Picture a storyteller who weaves Viking-inspired sagas with sharp social commentary—meet K. Eason! This fantasy fiction author and UC Irvine lecturer crafts worlds where dragons, gods, and math-magic collide, all while exploring the seams of society. From her gripping debut to the multiverse-shattering How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse, Eason’s tales captivate with wit and depth.
But there’s more to Eason than her books. A black belt in kung fu and a Viking shield enthusiast, she brings authenticity to her action-packed narratives. Ready to dive into her fantastical realms? Let’s explore the life and legacy of K. Eason!
The Making of K. Eason
K. Eason’s storytelling spark ignited early. As a child in Southern California, she spun sagas for her stuffed animals, even winning a short story contest in fourth grade—though she was too shy to read it aloud. With two English literature degrees and a love for historical texts like Beowulf and Icelandic sagas, Eason’s academic path led her to UC Irvine, where she’s been a lecturer since 2006. There, she teaches first-year students about zombies, cyborgs, and Aristotelian ethics, blending pop culture with big ideas.
Her writing career kicked off with short fiction in outlets like Cabinet-des-Fées and Kaleidotrope, but it was her lifelong passion for fantasy—fueled by Tolkien’s The Hobbit and role-playing games like D&D—that shaped her novels. Eason’s worlds reflect her knack for storytelling, honed by staying one step ahead of clever gamers.
K. Eason’s Unforgettable Stories
Eason’s debut, Enemy (2016), launched the On the Bones of Gods trilogy, a dark fantasy saga following Snowdenaelikk, a half-blood conjuror, and Veiko, an outlaw, as they battle a vengeful goddess. Inspired by Viking lore and Roman history, the series weaves trust, betrayal, and societal divides into a pulse-pounding narrative.
In 2019, Eason’s How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse introduced The Thorne Chronicles, a space opera duology with a feminist twist. Rory, a princess with fairy blessings, dismantles patriarchal tropes using hexes, hacking, and humor. Critics at Kirkus and Booklist praised its layered characters and political intrigue. The sequel, How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge, cemented Eason’s knack for blending sci-fi and fairy-tale magic.
Eason’s The Weep series, starting with Nightwatch on the Hinterlands, dives into a post-war universe where a tear in the aether unleashes monsters. This sci-fi mystery follows templar Iari and her allies solving murders amid political chaos. Eason’s style shines through her intricate world-building, where magic shapes culture and social issues like privilege and prejudice ground the fantastical.
Why K. Eason Matters
Eason’s work stands out in fantasy for its fearless exploration of societal dynamics. By weaving issues like inequality and cultural clashes into her narratives, she challenges readers to think critically about power and identity. Her diverse casts and authentic action—drawn from her martial arts and Viking combat training—add depth to her stories, resonating with fans of Robin Hobb and N. K. Jemisin.
As a lecturer, Eason inspires students to question narratives, from Beowulf’s morality to cyborg humanity. Her influence extends beyond books, fostering curiosity and creativity. With a growing bibliography and a playful online presence (cats and D&D, anyone?), Eason is a rising star in speculative fiction.
- Key Works: On the Bones of Gods trilogy, The Thorne Chronicles, The Weep series
- Hobbies: Kung fu (black belt), Viking sword and shield work, knitting, D&D
- Teaching: UC Irvine lecturer since 2006
Snag How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse and dive into K. Eason’s witty, world-shattering fantasy today!