Picture a Colorado storyteller who spins history into heart-pounding thrillers—meet Samuel Marquis! As the ninth great-grandson of the legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Marquis channels his swashbuckling heritage into historical fiction that’s as meticulously researched as it is unputdownable. With a knack for unearthing overlooked heroes and weaving suspenseful tales, he’s earned a devoted global readership and critical acclaim from the likes of James Patterson.
Marquis isn’t just a writer—he’s a hydrogeologist by day, saving the planet from toxic chemicals, and a novelist by night, crafting stories that transport readers from colonial America to WWII battlefields. His unique blend of scientific precision and historical passion makes his work stand out in a crowded genre.
The Making of Samuel Marquis
Born and raised in Denver, Samuel Marquis grew up with a rebellious streak and a love for history, fueled by his lineage to Captain Kidd. A hellion in his youth, he attended the Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, where he earned the title of Top Male Athlete and narrowly escaped expulsion for dormitory mischief. His academic path led to a B.S. in Geology from Denison University, where he co-founded the Denison Journal of Geosciences while chasing Grateful Dead concerts. By day, Marquis built a career as a VP-Principal Hydrogeologist, but his overactive imagination demanded an outlet, leading him to pen his first novel in 2015.
Samuel Marquis’s Unforgettable Stories
Marquis’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending pulse-pounding suspense with rigorous historical accuracy. His debut, Blind Thrust, a Denver Post #1 bestseller, kicks off the Joe Higheagle series, intertwining geology and fracking with a thrilling mystery set in Colorado. The Nick Lassiter-Skyler series, starting with The Devil’s Brigade, dives into international espionage, earning comparisons to John le Carré and Tom Clancy for its intricate plots and high stakes.
His WWII series, including Bodyguard of Deception and Soldiers of Freedom, shines a spotlight on lesser-known heroes like the 761st Black Panthers and the Edelweiss Pirates. Blackbeard: The Birth of America, inspired by his pirate ancestry, reimagines the infamous Edward Thache as a Robin Hood-like patriot, earning praise for its vivid historical detail. Critics laud Marquis’s ability to recreate worlds—whether it’s Patton’s battlefields or Kidd’s high seas—with a cinematic flair that keeps readers hooked.
Marquis’s style is defined by multiple perspectives, complex characters, and a commitment to truth. He doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of history, yet his narratives pulse with hope and heroism, making his books both educational and exhilarating.
Why Samuel Marquis Matters
Samuel Marquis has carved a niche in historical fiction by championing the unsung and misunderstood, from Blackbeard to WWII resistance fighters. His work resonates with readers who crave stories that entertain while illuminating the past. With multiple national awards, including Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, Marquis has proven that historical accuracy and thrilling storytelling aren’t mutually exclusive. His influence extends beyond books, inspiring readers to explore history’s hidden corners and question established narratives.
About Samuel Marquis
- Born: Denver, Colorado
- Key Works: Blind Thrust, Bodyguard of Deception, Blackbeard: The Birth of America, Soldiers of Freedom
- Awards: Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, Beverly Hills Book Awards, Readers’ Favorite
- Fun Fact: He’s an avid downhill skier and played in the 2014 Lacrosse World Games.
Snag Blackbeard: The Birth of America and dive into Samuel Marquis’s thrilling historical adventures—you won’t look at history the same way again!