Picture an American storyteller who turned a role-playing game into a galaxy-spanning epic—meet Daniel Abraham! Born in 1969, this versatile author has woven tales of fantasy and science fiction under multiple pen names, captivating readers with his intricate worlds and compelling characters. Best known for co-authoring The Expanse as James S.A. Corey, Abraham’s work bridges books, comics, and TV, making him a titan of speculative fiction.
The Making of Daniel Abraham
Daniel James Abraham was born on November 14, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he still resides. A biology graduate from the University of New Mexico, he spent a decade in tech support before diving into writing full-time. His early career was shaped by mentorship from sci-fi and fantasy luminaries like Fred Saberhagen and his participation in the 1998 Clarion West Writers Workshop, which honed his craft. Abraham’s first published story, 'Mixing Rebecca,' appeared in 1996, marking the start of a prolific journey.
Daniel Abraham’s Unforgettable Stories
Abraham’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genre-blending brilliance. His debut series, The Long Price Quartet (2006–2009), is a lyrical fantasy epic exploring magic, commerce, and betrayal in an Asian-inspired world. The Dagger and the Coin (2011–2016) blends gritty politics and economic intrigue with classic fantasy, earning praise for its complex characters. As James S.A. Corey, Abraham and Ty Franck crafted The Expanse (2011–2021), a Hugo-winning space opera that began as a role-playing game and grew into nine novels and a hit TV series (2015–2022). Under the pseudonym M.L.N. Hanover, he penned the urban fantasy Black Sun’s Daughter series, showcasing his knack for noir-tinged supernatural tales. Abraham’s style—marked by deep world-building, morally gray characters, and sharp prose—makes every story feel alive.
His collaborations extend beyond novels. With George R.R. Martin, he adapted A Game of Thrones into a graphic novel and co-wrote the sci-fi novel Hunter’s Run (2007). His short stories, collected in Leviathan Wept and Other Stories (2010), have earned nominations for Nebula and Hugo Awards, reflecting his versatility across formats.
Why Daniel Abraham Matters
Daniel Abraham’s impact on speculative fiction is profound. The Expanse revitalized space opera, inspiring new voices and proving the genre’s commercial viability. Its TV adaptation, with Abraham as a writer and producer, brought hard sci-fi to a global audience, blending political intrigue with human drama. His fantasy series, praised by authors like George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson, challenge genre norms with innovative structures and diverse influences. Abraham’s ability to juggle multiple pen names and media—novels, comics, TV—sets him apart as a storyteller who shapes culture while staying true to his craft.
- About Daniel Abraham
- Born: November 14, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Key Works: The Expanse, The Long Price Quartet, The Dagger and the Coin
- Awards: Hugo Award for Best Series (2020, The Expanse), International Horror Guild Award (2005, 'Flat Diane')
- Pen Names: James S.A. Corey, M.L.N. Hanover
Ready to explore uncharted worlds? Snag Leviathan Wakes or A Shadow in Summer and dive into Daniel Abraham’s thrilling blend of sci-fi and fantasy!