Picture a New Mexican astrophysicist spinning chilling tales of interstellar terror—meet Ness Brown! This rising star in speculative fiction burst onto the scene with their 2023 debut, The Scourge Between Stars, a sci-fi horror novella that blends cosmic dread with human resilience. With a knack for fast-paced storytelling and diverse characters, Brown’s work captivates readers who crave thrills in the vastness of space.
The Making of Ness Brown
Born and raised in New Mexico, Ness Brown grew up enchanted by science fiction and horror, thanks to their parents’ love for the genres. This early exposure fueled their dual passions: exploring the cosmos and crafting gripping stories. After earning a master’s in astrophysics and teaching astrobiology at LaGuardia Community College, Brown channeled their expertise into writing. Their course on life in the universe inspired The Scourge Between Stars, proving their ability to merge science with suspense.
Now pursuing a PhD in astrophysics in Boulder, Colorado, Brown balances research on cosmic evolution with speculative fiction. Their unique perspective as a scientist and storyteller sets them apart, infusing their work with authenticity and wonder. Living with their husband and two cats, Faust and Mephi, Brown finds inspiration in both the stars above and the purrs at home.
Ness Brown’s Unforgettable Stories
Ness Brown’s debut, The Scourge Between Stars, is a tense, claustrophobic tale set aboard the starship Calypso, where acting captain Jacklyn Albright battles dwindling resources and a deadly alien stowaway. Critics praise its blend of Alien-esque horror and generation-ship despair, with Publishers Weekly calling it a “sci-fi horror mash-up that holds its own with the classics.” Brown’s fast-paced narrative and diverse cast, led by a Black queer protagonist, make it a standout.
Brown also penned Joy of the Martyr, a short story in the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe, showcasing their versatility in speculative fiction. Their writing style weaves scientific precision with visceral horror, exploring themes of human survival and environmental caution. By keeping technical jargon accessible, Brown welcomes both sci-fi novices and seasoned fans into their chilling worlds.
While The Scourge Between Stars remains their flagship work, Brown’s ability to craft suspenseful, character-driven stories hints at more to come. Their knack for evoking cosmic and xenobiological horror ensures each tale leaves readers both thrilled and reflective.
Why Ness Brown Matters
Ness Brown’s impact lies in their fresh voice in sci-fi horror, a genre enjoying a resurgence with works like Dead Silence and The Luminous Dead. Their diverse, relatable characters challenge stereotypes, while their environmental themes—rooted in Earth’s degradation—resonate with modern anxieties. As an astrophysicist, Brown brings credibility to their speculative worlds, making the cosmos feel both wondrous and terrifying.
Readers and critics alike celebrate Brown’s ability to balance gore with humanity, earning them a LibraryReads Pick and a spot on the 2024 RUSA Reading List. Their debut has sparked calls for a full sci-fi horror series, signaling a bright future. For fans of space horror, Brown is a must-read talent redefining the genre.
- Debut Work: The Scourge Between Stars (2023)
- Genres: Science fiction, horror, speculative fiction
- Current Pursuit: PhD in Astrophysics, Boulder, CO
- Notable Trait: Blends scientific expertise with diverse, accessible storytelling
About Ness Brown
Snag The Scourge Between Stars and dive into Ness Brown’s thrilling sci-fi horror universe! Whether you’re a space nerd or a horror junkie, their stories will keep you up all night.