Picture an American storyteller who conjures knights battling supernatural forces in a modern world—meet Joseph Nassise! Born in 1968 in Easton, Massachusetts, this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author has thrilled readers with his urban fantasy and horror novels. From the shadowy Templar Chronicles to the eerie Jeremiah Hunt series, Nassise’s gripping tales blend heart-pounding action with deep emotional stakes, earning him a global fanbase and award nominations.
With over sixty novels, translations in six languages, and a knack for crafting antiheroes like Cade Williams, Nassise has carved a unique niche in speculative fiction. His work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to face the darkness within and beyond. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the monsters.
The Making of Joseph Nassise
Raised in Easton, Massachusetts, Joseph Nassise grew up with a love for stories that pushed boundaries. His early fascination with horror and fantasy shaped his path, but it was a college bet over a case of beer that sparked his writing career. Tasked with proving he could write a better thriller than a popular author, Nassise penned his first novel, discovering his talent for weaving suspense and the supernatural. After honing his craft, he debuted with Riverwatch in 2003, a horror novel that earned Bram Stoker and International Horror Guild Award nominations, signaling his arrival as a bold new voice.
Nassise’s career took off as he embraced urban fantasy, drawing inspiration from history and myth. His leadership as a two-term president of the Horror Writers Association from 2002 to 2005 showcased his commitment to the genre, connecting him with peers like Jonathan Maberry and Seanan McGuire. Now based in Arizona with his wife and four children, Nassise continues to write, edit, and coach aspiring authors.
Joseph Nassise’s Unforgettable Stories
Nassise’s bibliography is a treasure trove of supernatural thrills, with the Templar Chronicles standing as his flagship series. Launched with Heretic in 2005, it follows Cade Williams, a Templar Knight commander hunting supernatural threats for a modern Vatican. The series blends gritty action, moral ambiguity, and occult intrigue, earning praise for its “unremittingly entertaining” pace. Books like A Scream of Angels and Infernal Games deepen Cade’s quest, balancing vengeance with redemption.
The Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle, starting with Eyes to See, offers a darker, more personal tale. Harvard professor Jeremiah Hunt sacrifices his sight to gain supernatural vision, searching for his missing daughter in a shadowy underworld. Critics, including Seanan McGuire, lauded its “heartbreaking, poetic” depth. Nassise’s Great Undead War series, beginning with By the Blood of Heroes, reimagines World War I with steampunk gadgets and zombie soldiers, showcasing his genre-blending flair. His work in anthologies like Midian Unmade and comics like Heretic further highlights his versatility.
Nassise’s style is cinematic, with relentless pacing and flawed, relatable heroes. His themes—grief, sacrifice, and resilience—resonate across his diverse projects, from epic fantasy under pen names like Matthew Caine to audio dramas like The Midnight Project. Whether it’s Templars or zombies, Nassise crafts worlds where the stakes feel real and the supernatural feels hauntingly close.
Why Joseph Nassise Matters
Joseph Nassise has redefined urban fantasy by grounding supernatural battles in human struggles. His characters, like Cade and Jeremiah, aren’t just heroes—they’re survivors grappling with loss and purpose, making his stories universally compelling. With over 750,000 books sold worldwide, translations in German, Russian, and more, and adaptations in comics and audiobooks, Nassise’s influence spans mediums and cultures. His mentorship as a writing coach and contributions to anthologies have also uplifted new voices in horror and fantasy.
As a former Horror Writers Association president, Nassise helped shape the genre’s community, earning respect for his leadership and creativity. His ability to blend horror, history, and heart ensures his work endures, inspiring readers and writers to explore the shadows with courage.
- Birth Date: 1968, Easton, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Templar Chronicles, Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle, Great Undead War
- Awards: Nominated for Bram Stoker and International Horror Guild Awards
- Fun Fact: Nassise once wrote a novel to win a case of beer!
Snag Heretic or Eyes to See and dive into Joseph Nassise’s thrilling urban fantasy worlds! Whether you’re a horror buff or a fantasy fan, his stories will keep you up all night.