Picture an American storyteller who blends military grit with magical mayhem—meet Myke Cole! This New York-born author, Coast Guard lieutenant, and former intelligence operative crafts speculative fiction that pulses with authenticity and adrenaline. From his award-winning Shadow Ops series to his ventures in sci-fi and television, Cole’s multifaceted career makes him a standout voice in modern fantasy.
The Making of Myke Cole
Born in New York, Myke Cole grew up in a world shaped by his Jewish heritage and his father’s academic life as a professor. He studied at the University of Buffalo, rubbing shoulders with future fantasy star Peter V. Brett, and later earned a master’s in Museum Studies. After 9/11, Cole’s life took a dramatic turn. Leaving behind IT management, he dove into intelligence work, serving as a private contractor and later with the Defense Intelligence Agency, completing three tours in Iraq. His military path continued as a lieutenant in the US Coast Guard Reserve, where he tackled crises like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Hurricane Irene.
Cole’s writing journey began amid this high-stakes world. A lifelong fan of comics, Dungeons & Dragons, and fantasy, he channeled his experiences into stories. His early breakthrough came in 2003 with the short story Blood and Horses, which snagged third place in the Writers of the Future contest. This set the stage for his leap into novels, fueled by years of late-night writing.
Myke Cole’s Unforgettable Stories
Cole’s debut, Shadow Ops: Control Point (2012), introduced his signature blend of military fantasy and urban grit, earning the 2013 Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel. The Shadow Ops series follows Oscar Britton, a soldier grappling with forbidden magical powers in a world where the military polices supernatural abilities. With titles like Fortress Frontier and Breach Zone, the series weaves intense action, moral dilemmas, and diverse characters, reflecting Cole’s real-world insights.
Beyond Shadow Ops, Cole’s versatility shines. His Sacred Throne trilogy, starting with The Armored Saint (2018), dives into grimdark fantasy, pitting a young heroine against religious tyranny and arcane machines. In 2020, Sixteenth Watch marked his sci-fi debut, imagining the Coast Guard in a lunar conflict. Drawing on his service, Cole crafts authentic, character-driven tales that balance heart-pounding tension with nuanced themes of duty and rebellion.
Cole’s style is raw and immersive, blending military jargon with fantastical elements. His characters—often flawed, relatable heroes—navigate worlds where magic or technology amplifies human struggles. Whether it’s goblins in Shadow Ops or lunar standoffs in Sixteenth Watch, Cole’s stories resonate with readers who crave action with depth.
Why Myke Cole Matters
Myke Cole’s impact lies in his ability to bridge worlds—military and fantasy, reality and imagination. His authentic portrayal of service members, informed by his own sacrifices, elevates speculative fiction beyond escapism. By tackling themes like power, loyalty, and resistance, he invites readers to reflect on real-world complexities. His television roles on CBS’s Hunted and Discovery’s Contact further amplify his voice, showcasing his expertise to broader audiences.
Cole’s influence extends to aspiring writers, proving that diverse careers can fuel unique storytelling. Despite challenges, including a 2020 controversy that paused some projects, his resilience and range continue to inspire. For fans of military fantasy or character-driven sci-fi, Cole is a must-read.
About Myke Cole
- Born: New York, USA
- Key Works: Shadow Ops: Control Point, The Armored Saint, Sixteenth Watch
- Awards: 2013 Compton Crook Award
- Fun Fact: Served as a Coast Guard lieutenant and starred on CBS’s Hunted
Snag Shadow Ops: Control Point and dive into Myke Cole’s thrilling world of military magic!