Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who spins tales of rogue angels and space conmen with a grin—meet Robert Kroese! Known for his razor-sharp wit and philosophical musings wrapped in sci-fi and fantasy, Kroese has carved a niche with books like Mercury Falls and Starship Grifters. His stories don’t just entertain; they challenge you to ponder life, death, and the absurdity of it all.
From his Grand Rapids roots to a prolific writing career, Kroese’s journey is as unconventional as his characters. With a knack for blending humor with deep themes, he’s won over readers who crave stories that are equal parts clever and thought-provoking.
The Making of Robert Kroese
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan—home to the Amway Corporation and the Gerald R. Ford Museum—Robert Kroese’s sense of irony was shaped early. As a second-grader, he penned his first novel about Captain Bill and his spaceship Thee Eagle, a feat that, hilariously, he calls the peak of his academic career. After barely graduating from Calvin College with a philosophy degree in 1992, Kroese bounced through jobs before landing in California as a software developer—a role that suited his laid-back style. In 2009, he channeled his love for explosions and absurd trivia into his debut novel, Mercury Falls, launching a career that’s now spanned over 35 books.
Robert Kroese’s Unforgettable Stories
Kroese’s bibliography is a playground of genres, from fantasy to sci-fi to thrillers, all infused with his trademark humor. The Mercury series, starting with Mercury Falls (2009), follows a slacker angel named Mercury who’d rather enjoy life than trigger Armageddon. Teamed with a jaded reporter, Mercury’s antics thwart apocalyptic plots with wit and chaos. The series, including titles like Mercury Rises and Mercury Revolts, is a fan favorite for its irreverent take on divine bureaucracy.
Then there’s the Rex Nihilo series, a sci-fi romp starring a bumbling space grifter. Starship Grifters (2014) and its prequel Out of the Soylent Planet deliver laugh-out-loud adventures, earning praise from authors like Hugh Howey. Kroese’s Saga of the Iron Dragon, an alternate-history Viking epic, swaps humor for high-stakes drama, showcasing his versatility. His 2016 novel The Big Sheep, a sci-fi mystery set in a dystopian LA, blends Philip K. Dick-inspired noir with sharp social commentary.
Kroese’s style is a masterclass in balancing accessibility with depth. His stories tackle existential questions—What’s the meaning of life? What happens after death?—while keeping readers chuckling. Whether it’s a cherub dodging heavenly duties or a conman scamming planets, his characters are flawed, relatable, and unforgettable.
Why Robert Kroese Matters
Robert Kroese’s impact lies in his ability to make speculative fiction both fun and profound. His humor disarms readers, making complex philosophical ideas approachable without preaching. Fans, from casual readers to sci-fi luminaries like John Carmack, praise his storytelling for its intelligence and heart. His 2021 Prometheus Award nomination for Mammon underscores his knack for weaving timely themes, like economic collapse and societal fragility, into gripping narratives. Kroese’s work reminds us that laughter and insight aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re a powerful duo.
By self-publishing successes like Mercury Falls and embracing digital platforms early, Kroese also paved the way for indie authors. His prolific output—sometimes three books a year—shows a dedication to storytelling that keeps his fanbase growing.
- Born: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Key Works: Mercury Falls, Starship Grifters, The Big Sheep, The Dream of the Iron Dragon
- Awards: 2021 Prometheus Award nominee for Mammon
Ready for a wild ride through Kroese’s universe? Grab Mercury Falls or Starship Grifters and dive into his hilarious, mind-bending sci-fi today!