Picture an Englishman weaving tales of cosmic horror and dragon-heisted gold in the heart of New York—meet Jonathan Wood, better known to some as Jon Hollins! This urban fantasy maestro traded medical school for a pen, crafting stories that blend British wit, heart-pounding action, and a dash of Lovecraftian dread. From his acclaimed Arthur Wallace series to the rollicking Dragon Lords trilogy, Wood’s work has carved a unique niche in contemporary fantasy, earning praise from readers and critics alike.
With a style that’s as conversational as a pub chat and as thrilling as a zombie T-Rex chase, Wood invites readers into worlds where ordinary folks face extraordinary odds. Whether he’s writing as Jonathan Wood or Jon Hollins, his stories are a love letter to pulp adventure, 80s fantasy, and the kind of humor that makes you snort-laugh in public.
The Making of Jonathan Wood
Born in England, Jonathan Wood’s path to authorship was anything but straight. After falling in love and flunking out of medical school, he landed in New York—not the city, mind you, but the state, where he now commutes and crafts his tales. By day, he’s an advertising copywriter, but his true passion lies in storytelling. Inspired by childhood favorites like The Hobbit and The Dragonlance Chronicles, Wood began writing to capture the pulp adventure vibe of plucky friends facing epic odds. His early forays into short fiction for Weird Tales and Beneath Ceaseless Skies honed his craft, setting the stage for his novel-length triumphs.
Jonathan Wood’s Unforgettable Stories
Under his real name, Wood launched the Arthur Wallace series with No Hero (2011), a fast-paced urban fantasy that Publisher’s Weekly called “a funny, dark, rip-roaring adventure.” Protagonist Arthur Wallace, an Oxford cop who’d rather leave heroics to Kurt Russell, stumbles into MI37, a secret agency battling supernatural threats. The series, including Yesterday’s Hero (2012), Anti-Hero, and Broken Hero, mixes cosmic horror, British humor, and relentless action, earning a spot on Barnes & Noble’s list of the 20 best paranormal fantasies of the decade.
As Jon Hollins, Wood ventured into epic fantasy with The Dragon Lords trilogy, starting with Fool’s Gold (2016). Described as “Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Hobbit,” this heist-filled saga follows a ragtag crew robbing despotic dragons. False Idols (2017) and Bad Faith (2018) deepen the stakes with darker themes and irreverent humor, drawing comparisons to Terry Pratchett and Scott Lynch. Wood’s conversational style, shaped by his advertising work and love of trashy thrillers, makes every page a joyride of witty banter and heart.
His short fiction, appearing in anthologies like The Book of Cthulhu 2, showcases his versatility, blending New Weird influences with his signature playfulness. Whether tackling tentacle monstrosities or dragon hoards, Wood’s stories celebrate flawed heroes who rise to the occasion—often with a quip or two.
Why Jonathan Wood Matters
Jonathan Wood’s impact lies in his ability to make fantasy feel accessible and fun. His blend of humor, heart, and horror bridges the gap between pulp adventure and modern storytelling, appealing to fans of Jim Butcher and Ben Aaronovitch. By embracing both urban and epic fantasy, he’s expanded the genre’s boundaries, proving that even ordinary characters can shine in extraordinary worlds. His work reminds us that fantasy doesn’t always need to be dour—it can be a wild, laugh-filled ride.
- Pen Names: Jonathan Wood and Jon Hollins
- Key Works: No Hero (2011), Fool’s Gold (2016)
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
- Notable Praise: Charlaine Harris called No Hero “so funny I laughed out loud.”
Ready for a dose of British wit and dragon-slaying chaos? Snag No Hero or Fool’s Gold and dive into Jonathan Wood’s thrilling worlds!