Picture an American storyteller who conjured demons in Denver and sent spaceships soaring through the stars—meet M L N Hanover, the urban fantasy alias of Daniel Abraham! Born in 1969, this versatile author weaves gritty supernatural tales and epic sci-fi sagas, captivating readers with his sharp prose and vivid worlds.
Under the M L N Hanover pen name, Abraham crafts the thrilling Black Sun’s Daughter series, blending noir vibes with magical mayhem. But that’s just one facet of his creative gem—writing as James S A Corey, he co-authored the acclaimed The Expanse series. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this genre-hopping maestro!
The Making of M L N Hanover
Daniel Abraham, the man behind M L N Hanover, was born on November 14, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he still resides with his wife, Katherine, and daughter, Scarlet. A graduate of the Clarion West Writers Workshop in 1998, Abraham honed his craft among aspiring authors, drawing inspiration from the speculative fiction community. His early career included tech support for an internet provider, but writing was his true calling. His first short story, 'Mixing Rebecca,' published in 1996, marked the start of a prolific journey across genres.
M L N Hanover’s Unforgettable Stories
As M L N Hanover, Abraham unleashed the Black Sun’s Daughter series, a five-book urban fantasy saga that kicks off with Unclean Spirits (2008). The story follows Jayné Heller, a young woman thrust into a world of demons and magic after inheriting her uncle’s mysterious estate. Readers love the series for its fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and Jayné’s relatable growth from ordinary to badass.
Other standout titles include Darker Angels (2009), set in the sultry streets of New Orleans, and Vicious Grace (2010), which dives deeper into Chicago’s supernatural underbelly. Abraham’s style under this pseudonym is noir-infused, blending gritty realism with paranormal thrills. His knack for crafting flawed, compelling characters and atmospheric settings makes each book a page-turner.
Beyond M L N Hanover, Abraham’s work as James S A Corey with Ty Franck on The Expanse series showcases his sci-fi prowess. Leviathan Wakes (2011), the series opener, earned Hugo and Locus Award nominations, cementing his reputation for building immersive, politically charged universes.
Why M L N Hanover Matters
M L N Hanover’s impact lies in Abraham’s ability to bridge genres, bringing urban fantasy fans into the fold with accessible yet sophisticated storytelling. The Black Sun’s Daughter series stands out in a crowded genre for its blend of emotional depth and supernatural stakes, inspiring readers to embrace their inner resilience. Abraham’s broader influence as a collaborator—whether with George R R Martin on graphic novels or Ty Franck on The Expanse—has shaped modern speculative fiction, proving his versatility and staying power.
His work encourages new authors to experiment across genres, showing that a single writer can master both intimate, character-driven tales and sprawling space operas. Abraham’s legacy is one of bold creativity and genre-defying storytelling.
- Born: November 14, 1969, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Key Works: Black Sun’s Daughter series, The Expanse (as James S A Corey)
- Awards: Hugo and Nebula nominations, International Horror Guild Award winner
Ready to get hooked? Snag Unclean Spirits and dive into M L N Hanover’s spellbinding urban fantasy world!