Picture an American storyteller who turned a prison cell into a creative crucible, crafting epic fantasy worlds that captivate readers worldwide—meet M. R. Mathias! This bestselling indie author transformed his life through writing, rising from adversity to create beloved series like The Wardstone Trilogy and The Dragoneer Saga. With a knack for dragons, magic, and heart-pounding adventures, Mathias has carved a unique path in fantasy literature.
But Mathias’s story isn’t just about his books. It’s about resilience, redemption, and a passion for empowering other indie authors. His journey from inmate to literary star is as thrilling as the tales he spins, making him a standout voice in modern fantasy.
The Making of M. R. Mathias
Born on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, Michael Robb Mathias showed early promise, earning a creative writing scholarship after high school. He studied at East Central University and the University of Oklahoma, but life took a detour. Struggling with drug addiction, Mathias spent time in a Texas prison for minor drug possession in the early 2000s. There, in a cramped cell, he found salvation in writing. Armed with just pen and paper, he wrote The Wardstone Trilogy longhand, each word a step toward freedom and purpose.
After his release, Mathias stayed clean and committed to a disciplined writing routine—3,000 words a day. His prison experience shaped his gritty, vivid storytelling, and by 2010, he launched his career as an indie author with The Sword and the Dragon. That debut marked the start of an extraordinary ascent, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.
M. R. Mathias’s Unforgettable Stories
Mathias’s novels are epic fantasy at its finest, brimming with dragons, wizards, and sprawling quests. The Wardstone Trilogy, his flagship series, kicks off with The Sword and the Dragon, a 235,000-word saga of a squire’s desperate mission and a wizard’s deadly schemes. Deemed a top 10 indie fantasy of 2010 by Fantasy Book Critic, it’s a fan favorite for its rich world and relentless pace.
The Dragoneer Saga, another gem, follows the dragon-riding Dragoneers in books like The Royal Dragoneers and Blood and Royalty, the latter earning a 2015 Readers Favorite Award. Mathias’s Legend of Vanx Malic series weaves adventure and romance, with Through the Wildwood introducing a roguish hero. His Crimzon & Clover short stories, like Orphaned Dragon, Lucky Girl, add bite-sized thrills to his catalog. Known for vivid descriptions and immersive world-building, Mathias makes readers feel the wind on a dragon’s back, as one reviewer noted.
His style blends classic fantasy with a raw, modern edge, reflecting his unconventional path. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and defiance resonate, drawing fans of Tolkien and Feist while offering a fresh, indie flair.
Why M. R. Mathias Matters
M. R. Mathias’s impact extends beyond his page-turning novels. As an indie author, he’s sold over two million eBooks, proving self-publishing can rival traditional routes. His awards, including a Locus Poll nomination, underscore his craft, but his heart lies in community. Through his book The First Ten Steps, Mathias shares self-promotion strategies, helping aspiring authors navigate the digital landscape.
His “Indie Kindy” giveaways, where he gifts Kindles loaded with indie books, boost fellow writers and champion the indie movement. Mathias’s story inspires readers and authors alike, showing that second chances and bold dreams can reshape lives and genres.
- Birthplace: Oklahoma City, USA
- Key Works: The Wardstone Trilogy, The Dragoneer Saga, The Legend of Vanx Malic
- Awards: 2015 Readers Favorite Award, 2017 American Book Fest Award, Locus Poll nomination
- Fun Fact: He builds furniture from reclaimed wood!
Snag The Sword and the Dragon and dive into M. R. Mathias’s epic fantasy worlds—your next adventure awaits!