Picture a Silicon Valley tech writer by day, weaving tales of snarky British mages by night—meet R.L. King! This Amazon bestselling author has enchanted urban fantasy fans with her sprawling Alastair Stone Chronicles, a series brimming with magic, mystery, and wit. Beyond her novels, King’s contributions to the cyberpunk-fantasy roleplaying game Shadowrun have solidified her as a multifaceted storyteller with a knack for blending the supernatural with the gritty.
With a passion for Doctor Who, cats, and pizza, King’s vibrant personality shines through her work, making her a beloved figure in the urban fantasy and gaming communities. Her stories, packed with compelling characters and twisty plots, invite readers into worlds where magic crackles and danger lurks. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of R.L. King
R.L. King’s journey to literary stardom began in the vibrant tech hub of San Jose, California, where she balances her role as a software technical writer with her creative pursuits. A lifelong fan of dark fantasy and horror, King discovered urban fantasy through Shadowrun in the 1980s, sparking her love for worlds where magic and technology collide. This passion led her to create Alastair Stone, a character originally developed for Shadowrun roleplaying in 1991, later reimagined as the occult professor starring in her bestselling series.
King’s early writing included web novels in the 1990s, but her freelance work for Catalyst Game Labs, Shadowrun’s publisher, honed her storytelling skills. Her involvement in the gaming world, combined with her love for crafting complex narratives, set the stage for her debut novel, Stone and a Hard Place, in 2015. From there, her career skyrocketed, fueled by her dedication to her craft and her active membership in groups like the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
R.L. King’s Unforgettable Stories
The Alastair Stone Chronicles, King’s flagship series, follows Dr. Alastair Stone, a Stanford professor and powerful mage navigating a double life of academia and supernatural battles. The series, which began with Stone and a Hard Place, spans over 30 books, including fan favorites like The Infernal Heart and Game of Stone. Readers praise the series for its vivid characters, fast-paced plots, and seamless blend of horror, humor, and urban fantasy, often comparing Stone to Harry Dresden with a British twist.
King’s Shadowrun novels, Borrowed Time and Veiled Extraction, showcase her ability to thrive in a shared universe. Borrowed Time, published in 2015 and nominated for a Scribe Award, delivers a thrilling tale of shadowrunners in a cyberpunk world, earning acclaim for its rich character development and immersive Sixth World setting. Her freelance contributions to Shadowrun sourcebooks and the Origins Award-winning Runners’ Toolkit further highlight her versatility.
King’s writing style is a delightful mix of snarky dialogue, heart-pounding action, and intricate world-building. Her stories explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil, all grounded in relatable characters. Whether she’s spinning a standalone novella like Turn to Stone or expanding the Alastair Stone universe with spinoffs like Happenstance and Bron, King keeps readers hooked with her unpredictable plots.
Why R.L. King Matters
R.L. King’s impact on urban fantasy and gaming is undeniable. Her Alastair Stone Chronicles has built a devoted fanbase, with readers lauding its addictive storytelling and immersive world. By bringing a fresh, British flair to the genre, King has carved a unique niche, appealing to fans of Jim Butcher and Benedict Jacka. Her engagement with readers through her mailing list and the Alastair Stone Chronicles Fans Facebook group fosters a tight-knit community.
In the gaming world, King’s Shadowrun contributions have enriched the franchise’s lore, making her a respected figure among roleplayers. Her ability to juggle original novels, tie-in fiction, and game writing showcases her versatility, inspiring aspiring authors to explore multiple creative avenues. As she continues to release new books, King’s legacy as a storyteller who blends magic, wit, and heart grows stronger.
- Key Works: Stone and a Hard Place, The Infernal Heart, Borrowed Time, Veiled Extraction
- Notable Achievements: Amazon bestselling author, Scribe Award nominee for Borrowed Time, contributor to Origins Award-winning Runners’ Toolkit
- Fun Fact: King lives with four demanding cats and a crested gecko!
Ready for a magical adventure? Snag Stone and a Hard Place and dive into R.L. King’s spellbinding urban fantasy world!