Picture a Colorado farm kid turned galactic storyteller, weaving tales of empires and interstellar heroes—meet K.B. Wagers! This non-binary science fiction author has taken the genre by storm with action-packed space operas that blend heart, humor, and high stakes. From their breakout Indranan War trilogy to the thrilling NeoG series, Wagers crafts universes where duty, power, and found family collide in unforgettable ways.
With a knack for creating relatable characters like gunrunner-turned-empress Hail Bristol, Wagers has carved a unique space in sci-fi. Their stories pulse with martial arts-inspired energy, queernormative worlds, and a love for whiskey and cats, making them a fresh, vibrant voice in modern literature.
The Making of K.B. Wagers
Raised on a farm in northeastern Colorado, K.B. Wagers grew up surrounded by open skies and endless stories. Their imagination thrived in this rural setting, fueled by a love for sci-fi classics like Doctor Who. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Russian Studies from the University of Colorado, Wagers brought discipline and grit to their craft, shaped by a second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu and three Tough Mudder completions. This blend of intellectual curiosity and physical tenacity laid the groundwork for their writing career, which kicked off with a bang in 2016.
K.B. Wagers’s Unforgettable Stories
Wagers burst onto the scene with the Indranan War trilogy, starting with Behind the Throne (2016). This space opera follows Hail Bristol, a runaway princess turned gunrunner who must reclaim her place as empress of the matriarchal Indranan Empire. Packed with political intrigue, dark humor, and pulse-pounding action, the series—continued in After the Crown (2016) and Beyond the Empire (2017)—earned praise for its rebellious, Han Solo-esque heroine and has been optioned for film and TV.
The Farian War trilogy, beginning with There Before the Chaos (2018), expands Hail’s saga as she navigates alien politics and galactic wars. Wagers’s knack for blending emotional depth with twisty plots shines here. Meanwhile, the NeoG series, starting with A Pale Light in the Black (2020), introduces the Near-Earth Orbital Guard, a Coast Guard-inspired force patrolling a queernormative near-future solar system. Titles like Hold Fast Through the Fire (2021) and The Ghosts of Trappist (2023) showcase Wagers’s signature mix of found family, snarky dialogue, and hope-punk optimism.
Their writing style is a thrilling cocktail of vivid world-building, character-driven storytelling, and themes of loyalty and resilience. Wagers’s queernormative settings and diverse casts reflect a forward-thinking approach, while their martial arts background infuses scenes with dynamic, grounded action. Whether it’s a spaceship dogfight or a quiet moment of camaraderie, their stories feel alive and deeply human.
Why K.B. Wagers Matters
K.B. Wagers has redefined space opera by infusing it with inclusivity and heart. Their queernormative worlds challenge traditional sci-fi norms, offering readers diverse, authentic characters who resonate across identities. Fans and critics alike praise Wagers for crafting narratives that balance high-octane adventure with emotional stakes, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. By exploring themes of power and sacrifice through flawed, lovable heroes, Wagers inspires readers to find courage in their own stories.
Beyond their books, Wagers’s journey—from rural roots to sci-fi stardom—encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique perspectives. Their growing fanbase and active engagement on platforms like Reddit show a writer deeply connected to their community, making them a vital voice in modern sci-fi.
- Born: Colorado, USA
- Key Works: Behind the Throne, A Pale Light in the Black, There Before the Chaos
- Notable: Second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu
Ready to blast off into K.B. Wagers’s thrilling universes? Snag Behind the Throne or A Pale Light in the Black and dive into their action-packed, heartwarming sci-fi adventures!