Picture a Hispanic American storyteller who’s shaking up the sci-fi and fantasy scene with airships, space operas, and a fearless voice—meet Jon Del Arroz! Known as the 'leading Hispanic voice in science fiction' by PJ Media, this #1 Amazon bestselling author crafts thrilling tales that captivate young adult and military sci-fi fans. But his journey hasn’t been without turbulence, as his outspoken conservative views have sparked both fervent support and heated controversy.
From steampunk adventures to cosmic crusades, Del Arroz’s stories are bold, unapologetic, and packed with heart. Whether you’re a fan or just curious about this polarizing figure, his work offers a fresh take on speculative fiction that’s hard to ignore.
The Making of Jon Del Arroz
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jon Del Arroz grew up immersed in the vibrant worlds of science fiction and fantasy. Inspired by 1990s shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5, he began scribbling stories in high school, often ignoring English class to pen fan fiction. His early love for long-form storytelling and complex characters laid the foundation for his career. Del Arroz started small, winning a short story contest that landed his work in an anthology, before pitching his high-energy ideas to publishers at events like San Diego Comic-Con.
Jon Del Arroz’s Unforgettable Stories
Del Arroz’s novels blend fast-paced action with rich world-building, appealing to readers who crave escapism over heavy-handed messages. His breakout hit, For Steam And Country (2017), is a steampunk fantasy following Zaira von Monocle, a young woman who inherits an airship and must navigate war and supernatural threats to save her homeland, Rislandia. Fans praise its swashbuckling charm and armored airships, making it a standout in the young adult genre.
In the space opera realm, Star Realms: Rescue Run (2016) delivers a military sci-fi adventure about a smuggler tasked with a daring prison break. His 2018 novel, The Stars Entwined, weaves political intrigue and cosmic battles, earning buzz for its gripping plot. Most recently, The Demon’s Eye (2025) dives into classic sword-and-sorcery fantasy, showcasing Del Arroz’s versatility. His style—fun, accessible, and free of overt political preaching—resonates with readers seeking pure entertainment.
Beyond novels, Del Arroz has made waves in comics with Flying Sparks, a superhero tale about a hero and villain in love, and contributes sharp cultural commentary to outlets like The Federalist and Fandom Pulse. His work consistently champions bold storytelling over ideological conformity.
Why Jon Del Arroz Matters
Jon Del Arroz’s impact lies in his refusal to bow to industry norms. As a Hispanic author in a genre often dominated by mainstream voices, he’s carved out a niche for readers who want fun, unfiltered stories. His advocacy for conservative authors and push against what he sees as industry bias have made him a lightning rod for debate, yet his Dragon Award nomination and CLFA Book of the Year win underscore his influence. Del Arroz’s YouTube livestreams and journalism amplify his reach, offering fans a direct line to his perspective on pop culture and politics.
Love him or not, Del Arroz’s commitment to his craft and his audience has reshaped the indie sci-fi landscape, proving that outsider voices can thrive. His work challenges readers to embrace stories that prioritize adventure and imagination.
- Born: San Francisco Bay Area
- Key Works: For Steam And Country, Star Realms: Rescue Run, The Stars Entwined, The Demon’s Eye
- Awards: 2018 CLFA Book of the Year, Dragon Award finalist, N3F Speculative Fiction winner for best graphic novel
- Hobbies: Roleplaying, reading comics, cheering for the Oakland A’s
Ready to soar through Rislandia or battle across the stars? Snag For Steam And Country and dive into Jon Del Arroz’s thrilling sci-fi and fantasy worlds!