Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who weaves time travel and family drama into unforgettable sci-fi adventures—meet Mike Chen! A New York Times bestselling author, Chen has captivated readers with novels like Here and Now and Then and Star Wars: Brotherhood, blending high-concept ideas with heartfelt human connections. From his roots in geek culture to his rise as a science fiction star, Chen’s journey is as compelling as his stories.
The Making of Mike Chen
Born in Xi’an, China, Mike Chen immigrated to the United States at age eight, growing up in the American Midwest where his parents ran Chinese buffets. A lifelong sci-fi fan, he wrote fan fiction as a kid, mashing up favorites like Robotech and Space Quest. After studying accounting at Truman State University, Chen’s career took eclectic turns—technical writing, sports journalism covering the NHL, and even DJing—before he embraced his true calling: novel writing. His diverse experiences, from engineering to geek culture blogging for Nerdist and The Mary Sue, shaped his unique storytelling voice.
Mike Chen’s Unforgettable Stories
Chen’s debut novel, Here and Now and Then (2019), follows a time-traveling agent stranded in 1990s San Francisco, torn between two families across centuries. The book, a finalist for multiple awards, showcases Chen’s knack for blending speculative concepts with emotional depth. His 2020 follow-up, A Beginning at the End, explores a post-apocalyptic world through intimate character lenses, earning praise for its 'sci-fi with feels.' We Could Be Heroes (2021) pairs a superhero and supervillain in a memory-loss mystery, highlighting Chen’s playful yet poignant style. His Star Wars: Brotherhood (2022), a New York Times bestseller, delves into the bond between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, cementing Chen’s versatility in the sci-fi canon.
Chen’s writing stands out for its focus on human relationships—family, friendship, and identity—woven into imaginative sci-fi frameworks. Whether it’s a time loop in A Quantum Love Story or a vampire’s quest for belonging in Vampire Weekend, his stories resonate with readers who crave both heart and adventure.
Why Mike Chen Matters
Mike Chen’s work bridges mainstream sci-fi with deeply personal narratives, offering fresh perspectives in a genre often dominated by spectacle. As a Chinese-American author, he subtly infuses cultural nuances into his stories, enriching the sci-fi landscape. His ability to craft emotionally resonant tales has earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, with novels like Brotherhood expanding the Star Wars universe. Chen’s influence extends beyond books, inspiring aspiring writers through his journey from fan fiction to bestseller lists.
- Birth Date: December 22, 1980
- Key Works: Here and Now and Then, A Beginning at the End, Star Wars: Brotherhood
- Notable Recognition: New York Times Bestseller, Goodreads Choice Award finalist
Ready to explore galaxies and heartstrings? Snag Here and Now and Then and dive into Mike Chen’s thrilling sci-fi world!