Picture a South African storyteller who whisked readers to icy Antarctic bases and ancient crypts—meet Preston W. Child! This bestselling author of action-packed thrillers burst onto the scene in 2014 with Ice Station Wolfenstein, launching a career that’s now spanned over 90 novels. With a knack for blending historical mysteries with heart-pounding adventure, Child’s tales have captivated fans of Clive Cussler and Dan Brown.
Born in Germany and shaped by stints in Scotland, Ireland, and Spain, Child’s global experiences infuse his stories with vivid settings and cultural depth. His characters, like the intrepid Dr. Nina Gould and billionaire explorer David Purdue, unravel secrets from the Holy Grail to Cleopatra’s tomb, making every page a thrilling ride.
The Making of Preston W. Child
Preston William Child’s journey to literary stardom began far from his South African roots. Raised in Germany, he studied at the University of Oldenburg before embracing a nomadic life in Edinburgh, Donegal, and now Sierra Calderona, Spain. These diverse locales sparked his imagination, fueling stories rich with historical intrigue and modern peril. Child started self-publishing in 2013, and his debut, Ice Station Wolfenstein, introduced the Order of the Black Sun series, setting the stage for a prolific career.
Influenced by adventure giants like Alistair MacLean, Child honed a style that’s both meticulously researched and relentlessly paced. His early days in Ireland, sipping Jameson-laced coffee by the Atlantic, shaped his discipline as a writer, turning quiet moments into epic narratives.
Preston W. Child’s Unforgettable Stories
Child’s bibliography is a treasure trove of action-adventure, with over 90 works across multiple series. The Order of the Black Sun series, now at 50 books and counting, follows Dr. Nina Gould and David Purdue as they chase artifacts like the Holy Grail and battle shadowy organizations. Quest for the Holy Grail pits them against a secret society guarding a World War II relic, blending history with high stakes.
The Last Templars series dives into medieval mysteries, with The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar tracking a SEAL-turned-treasure-hunter on a quest for Templar gold. For a taste of ancient Egypt, Child’s pseudonym Nathaniel Burns delivers The Mummifier’s Daughter, a gripping mystery set in a pharaoh’s court. His standalone novels, like The Casket of Napoleon, showcase his versatility, sending heroes on a race to recover the emperor’s stolen remains.
Child’s style is cinematic, with vivid settings—from Middle Eastern war zones to Parisian museums—and plots that weave historical facts with speculative twists. Fans love his ability to make ancient legends feel urgently relevant, all while keeping the action relentless.
Why Preston W. Child Matters
Preston W. Child has carved a niche in the thriller genre, offering readers escapist adventures grounded in historical curiosity. His self-publishing success—over 90 novels since 2013—proves his dedication and resonates with indie authors worldwide. By engaging fans through newsletters with bonus chapters and updates, he’s built a loyal community that eagerly awaits each release.
Child’s impact lies in his ability to make history thrilling, inspiring readers to ponder the past while racing through his plots. His global perspective, drawn from a life across continents, adds authenticity that elevates his stories beyond typical genre fare.
- Born: Germany, date unavailable
- Key Works: Order of the Black Sun, The Last Templars, The Mummifier’s Daughter
- First Novel: Ice Station Wolfenstein (2014)
- Current Home: Sierra Calderona, Spain
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Ice Station Wolfenstein and dive into Preston W. Child’s world of adventure!