Picture an American storyteller who weaves history, mystery, and magic into spellbinding tales—meet D.B. Jackson! Writing under the pseudonym of David B. Coe, Jackson is the mastermind behind the acclaimed Thieftaker Chronicles and Islevale Cycle, blending historical fantasy with gritty intrigue. With a Ph.D. in American history, he crafts worlds so vivid you’ll swear you’re strolling through colonial Boston or time-traveling across Islevale’s islands.
Jackson’s stories aren’t just books—they’re portals to worlds where conjurers solve crimes and time travelers reshape destinies. His unique blend of genres has captivated readers in over a dozen languages, earning praise for its rich detail and gripping narratives. Ready to dive into his magical universe? Let’s explore the man and his stories!
The Making of D.B. Jackson
Born in New York, David B. Coe—aka D.B. Jackson—grew up with a wanderlust that took him from New England to Australia. A Brown University grad, he dabbled in political consulting before earning a Ph.D. in American history from Stanford. His love for storytelling began early, penning tales about lonely fish as a child. After flirting with academia, he returned to his first love: crafting fantasy. As D.B. Jackson, he combined his historical expertise with a passion for magic, launching his career with the Thieftaker Chronicles in 2012.
D.B. Jackson’s Unforgettable Stories
Jackson’s Thieftaker Chronicles, set in pre-Revolutionary Boston, follow Ethan Kaille, a thieftaker and conjurer navigating a city on the brink of rebellion. The series—starting with Thieftaker (2012) and continuing through Thieves’ Quarry, A Plunder of Souls, and Dead Man’s Reach—blends urban fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction. Critics praise its vivid setting and complex hero, with Kirkus Reviews calling Dead Man’s Reach “thoroughly engrossing.”
The Islevale Cycle, a time-travel epic, showcases Jackson’s versatility. Kicking off with Time’s Children (2018), which earned a starred Publisher’s Weekly review, the series follows Tobias Doljan, a young time-walker altering history to save his world. Time’s Demon and Time’s Assassin round out the trilogy, blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. Jackson’s style is immersive, weaving meticulous historical detail with magical systems that feel both fresh and plausible.
Beyond these, Jackson’s written over two dozen books, including the Crawford Award-winning LonTobyn Chronicle (as David B. Coe) and the Celtic-inspired Chalice War trilogy. His knack for blending genres—history, fantasy, mystery—creates stories that appeal to fans of Jim Butcher and Kate Elliott alike.
Why D.B. Jackson Matters
Jackson’s work reshapes historical fantasy by grounding it in real-world grit and moral complexity. His heroes, like Ethan Kaille, aren’t flawless; they’re flawed, relatable figures wrestling with tough choices. This resonates with readers, as does his ability to make 18th-century Boston or fictional Islevale feel alive. Translated into over a dozen languages, his stories have global reach, inspiring fans to explore history through a magical lens.
His influence extends beyond books. Jackson co-edits anthologies, runs a freelance editing business, and shares writing insights, mentoring aspiring authors. His Crawford Award and critical acclaim cement his legacy as a genre innovator.
- Born: New York, date undisclosed
- Key Works: Thieftaker Chronicles, Islevale Cycle, LonTobyn Chronicle
- Awards: Crawford Fantasy Award (1999) for LonTobyn Chronicle
- Education: Ph.D. in American History, Stanford University
Snag Thieftaker or Time’s Children and dive into D.B. Jackson’s thrilling blend of history and magic!