Picture an American storyteller who dives into ancient mysteries and thrilling adventures—meet David Wood! A USA Today bestselling author, Wood has hooked readers with his action-packed Dane Maddock Adventures series, weaving history, archaeology, and mythology into tales that feel like Indiana Jones meets Clive Cussler. From sunken treasures to legendary artifacts, his stories pulse with excitement and wit, drawing fans into a world where the past is never truly buried.
Based in the scenic hills of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Wood’s love for exploration fuels his writing. Whether he’s spelunking in caves or visiting historic ruins, his real-life adventures shape the vivid settings and intricate plots that make his books unputdownable. Let’s uncover the journey of this master of adventure fiction!
The Making of David Wood
Little is known about David Wood’s early years, but his passion for storytelling was sparked by a deep fascination with history, archaeology, and cryptozoology. Growing up, he devoured works like Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt Adventures and Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, which ignited his imagination. After honing his craft, Wood debuted as an author in 2007 with Dourado, the first novel in the Dane Maddock Adventures series. Leaving his day job in 2011 to write full-time, he embraced indie publishing, carving a niche in action-adventure fiction with a growing fanbase.
David Wood’s Unforgettable Stories
The Dane Maddock Adventures series is Wood’s crown jewel, following former Navy SEAL Dane Maddock and his wisecracking partner, Uriah “Bones” Bonebrake, as they hunt for lost treasures and unravel ancient secrets. Dourado kicks off the series with a quest for a sunken Biblical artifact, blending high-stakes action with historical intrigue. In Cibola, the duo searches for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola, navigating deadly ruins and cryptic clues across the American Southwest. Atlantis takes readers on a global race to uncover the truth behind the fabled lost city, packed with mythology and pulse-pounding twists.
Wood’s writing style is fast-paced and accessible, laced with humor and vivid historical details. His knack for blending speculative fiction with real-world archaeology makes his stories both thrilling and thought-provoking. Beyond Dane Maddock, Wood explores fantasy as David Debord with The Absent Gods series and pens science fiction as Finn Gray. Collaborations with authors like Sean Ellis and Alan Baxter expand his universe, offering fans novellas and spin-offs like the Jade Ihara Adventures.
His ability to craft relatable characters, like the banter-heavy Maddock and Bones, keeps readers coming back. Whether it’s decoding the Copper Scroll or battling shadowy organizations like the Dominion, Wood’s tales balance adventure with heart, earning praise for their “page-turning action” and “realistic characters.”
Why David Wood Matters
David Wood has carved a unique space in adventure fiction, bridging the gap between pulp adventure and modern thriller. His stories resonate with readers who crave escapism grounded in historical and mythological authenticity. As an indie author and co-founder of Gryphonwood Press, he’s championed small-press publishing, mentoring new writers and expanding his Dane Maddock universe through collaborations. His ThrillerCast podcast (formerly AuthorCast) connects him with fans and peers, showcasing his commitment to the literary community.
Wood’s influence lies in his ability to make ancient mysteries feel immediate and relevant, inspiring readers to explore history through a lens of adventure. His work reminds us that the past holds secrets waiting to be uncovered, delivered with a wink and a thrill.
- Born: Date unavailable; based in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Key Works: Dane Maddock Adventures, The Absent Gods (as David Debord)
- Notable: USA Today bestselling author, member of International Thriller Writers
Ready for a treasure hunt? Snag Dourado or Atlantis and dive into David Wood’s thrilling world of adventure!