Picture a Kentucky storyteller who weaves post-apocalyptic chaos with heart-pounding thrills—meet Kenny Soward! A former musician and IT wizard, Soward crafts gripping tales that blend horror, science fiction, and fantasy, earning him a loyal fanbase. His knack for vivid characters and relentless pacing keeps readers hooked, proving he’s a force in contemporary speculative fiction.
The Making of Kenny Soward
Born in a quiet suburb south of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kenny Soward grew up in the 1970s, blasting AC/DC and jumping bikes on Kentucky’s serene streets. Influenced by family tales of military service and his father’s role as a Kentucky State Trooper, he developed a deep curiosity about resilience and sacrifice. A pivotal moment came when an uncle gifted him The Hobbit, sparking a lifelong love for fantasy. Initially drawn to music, Soward played drums for two decades before pivoting to writing in his forties, channeling his vivid imagination into storytelling.
Kenny Soward’s Unforgettable Stories
Soward’s bibliography spans post-apocalyptic thrillers, epic fantasy, and horror, marked by gritty realism and empathetic characters. His debut, Those Poor, Poor Bastards (2013), co-authored with Tim Marquitz and J.M. Martin, kicks off the Dead West series, blending zombie horror with Western grit as Nina Weaver battles ‘deaduns’ in a ravaged Nevada. The GnomeSaga trilogy, starting with Rough Magic (2013), showcases his fantasy prowess, following gnomish wizard Nikselpik Nur in a steampunk-inspired world. His recent After the Impact series, beginning with Shattered Skies (2024), grips readers with meteorite-induced chaos, following anchorman Nick Alvarez’s desperate journey home. Soward’s style—vivid, fast-paced, and emotionally raw—draws from influences like Stephen King and George R.R. Martin, creating worlds where survival tests the human spirit.
Collaborations with Mike Kraus, like the Spore series, highlight his versatility, tackling a super-fungus apocalypse with chilling precision. Fans praise his improving craft, noting his ability to paint immersive scenes and deliver cliffhangers that leave them clamoring for more. Whether it’s the eerie fungal horror of Spore or the cosmic dread of Shattered Skies, Soward’s stories resonate with readers who crave high-stakes adventure.
Why Kenny Soward Matters
Kenny Soward’s impact lies in his ability to make speculative fiction feel deeply human. His tales of survival and sacrifice connect with readers navigating an uncertain world, offering both escapism and reflection. By blending genres, he appeals to diverse audiences, from horror buffs to fantasy enthusiasts. His rise from self-publishing to a prolific Amazon author with over 30 titles inspires aspiring writers, proving passion and persistence can carve a niche in a crowded field. Soward’s growing fanbase eagerly awaits each release, cementing his place as a rising star in post-apocalyptic and fantasy fiction.
- Born: Crescent Park, Kentucky
- Key Works: Those Poor, Poor Bastards, Rough Magic, Shattered Skies, Spore
- Genres: Post-apocalyptic, horror, epic fantasy, military science fiction
Ready for a wild ride? Grab Shattered Skies and dive into Kenny Soward’s thrilling post-apocalyptic world!