Picture a Texas storyteller who swapped a life of high-stakes jobs for crafting supernatural worlds that feel startlingly real—meet M.D. Massey! This urban fantasy author, best known for the Junkyard Druid series, weaves gritty realism with fairy folklore, creating stories that pulse with action and heart. With a knack for making the fantastic believable, Massey has carved a unique niche in the genre, captivating readers with his snarky heroes and vivid worlds.
From his home in Austin, Texas, Massey draws on a wildly eclectic background to fuel his narratives. His tales of druids, fae, and vampires aren’t just escapism—they’re grounded in the kind of authenticity only a former combat medic, martial arts instructor, and security pro could deliver. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this one-of-a-kind author.
The Making of M.D. Massey
Born with a voracious appetite for books, M.D. Massey was hooked on fantasy from childhood. The Cottingley Fairies—a famous hoax about fairy sightings—sparked his lifelong fascination with the fae, planting the seeds for his later works. Growing up, he devoured classics like Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Terry Brooks’ novels, but it was Irish mythology, with its powerful druids, that truly shaped his imagination. Before writing, Massey lived a life as varied as his stories. He worked as a combat medic, emergency room technician, truck driver, and martial arts instructor, amassing experiences that lend his fiction an unmatched sense of realism. After years of thinking, “I could do better,” he began writing, channeling his diverse past into stories that resonate with authenticity.
M.D. Massey’s Unforgettable Stories
Massey’s breakout series, Junkyard Druid, follows Colin McCool, a lovably nerdy druid apprentice navigating a world of fae, vampires, and supernatural chaos. The first book, Junkyard Druid (2016), introduces Colin as a reluctant hero blackmailed by a faery queen, setting the stage for a thrilling blend of action, humor, and Celtic mythology. Its sequels, like Graveyard Druid and Druid Justice, deepen Colin’s journey, tackling themes of loss, redemption, and inner strength. Readers praise the series for its fast-paced plots and Massey’s ability to make mythical creatures feel like they could lurk in your backyard.
Beyond Junkyard Druid, Massey’s THEM series offers a post-apocalyptic twist, blending zombies and vampires in a gritty survival saga. His Shadow Changeling series, a Junkyard Druid spin-off, follows the haunted shadow mage Crowley, diving into darker, more psychological territory. Massey’s style—often compared to Jim Butcher and Patricia Briggs—combines snappy dialogue, meticulous world-building, and a knack for grounding the supernatural in real-world stakes. His love for martial arts and survivalist knowledge shines through, giving his action scenes a visceral edge.
Recent works like Fey Druid (2024) and Superhero World (2024) show Massey’s versatility, exploring new arcs in Colin’s story and even alternate timelines. Each novel reflects his commitment to evolving as a writer, balancing fan-favorite characters with fresh challenges.
Why M.D. Massey Matters
M.D. Massey’s impact lies in his ability to make urban fantasy feel accessible yet epic. His diverse career infuses his work with a rare authenticity, making his supernatural worlds vivid and relatable. Fans adore his flawed, witty protagonists, who face impossible odds with courage and humor. Despite personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, Massey’s dedication to his craft and readers shines through, inspiring a loyal following. His stories remind us that even in fantastical worlds, human resilience is the real magic.
- Key Works: Junkyard Druid, Graveyard Druid, THEM series, Fey Druid
- Hometown: Austin, Texas
- Influences: Celtic mythology, fairy folklore, martial arts
Snag Junkyard Druid and dive into M.D. Massey’s thrilling urban fantasy world—where druids, fae, and a touch of Texas grit await!