Picture a Birmingham bookseller who turned his love for sci-fi into a galaxy-spanning adventure—meet Drew Williams! This bestselling author has captivated readers with his thrilling space opera series, The Universe After, blending post-apocalyptic grit with supernatural flair. From arguing about Moby Dick to crafting intricate narratives, Williams’s journey is as compelling as his stories.
The Making of Drew Williams
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Drew Williams fell into the world of books at sixteen, landing a job at a local bookstore when someone called in sick. What started as a lucky break became a lifelong passion. Surrounded by shelves of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, he honed his storytelling instincts, debating classics with coworkers and sharing new authors with customers. As a kid, he crafted tales with his brother and cousins, each vying to pen the next great novel. This early love for genre fiction—spanning mystery to science fiction—set the stage for his writing career.
Williams’s transition from bookseller to author felt natural. Inspired by narrative art across films, video games, and comics, he drew from a rich tapestry of influences, including Star Wars and Firefly. His knack for storytelling, paired with a mild obsession with world-building, led him to create his own universe, one that would resonate with sci-fi fans worldwide.
Drew Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s debut novel, The Stars Now Unclaimed (2018), kicked off The Universe After series with a bang. Set in a post-apocalyptic galaxy ravaged by a mysterious radiation called the Pulse, the story follows Jane Kamali, an agent for the Justified, as she recruits gifted children to prevent further chaos. Described as a “space opera meets post-apocalyptic world,” it’s packed with military action and quippy dialogue, earning praise for its expansive scope.
The series continued with A Chain Across the Dawn (2019), which leans into horror elements, and The Firmament of Flame (2020), where protagonist Esa’s supernatural powers take center stage, evoking superhero vibes. Each novel builds on the last, diving deeper into character motivations and the universe’s mysteries. Williams’s style—grungy yet hopeful, with witty banter inspired by Joss Whedon—creates a vivid, immersive experience. His ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth has drawn comparisons to Firefly and Ender’s Game.
Though Williams has been quiet since his trilogy’s conclusion, his work remains a standout in modern sci-fi, praised for its accessibility and heart. Fans on platforms like Goodreads rate the series highly, with A Chain Across the Dawn earning a 4.01 average, reflecting its strong reception.
Why Drew Williams Matters
Drew Williams brought a fresh voice to space opera, blending high-stakes action with relatable characters. His series tackles themes of hope and resilience, reflecting his belief that humanity can better itself, even in the darkest times. The COVID-19 pandemic, which halted his book tours, influenced his writing, infusing his work with raw emotion that resonates with readers navigating uncertainty. Published by Tor Books, a sci-fi giant, Williams’s rapid rise from bookseller to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, proving passion and persistence can launch a literary career.
His impact extends beyond books. As a bookseller, he championed new voices, and as an author, he crafted stories that invite readers to explore vast, imaginative worlds. While his future projects remain under wraps, his trilogy’s enduring popularity ensures his place in sci-fi’s constellation.
- Born: Birmingham, Alabama
- Key Works: The Stars Now Unclaimed (2018), A Chain Across the Dawn (2019), The Firmament of Flame (2020)
- Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
- Notable Publisher: Tor Books
Ready to blast off into a thrilling sci-fi adventure? Snag The Stars Now Unclaimed and dive into Drew Williams’s action-packed universe!