Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned childhood dreams into a galaxy-spanning saga—meet Nathan Hystad! From the quiet prairies of Alberta, this horror and science fiction author has captivated readers with his bestselling Survivors series, blending heart-pounding alien invasions with relatable characters. His journey from a daydreaming kid to a prolific writer is as thrilling as his novels.
The Making of Nathan Hystad
Born and raised outside Edmonton, Alberta, Nathan Hystad was scribbling stories by age six, filling boxes with tales that hinted at his future. Influenced by his mother’s love for reading, he devoured fantasy and sci-fi, particularly Raymond Feist’s epic worlds, in his teens. Despite his passion, adulthood brought responsibilities, and Hystad shelved his writing dreams for a steady job. It wasn’t until his late thirties that he reignited his ambition, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Hystad’s early works appeared in magazines and anthologies, but his breakthrough came with The Event, the first novel in his Survivors series, published in 2018. His determination and love for storytelling transformed him into a full-time author, balancing family life with his wife, dog, and towering stacks of books.
Nathan Hystad’s Unforgettable Stories
Hystad’s sci-fi is smart and fun, steering clear of hardcore tech jargon, while his horror leans into slow-burn suspense rather than gore. His strength lies in crafting characters readers root for—or love to hate. The Survivors series, spanning over 20 novels, kicks off with The Event, where accountant Dean Parker faces alien ships that abduct humanity, leaving him to unravel his wife’s cryptic final words. Its sequels, like New Threat and New World, weave time travel, galactic battles, and heartfelt bonds.
Beyond Survivors, Hystad’s Baldwin’s Legacy follows Captain Thomas Baldwin on a diplomatic mission gone awry, while Return to Red Creek delivers chilling hometown horror. His collaborative works, like Final Days with Jasper T. Scott, explore apocalyptic thrills. Hystad’s influences—Stephen King’s suspense and Robin Hobb’s character depth—shine through, making his stories accessible yet unpredictable.
With over 50 novels, Hystad’s output is staggering, yet each book maintains a fresh, engaging narrative. His ability to juggle multiple series while running Woodbridge Press, a publishing house he founded to uplift new authors, showcases his boundless energy and generosity.
Why Nathan Hystad Matters
Nathan Hystad has redefined indie sci-fi and horror, proving that self-published authors can rival traditional heavyweights. His Survivors series, a global bestseller, has hooked readers with its blend of epic stakes and human heart, earning praise for pulling fans from classics by Asimov and Clarke into modern sci-fi. His Woodbridge Press empowers aspiring writers, fostering a community where new voices can shine.
Hystad’s relatable characters—ordinary people thrust into extraordinary crises—resonate with readers worldwide. His stories remind us that courage and connection can triumph over any alien invasion or small-town terror. At 76, one fan called his series one of the “best 10 reads” of their life, a testament to his universal appeal.
- Key Works: The Event, Return to Red Creek, Baldwin’s Legacy
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror
- Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Snag The Event and dive into Nathan Hystad’s thrilling universe—where aliens, suspense, and heart await!