Picture a young Londoner weaving epic tales of demons and magic, captivating millions before his books even hit the shelves—meet Taran Matharu! Born in 1990, this New York Times bestselling author turned his childhood passion for storytelling into a global phenomenon with his Summoner series, blending fantasy, adventure, and a touch of Pokémon-inspired charm.
Matharu’s journey from a Wattpad sensation to an internationally celebrated author is as thrilling as his novels. With his debut novel, The Novice, skyrocketing to fame after garnering over three million reads online, he’s become a beacon for aspiring writers and fantasy fans alike.
The Making of Taran Matharu
Born in London in 1990, Taran Matharu was a voracious reader from a young age, his imagination sparked by fantasy giants like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. By age nine, he was already penning his first novel, a sign of the creative force he’d become. After earning a First Class degree in Business Administration, Matharu interned at Penguin Random House, gaining insight into the publishing world. But it was during a travel break in 2013, at age 22, that he joined NaNoWriMo and began writing The Novice, sharing chapters on Wattpad. The story’s viral success, with over three million reads in six months, launched his career.
Taran Matharu’s Unforgettable Stories
Matharu’s Summoner series, starting with The Novice (2015), follows Fletcher, a blacksmith’s apprentice who discovers his ability to summon demons and trains as a battlemage at Vocans Academy. The trilogy—The Novice, The Inquisition (2016), and The Battlemage (2017)—weaves a rich world of elves, dwarves, and orcs, blending high-stakes adventure with themes of equality and loyalty. A prequel, The Outcast (2018), and a companion, The Summoner’s Handbook (2018), expand the universe, delighting fans with intricate demonology.
Beyond Summoner, Matharu’s Contender trilogy—The Chosen (2019), The Challenger (2020), and The Champion (2021)—explores a sci-fi fantasy blend, pitting teens against alien overlords in a deadly game. His 2024 adult fantasy, Dragon Rider, kicks off the Soulbound Saga, showcasing his knack for evolving his craft. Matharu’s style, often compared to Harry Potter meets Pokémon, is fast-paced, immersive, and packed with vivid world-building, making his books irresistible to young adult and fantasy readers.
His Wattpad roots shine through in his serialized storytelling, keeping readers hooked with cliffhangers and relatable characters. Matharu’s worlds tackle social issues like class divides and racial tensions, resonating with modern audiences while delivering escapist thrills.
Why Taran Matharu Matters
Taran Matharu’s impact extends beyond his page-turning novels. His Wattpad success democratized publishing, proving that digital platforms can launch literary careers. With over eight million reads on Wattpad and three million books sold in 17 languages, Matharu has inspired countless writers to share their stories online. His Summoner series, a New York Times bestseller, has been praised for its inclusivity and vibrant world, earning a devoted fanbase that creates fan art and fiction.
As Book Trust’s writer-in-residence and a vocal advocate for fantasy, Matharu continues to shape the genre, blending classic tropes with modern sensibilities. His journey from a nine-year-old storyteller to a global author is a testament to perseverance and passion, making him a role model for dreamers everywhere.
- Born: 1990 in London, England
- Key Works: Summoner series, Contender trilogy, Dragon Rider
- Notable Achievement: New York Times bestselling author
- Fun Fact: His Wattpad posts sparked a UK-based Wattpad Convention
About Taran Matharu
Snag The Novice and dive into Taran Matharu’s spellbinding fantasy world today!