Picture a Taiwanese-American storyteller who went from flipping as a stuntman to crafting mind-bending sci-fi adventures—meet Wesley Chu! Born in Taipei and raised in the U.S., Chu weaves high-octane speculative fiction with relatable characters and clever humor, earning him a spot as a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a fan favorite in contemporary sci-fi.
With his Tao and Time Salvager series, Chu blends action, alien intrigue, and time-travel thrills, drawing from his diverse life as a martial artist, former banker, and Screen Actors Guild member. His unique perspective infuses his stories with cultural depth and universal appeal, making him a standout voice in the genre.
The Making of Wesley Chu
Born on September 23, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, Wesley Chu was raised by his grandparents while his parents studied in the U.S. At age five, he joined them in Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling in Chicago in 1990. A gymnast and Kung Fu master, Chu earned a degree in management information systems from the University of Illinois and spent a decade in banking. But his creative spark led him to acting and stunt work, appearing in commercials alongside stars like Michael Jordan. In 2011, Chu submitted his debut novel, The Lives of Tao, to Angry Robot Books’ 'Open Door' process, launching his writing career in 2013.
Wesley Chu’s Unforgettable Stories
Chu’s Tao series kicks off with The Lives of Tao, where an out-of-shape IT tech, Roen Tan, becomes host to an ancient alien, Tao, in a secret war between alien factions. Packed with humor, Kung Fu, and spy-thriller vibes, it won the 2014 Alex Award and was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. The series continues with The Deaths of Tao and The Rebirths of Tao, diving deeper into global conspiracies.
His Time Salvager series, starting with the 2015 novel Time Salvager, follows chronman James Griffin-Mars, a time traveler scavenging Earth’s toxic past to save a fragile future. Its gritty, dystopian edge earned praise for complex worldbuilding and was optioned by Paramount with Michael Bay attached to direct. Chu’s War Arts Saga, beginning with The Art of Prophecy (2022), is a wuxia-inspired epic fantasy, blending martial arts and magic in a love letter to his Taiwanese roots. Co-authored works like The Red Scrolls of Magic with Cassandra Clare also hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.
Chu’s style is fast-paced, character-driven, and infused with cultural nuance. His Taiwanese heritage shapes authentic settings and themes of identity, while his stuntman past fuels dynamic action scenes. Whether it’s aliens guiding humanity or time travelers defying fate, Chu’s stories balance wit, heart, and high stakes.
Why Wesley Chu Matters
Wesley Chu’s impact lies in his ability to bridge cultures and genres, bringing Taiwanese-American perspectives to sci-fi and fantasy. His diverse career—from banking to stunts to bestselling author—inspires aspiring writers, proving passion can reshape destiny. Awards like the 2015 Astounding Award for Best New Writer and his influence on wuxia-inspired fantasy cement his legacy. Fans love his relatable heroes and imaginative worlds, making him a vital voice in speculative fiction.
- Birth Date: September 23, 1976
- Key Works: The Lives of Tao, Time Salvager, The Art of Prophecy
- Awards: 2014 Alex Award, 2015 Astounding Award for Best New Writer
- Fun Fact: Chu summited Kilimanjaro and studied wushu!
Snag The Lives of Tao or The Art of Prophecy and dive into Wesley Chu’s thrilling, culture-rich sci-fi and fantasy worlds!