Picture a Scottish storyteller who swapped heavy metal riffs for the clash of medieval swords—meet Steven A. McKay! Born in 1977 near Glasgow, this historical fiction author has captivated readers with his gritty, immersive tales of Robin Hood, druids, and Alfred the Great. A chance sighting of a house named 'Sherwood' sparked his writing journey, transforming him from a meter reader and guitarist into a bestselling novelist with over 300,000 books sold.
McKay’s novels blend meticulous research with pulse-pounding action, drawing fans of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow into the heart of medieval England and post-Roman Britain. His unique path, from rocking out in a heavy metal band to crafting epic historical adventures, makes him a standout voice in the genre.
The Making of Steven A. McKay
Born in Old Kilpatrick, Scotland, Steven A. McKay grew up steeped in history, inspired by tales of Scottish borders and legendary figures. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, he balanced a day job as a meter reader with his passion for music, playing guitar in a heavy metal band. His writing career ignited in 2013 when a house named 'Sherwood' inspired his debut novel, Wolf’s Head, a fresh take on the Robin Hood legend. Influenced by authors like Bernard Cornwell and Ben Kane, McKay’s commitment to authentic, vivid storytelling quickly won him a loyal following.
Steven A. McKay’s Unforgettable Stories
McKay’s Forest Lord series, starting with Wolf’s Head (2013), reimagines Robin Hood in a brutal, vibrant medieval England. The four-novel saga, culminating in The Abbey of Death (2017), blends historical accuracy with themes of justice and rebellion, earning a spot in the UK Kindle top 10. His Warrior Druid of Britain series, beginning with The Druid (2018), follows Bellicus, a giant warrior-druid, navigating post-Roman Britain’s chaos. Packed with battles and intrigue, it’s a thrilling ride for fans of dark-age adventure.
In 2023, McKay launched his Alfred the Great trilogy with The Heathen Horde, a gripping tale of Viking invasions and a young Alfred’s rise to power. His standalone works, like Faces of Darkness (2019), showcase his versatility, drawing from real-life inspirations like true crime podcasts. McKay’s style—fast-paced, dialogue-driven, and grounded in research—brings history to life with a modern, relatable edge, often written to the beat of extreme metal.
Why Steven A. McKay Matters
Steven A. McKay’s impact lies in his ability to make history accessible and thrilling, bridging the gap between academic research and page-turning fiction. His novels have sold over 300,000 copies, earning hundreds of five-star reviews and praise for their immersive storytelling. Beyond books, McKay’s work on the Xbox game HOOD: Outlaws and Legends (2021) and his podcast, Rock, Paper, Swords!, co-hosted with Matthew Harffy, showcase his versatility. For a working-class Scot, his success is a testament to passion and perseverance, inspiring aspiring authors and history buffs alike.
- Born: 1977, Old Kilpatrick, Scotland
- Key Works: Wolf’s Head, The Druid, The Heathen Horde
- Notable Contribution: Wrote backstories for HOOD: Outlaws and Legends
- Fun Fact: Co-wrote the theme song for his podcast using his heavy metal guitars
Ready to step into medieval Britain? Snag Wolf’s Head or The Druid and dive into Steven A. McKay’s thrilling historical adventures!