Picture a dynamic duo weaving tales of intrigue and romance from their cozy Northern California home—meet Michael and Alesia Matson! This husband-and-wife team has enchanted readers with their Raven & The Iris series, a thrilling blend of fantasy, deception, and epic love. Their unique partnership and vivid storytelling have carved a niche in contemporary fiction, making them a hidden gem in the literary world.
Living between the sea and mountains with their adorable pets, the Matsons draw from their rich life experiences to craft stories that pulse with authenticity and emotion. Their seamless collaboration, fueled by a marriage that thrives on creativity, has produced novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Making of Michael and Alesia Matson
Michael Matson’s journey to authorship is as varied as the characters he creates. Born with a storyteller’s heart, he penned his first book at age 12—a hand-typed, hand-illustrated masterpiece that won his family’s applause. His career path took him from commercial fisherman to airman, lobbyist, truck driver, counselor, minister, and general contractor before he settled into writing full-time. Alesia, his equally gifted partner, discovered her love for language early, guided by a kindergarten teacher who sparked her passion for words. With a flair for fantasy and a knack for cross-stitching, Alesia brings a meticulous yet imaginative touch to their work. Married since 1994, their bond is the cornerstone of their creative synergy, blending Michael’s worldly insights with Alesia’s linguistic finesse.
Michael and Alesia Matson’s Unforgettable Stories
The Matsons’ flagship series, The Raven & The Iris, is a masterclass in blending genres. Their debut, Raven’s Tears (1999, revised 2015), introduces Sir Vincent Sultaire, a con-turned-cop known as the Raven, and Lady Angelique Blakesly, the Iris, a cunning burglar hiding behind a baroness’s facade. Set in the richly imagined world of Menelon, the novel weaves suspense, romance, and deception, with a dash of LitRPG flair through embedded links to a detailed online wiki. Readers praise its complex characters and thrilling heist scenes, though some note the world-building occasionally overshadows the plot.
The sequel, Dead Man’s Trigger (2015), picks up four months later, plunging Raven and Iris into a high-stakes confrontation on Fernwall’s Morrissant Bridge. This installment amps up the action and tightens the narrative, earning acclaim for its vivid settings and respectful portrayal of mental health themes. The Matsons are currently crafting the third book, tentatively titled Seven for a Secret, promising more twists in their gritty, hope-filled fantasy world. Their style—marked by flawed, relatable characters and intricate plots—appeals to fans of Neil Gaiman and Scott Lynch, blending dark romance with street-smart intrigue.
Why Michael and Alesia Matson Matter
The Matsons’ impact lies in their ability to breathe life into Menelon, a world that feels as real as their Northern California surroundings. Through Metaphor Publications, their indie press, they’ve championed creative control, revising Raven’s Tears to meet their high standards and engaging fans with podcasts and novellas like the upcoming Demon Gate series. Their stories, infused with the ‘magic’ of their partnership, explore trust, sacrifice, and identity, resonating with readers who crave depth in fantasy. By opening Menelon to other creators, they’re fostering a collaborative storytelling legacy.
- Key Works: Raven’s Tears, Dead Man’s Trigger, upcoming Seven for a Secret
- Fun Fact: Alesia is a San Francisco Giants fan and avid cross-stitcher with decades of experience.
- Current Home: Northern California, near the Pacific Ocean.
Ready to dive into a world of cons and epic love? Snag Raven’s Tears and lose yourself in the Matsons’ thrilling fantasy!