooking readers with its Indiana Jones-esque flair and a knack for turning ordinary folks into extraordinary heroes.
With a growing fanbase, Hanks’s unique blend of action, humor, and otherworldly intrigue has made him a standout in speculative fiction. Whether he’s battling undead pirates or unraveling ancient secrets, his stories are a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
The Making of Dan Hanks
Born in London, Dan Hanks grew up with a passion for stories that sparked his imagination. From the magical portals of Enid Blyton’s The Enchanted Wood to the cinematic thrills of Indiana Jones, his childhood was a treasure trove of inspiration. A trained archaeologist, Hanks lived everywhere from Sydney to Manchester, each move adding layers to his storytelling. His early writing, scribbled at age seven, mashed up movie plots with gleeful abandon, hinting at the genre-blending creativity that would define his career.
Before becoming a full-time author, Hanks honed his craft as a book reviewer, literary agency slush reader, and editor. These roles sharpened his eye for narrative, paving the way for his leap into publishing with Angry Robot Books. His global experiences and love for mythology continue to fuel his vibrant, immersive worlds.
Dan Hanks’s Unforgettable Stories
Hanks’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of fantasy, horror, and adventure, laced with sarcastic quips and heart. His debut, Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire (2020), follows ex-Spitfire pilot Samantha Moxley in a 1952 race to secure ancient keys to Atlantis, dodging Nazis and shadowy government agents. It’s a fast-paced love letter to classic adventure films, packed with seaplane fights and archaeological intrigue.
Swashbucklers (2021) takes a nostalgic turn, blending 80s adventure vibes with British folklore. A divorced dad returns to his hometown to battle an undead pirate, juggling parenting and world-saving with wry humor. Hanks’s latest, The Way Up Is Death (2025), is a chilling sci-fi thriller where thirteen strangers must ascend a mysterious tower in the sky or face doom. Each work showcases Hanks’s signature style: vivid world-building, relatable characters, and a knack for weaving serious themes—like resilience and nostalgia—into rollicking plots.
His influences, from Stephen King’s immersive worlds to the cinematic scope of The Mummy, shine through in his ability to balance tension and levity. Portals, a recurring motif, reflect his fascination with hidden worlds, inviting readers to step into the unknown.
Why Dan Hanks Matters
Dan Hanks is carving a unique niche in speculative fiction, blending the thrill of pulp adventures with modern sensibilities. His stories resonate with readers who crave escapism but appreciate grounded, flawed heroes. By infusing archaeology and mythology with humor and heart, he’s revitalizing classic genres for a new generation. His work also champions resilience, as seen in The Way Up Is Death, where characters band together against overwhelming odds, echoing today’s call for unity.
As an editor and co-founder of the OcTBR Challenge, Hanks uplifts the writing community, fostering camaraderie in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror (SFFH) world. His growing influence promises more boundary-pushing tales that will captivate and inspire.
- Born: London, United Kingdom
- Key Works: Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire, Swashbucklers, The Way Up Is Death
- Fun Fact: Hanks’s fluffy sidekicks, Indy and Maverick, keep him company while he writes!
Snag Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire and dive into Dan Hanks’s thrilling world of adventure and wit!