Picture an American storyteller who weaves gritty, medieval-inspired tales of thieves and intrigue—meet Douglas Hulick! Born in Fargo, North Dakota, this fantasy author captured readers’ imaginations with his thrilling Tale of the Kin series, starting with Among Thieves in 2011. With a master’s degree in medieval history and a knack for Historical Western Martial Arts, Hulick crafts worlds where cunning outshines brute strength, and every alley hides a secret.
His stories aren’t just escapism—they’re a masterclass in blending historical grit with fantasy flair. Ready to dive into a world where thieves call the shots? Let’s explore the life and legacy of Douglas Hulick!
The Making of Douglas Hulick
Douglas Hulick’s journey to fantasy stardom began in the heart of North Dakota. Armed with a B.A. in history and English from the University of Illinois and a master’s in medieval history from New Mexico State University, he developed a deep love for the past. His fascination with historical criminal jargon, stumbled upon by chance, sparked his pivot to writing. Before penning novels, Hulick worked odd jobs, but his passion for storytelling—and a penchant for swordplay—set the stage for his unique voice. A practitioner of early 17th-century Italian rapier combat, he brings an authentic edge to his fight scenes, making every clash feel visceral.
Douglas Hulick’s Unforgettable Stories
Hulick’s Tale of the Kin series is a love letter to sword-and-sorcery fans who crave a darker, grittier edge. His debut, Among Thieves (2011), introduces Drothe, a quick-witted ‘Nose’ navigating the criminal underworld of Ildrecca. Tasked with sniffing out trouble for his crime lord boss, Drothe stumbles into a deadly mystery involving a relic that could topple empires. Critics praised its fast-paced action and dubbed it ‘Goodfellas meets sword-and-sorcery.’
The sequel, Sworn in Steel (2015), ups the ante as Drothe faces new dangers and deeper conspiracies. Hulick’s style shines through his first-person perspective, immersing readers in Drothe’s morally gray world. His meticulous research into medieval history infuses the series with authenticity, while his love for Historical Western Martial Arts makes every duel pulse with realism. Though the series remains unfinished due to personal challenges, these two novels cemented Hulick’s reputation for crafting intricate plots and flawed, relatable heroes.
Why Douglas Hulick Matters
Douglas Hulick’s impact lies in his ability to redefine fantasy’s criminal underworld. By blending historical accuracy with the thrill of a heist, he carved a niche for readers who love morally complex characters and high-stakes adventures. His work, often compared to Scott Lynch’s The Lies of Locke Lamora, offers a fresh take on epic fantasy, proving you don’t need dragons to tell a gripping tale. As a stay-at-home dad in Minnesota, balancing caregiving and recovery from surgeries, Hulick’s resilience mirrors the persistence of his protagonist, Drothe, inspiring fans to root for his eventual return to writing.
- Born: Fargo, North Dakota
- Key Works: Among Thieves (2011), Sworn in Steel (2015)
- Notable: Finalist for the 2011 Kitschies Golden Tentacle award for best debut novel
- Fun Fact: Practices Historical Western Martial Arts, specializing in Italian rapier combat
Snag Among Thieves and dive into Douglas Hulick’s gritty, thrilling world of cunning and conspiracies!