Picture a British storyteller who turned dwarf-centric tales into fantasy gold—meet Derek Prior! This internationally bestselling author crafts high-stakes epic fantasy adventures where good triumphs, but never without a cost. From mental health nursing to martial arts, Prior’s eclectic journey fuels his gripping narratives, making him a standout in a genre that once doubted his dwarf-focused vision.
Born in East Sussex, England, Prior’s path to fantasy stardom was anything but ordinary. His diverse career and relentless creativity have shaped worlds where magic is both a blessing and a curse, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
The Making of Derek Prior
Raised in the south of England, Derek Prior’s early life was marked by curiosity and versatility. Before penning fantasy novels, he worked as a mental health nurse across England, Wales, and Western Australia, and even dabbled as an actor and personal trainer. His love for history, medieval studies, and drama at the University of Western Australia sparked his storytelling passion. Inspired by giants like David Gemmell and Stephen R. Donaldson, Prior began weaving tales that blend gritty realism with imaginative flair, defying industry norms to focus on dwarves—a choice that would define his legacy.
Derek Prior’s Unforgettable Stories
Prior’s novels are fast-paced, character-driven epics that explore friendship, betrayal, and heroism in worlds teeming with evil and sorcery. His most celebrated series, Annals of the Nameless Dwarf, follows a cursed dwarf battling his dark past. The series’ first book, Ravine of Blood and Shadow, a Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018, introduces Carnac Thayn, a Ravine Guard facing a city-threatening horror. Another gem, Carnifex: A Portent of Blood, earned praise for its visceral sword-and-sorcery storytelling, landing on the American Library Association’s Top Genre Fiction list.
The Shader series, starting with Sword of the Archon (Journal of Always book of the year 2011), blends fantasy and sci-fi, following holy knight Deacon Shader in a post-apocalyptic world. Prior’s Sorcerers’ Isle showcases his ability to craft standalone epics, weaving a rich tapestry of magic and clan rivalries. His style—described as “Bernard Cornwell on ‘shrooms” by reviewer Dinorah Wilson—combines relentless plots, intense fight scenes, and philosophical depth, making each book a thrilling yet thought-provoking ride.
Prior’s self-publishing journey defied skeptics who claimed dwarf stories wouldn’t sell. By selling thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, he proved them wrong, with works like The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles winning best fantasy novel in 2012. His ability to expand familiar tropes into profound explorations of loyalty and sacrifice sets him apart in epic fantasy.
Why Derek Prior Matters
Derek Prior’s impact lies in his fearless storytelling and trailblazing spirit. By championing dwarf-centric narratives, he carved a niche in a genre dominated by human and elf protagonists, inspiring indie authors to embrace unconventional heroes. His works, lauded by authors like Mitchell Hogan for their “engrossing masterwork” quality, resonate with readers craving gritty, heartfelt adventures. Prior’s blend of historical inspiration, real-life encounters, and martial arts passion infuses his stories with authenticity, making them a must-read for fantasy fans.
Now based in North Carolina, Prior continues to write, train in MMA, and draw from his diverse experiences. His legacy is one of perseverance, proving that bold ideas can triumph against the odds.
- Born: East Sussex, England
- Key Works: Annals of the Nameless Dwarf, Shader, Sorcerers’ Isle
- Awards: Best Fantasy Novel 2012 (The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles), Fantasy Faction SPFBO Semifinalist 2018 (Ravine of Blood and Shadow)
- Fun Fact: Prior’s martial arts training influences his vivid battle scenes.
Snag Ravine of Blood and Shadow and dive into Derek Prior’s thrilling epic fantasy today!