Picture a storyteller who turned childhood dreams of meteorology and fantasy into a bestselling saga—meet Roy Huff! This Hawaii-based author weaves epic tales that blend science fiction and fantasy, captivating readers with worlds like Everville. From overcoming poverty to earning five degrees, Huff’s journey is as inspiring as his stories, proving imagination can conquer all.
Born in Virginia and raised in Kentucky, Huff’s early life was marked by financial struggles and a love for speculative fiction. His unique blend of scientific rigor and creative storytelling has made him a standout in young adult fantasy, inviting readers to explore realms where dragons soar and heroes rise.
The Making of Roy Huff
Roy Huff’s story begins in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he was born, before moving to Kentucky as a toddler. Growing up in poverty, he found solace in science fiction and fantasy, from Star Trek to C.S. Lewis. At age four, he dreamed of becoming a meteorologist, a passion sparked by meeting Ray Boylan, a hurricane-chasing weatherman. This dream led him to Hawaii at 17 for college, though financial hardships initially derailed his plans. Undeterred, Huff returned to academia at 30, earning five degrees in liberal arts, history, secondary science education, and geoscience in just six years. His writing career began unexpectedly during an English class, where a creative paper titled 'Everville' caught a classmate’s eye, inspiring his first novel.
Roy Huff’s Unforgettable Stories
Huff’s flagship work, the Everville series, is a young adult epic fantasy that follows college freshman Owen Sage as he navigates a magical realm threatened by darkness. The series, starting with 'Everville: The First Pillar,' blends intricate world-building with themes of bravery and friendship, earning comparisons to Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Its sequels, including 'The City of Worms,' 'The Rise of Mallory,' and 'The Fall of Brackenbone,' deepen the saga with dragons, giants, and interdimensional battles.
Beyond Everville, Huff ventured into science fiction with 'Seven Rules of Time Travel,' a fast-paced thriller exploring moral dilemmas and temporal twists. His nonfiction book, 'Think Smart Not Hard,' offers 52 principles for success, reflecting his educator’s insight and personal triumphs. Huff’s style is accessible yet imaginative, weaving optimism and scientific curiosity into narratives that resonate with teens and adults alike. His ability to craft vivid, interconnected worlds stems from his geoscience background, grounding fantastical elements in a sense of universal order.
Why Roy Huff Matters
Roy Huff’s impact lies in his ability to inspire through storytelling and perseverance. His Everville series has garnered international acclaim, topping Amazon charts and earning awards like the Readers’ Favorite silver medal. As a teacher and scientist, Huff bridges academia and creativity, encouraging readers to embrace optimism and pursue their dreams despite adversity. His work offers an escape while subtly teaching resilience, making him a beacon for aspiring authors and young readers navigating their own challenges.
- Born: Portsmouth, Virginia
- Key Works: Everville series, Seven Rules of Time Travel, Think Smart Not Hard
- Awards: Readers’ Favorite 2014 Young Adult Fantasy Silver Medal
- Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, audiobooks
Snag 'Everville: The First Pillar' and dive into Roy Huff’s spellbinding fantasy today!