Picture a Seattle-based storyteller who conjured devils, dragons, and epic mysteries—meet Erin M. Evans! This fantasy author has enchanted readers with her gripping tales set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe and her original worlds. From her award-winning Brimstone Angels series to the twisty Books of the Usurper, Evans weaves magic with heart, making her a standout in speculative fiction.
With a knack for crafting complex characters and intricate plots, Evans has built a loyal following. Her stories blend high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, inviting readers to explore realms where heroes grapple with destiny and danger. Ready to dive into her fantastical worlds? Let’s uncover the journey of this literary luminary!
The Making of Erin M. Evans
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Erin M. Evans grew up with a passion for stories and a curiosity about human cultures, which led her to earn an anthropology degree from Washington University. After a cross-country adventure in a 1983 Winnebago with her now-husband, she settled in Seattle, where her writing career took flight. Her early role as an editor at Wizards of the Coast, the powerhouse behind Dungeons & Dragons, gave her a front-row seat to fantasy world-building, sparking her own creative ambitions.
Evans’s anthropology background shines through in her richly detailed settings and character-driven narratives. Her leap from editing to writing began with a serendipitous opportunity to contribute to the Forgotten Realms, a beloved D&D setting, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Erin M. Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
Evans’s debut novel, The God Catcher (2010), introduced her flair for vibrant characters and intricate plots. Set in the Forgotten Realms, it follows Tennora, an aspiring wizard entangled with a mysterious dragon-like figure, blending magic and suspense. This marked the start of her journey in the D&D universe, where she’d soon make her biggest mark.
The Brimstone Angels series, beginning with Brimstone Angels (2011), is Evans’s crown jewel. This saga follows Farideh, a tiefling warlock, navigating devilish pacts and epic battles. The series, which includes titles like Lesser Evils and The Devil You Know, earned a 2012 SCRIBE Award for its bold storytelling and fresh take on D&D lore. Fans praise its mix of action, intrigue, and sisterly bonds, with Farideh’s journey resonating deeply.
Evans also contributed The Adversary to The Sundering, a D&D event series, showcasing her ability to weave standalone tales within shared universes. Her newer Books of the Usurper series, starting with Empire of Exiles (2022), ventures into original epic fantasy. This murder-mystery saga, set in a refugee empire, dazzles with its unique magic system and twisty plots, earning raves from authors like R.A. Salvatore.
Why Erin M. Evans Matters
Erin M. Evans has left an indelible mark on fantasy literature by breathing life into the Forgotten Realms and crafting original worlds that feel both vast and intimate. Her focus on diverse, relatable characters—especially strong women like Farideh—has broadened the genre’s appeal, inspiring readers and gamers alike. Her work bridges tabletop role-playing and literary storytelling, making D&D accessible to new audiences.
Beyond her novels, Evans engages fans through podcasts like Writing About Dragons and Shit and D&D actual-play shows like Dungeon Scrawlers. Her candid discussions about writing, mental health, and parenting a child with a rare disorder add depth to her public persona, making her a relatable figure in the fantasy community.
- Born: St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: Brimstone Angels, Empire of Exiles, The God Catcher
- Awards: 2012 SCRIBE Award for Best Original Novel
- Fun Fact: She’s a mom of two and a self-professed lover of weird history facts!
Snag Brimstone Angels or Empire of Exiles and dive into Erin M. Evans’s spellbinding fantasy worlds today!