Picture a Texas-born storyteller who swapped pills for potions to craft the spellbinding Mageborn universe—meet Michael G. Manning! A former pharmacist with a knack for fantasy, Manning’s journey from dispensing medicine to weaving epic tales has enchanted readers worldwide. His debut, The Blacksmith’s Son, launched a sprawling world of wizards and wonder, proving that magic can spark from the most unexpected places.
The Making of Michael G. Manning
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Michael G. Manning grew up immersed in fantasy and science fiction, often dodging schoolwork to concoct backyard experiments or lose himself in role-playing games. His college years at Sam Houston State University were a blur of beer and gaming—what he calls his 'best year ever' and his family dubs 'the lost year.' After a stint of odd jobs, Manning earned a pharmacy degree from the University of Houston, but his free-spirited nature clashed with the rigid world of patient safety. Boredom led him to teach himself programming, yet it was storytelling that truly captured his heart.
Michael G. Manning’s Unforgettable Stories
Manning’s breakthrough came with The Blacksmith’s Son (2011), the first of the five-book Mageborn series, where young wizard Mordecai navigates a richly crafted world of magic and intrigue. The series, set in the interconnected Mageborn universe, blends epic fantasy with heartfelt character arcs, earning a 4.12 average rating on Goodreads. Its prequel, Embers of Illeniel, explores the ancient past with darker, introspective tales like The Mountains Rise. The Art of the Adept series, starting with The Choice of Magic (2019), follows Will, a wizard-in-training, and has captivated fans with its progression fantasy style, where characters grow in power over time. Manning’s writing shines for its vivid world-building, emotional depth, and nods to role-playing game dynamics, reflecting his gaming roots.
His latest series, Wrath of the Stormking, including Wizard in Exile (2023) and Daughter of the Dragon (2024), continues to expand his universe, weaving complex narratives that resonate with fans of Brandon Sanderson or Robert Jordan. With 33 works and counting, Manning’s ability to interlink series while keeping each accessible has made him a standout in high fantasy.
Why Michael G. Manning Matters
Michael G. Manning’s impact lies in his ability to craft immersive, interconnected worlds that feel both epic and personal. His Mageborn universe, with its blend of classic fantasy and modern progression elements, has garnered a devoted following, evidenced by 94,406 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.25. By retiring from pharmacy to focus on writing, Manning inspires aspiring authors to chase their creative dreams, proving it’s never too late to reinvent oneself. His stories, rooted in his love for gaming and storytelling, offer readers an escape into worlds where magic feels real and characters face universal struggles.
- Born: Cleveland, Texas
- Key Works: The Blacksmith’s Son, The Choice of Magic, Daughter of the Dragon
- Genres: High Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
- Fun Fact: Lives with a giant moose-poodle and a prehistoric tortoise!
Snag The Blacksmith’s Son and dive into Michael G. Manning’s enchanting high fantasy today!