Picture an Iowa farm girl who traded comic books for a pen and crafted chilling post-apocalyptic worlds—meet Rachel Aukes! A bestselling author of horror and science fiction, Aukes has captivated readers with her gripping Deadland Saga and thrilling space operas. Her knack for blending heart-pounding action with unforgettable characters has earned her a devoted following and a spot on Suspense Magazine’s Best of the Year list.
With over forty novels and a passion for asking 'what if,' Aukes weaves stories that feel like a wild ride in a vintage airplane—her other love. From zombie apocalypses to interstellar wars, her tales are as adventurous as her life soaring over the Midwest countryside.
The Making of Rachel Aukes
Born in 1972 in Manchester, Iowa, Rachel Aukes grew up on a farm, where she curated the town’s only comic book collection. Her love for bold heroes facing impossible odds sparked a storytelling fire. After earning a degree in Management Information Systems and Communications from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s in public administration from Drake University, Aukes carved a career in IT and change management. But her heart stayed with stories, and she began writing under the pen name Berinn Rae before embracing her own.
Aukes’s rural roots and fascination with speculative fiction shaped her unique voice. Her early works, blending romance and sci-fi, laid the groundwork for her breakout horror and science fiction novels, where she explores human resilience in chaotic worlds.
Rachel Aukes’s Unforgettable Stories
Aukes’s Deadland Saga, starting with 100 Days in Deadland, is a modern retelling of Dante’s Inferno with a zombie twist. The series follows Cash, a fierce survivor, and Clutch, a grizzled vet, as they navigate a world overrun by the undead. Praised for its vivid characters and relentless pace, the book landed on Suspense Magazine’s Best of 2013 list and became an Amazon bestseller.
Her science fiction shines in the Fringe Series, a space opera blending Harlock: Space Pirate vibes with The Expanse’s grit. Captain Jack Hale’s battles against rogue AIs and alien threats thrill readers with intricate world-building and high-stakes action. Aukes also co-wrote the Space Troopers series, diving into military sci-fi, and penned Flight of the Javelin, a tale of interstellar adventure. Her versatility across horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, often self-published through Waypoint Books LLC, showcases her storytelling prowess.
Aukes’s style is immersive, with tight prose and morally complex characters. Her post-apocalyptic worlds pulse with hope amid despair, reflecting her belief that human spirit endures. Whether it’s zombies or starships, her stories grip readers with unexpected twists and emotional depth.
Why Rachel Aukes Matters
Rachel Aukes has left a mark on speculative fiction by crafting worlds that resonate with readers. As a Wattpad Star with over eight million reads, she’s built a global fanbase. Her Deadland Saga redefined zombie fiction by blending literary classics with genre thrills, inspiring new voices in horror. Her strong female leads, like Cash, challenge stereotypes, offering relatable heroes in chaotic settings.
Beyond writing, Aukes’s adventurous spirit—flying vintage planes and teaching at Upper Iowa University—embodies the boldness of her characters. Her work reminds us that stories can spark hope and courage, even in the darkest times, making her a standout in modern sci-fi and horror.
- Born: 1972, Manchester, Iowa
- Key Works: Deadland Saga, Fringe Series, Flight of the Javelin
- Awards: Suspense Magazine’s Best of 2013 for 100 Days in Deadland
- Fun Fact: Flies vintage airplanes with her spoiled lap dog!
Snag 100 Days in Deadland and dive into Rachel Aukes’s thrilling worlds—perfect for fans of zombies, spaceships, and kickass heroes!