Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of teens with superpowers and hearts full of courage—meet Wesley King! Born in 1987 in Ajax, Ontario, King has become a shining star in young adult sci-fi and fantasy, blending thrilling adventures with deep dives into mental health and morality. His debut novel, The Vindico, launched a career that’s captivated readers and earned awards, proving that stories about extraordinary teens can resonate with everyone.
From dreaming of being a Jedi to crafting bestselling novels, King’s journey is as inspiring as his books. With a knack for weaving action, humor, and raw emotion, he’s a voice for young readers navigating their own battles, both real and fantastical.
The Making of Wesley King
Growing up in Ajax, Ontario, Wesley King was a kid with big dreams and a vivid imagination. As a child, he idolized Ninja Turtles, X-Men, and Star Wars Jedis, often imagining himself in their epic worlds. Though he didn’t initially plan to write, his knack for storytelling shone early, earning him a high school writing award that sparked his path. King pursued an Honors Degree in Journalism at Carleton University, honing his craft before diving into fiction. His first novel, The Vindico, published in 2012, was a game-changer, landing a publisher and a sequel deal while he watched the 2010 World Cup—a moment he recalls with awe.
Wesley King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s novels are a thrilling mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, often centered on teens with extraordinary abilities. The Vindico (2012) and its sequel, The Feros (2013), follow kidnapped teens trained to be supervillains, blending dark humor with moral dilemmas. OCDaniel (2016), an Edgar Award winner, is a heartfelt exploration of a boy with obsessive-compulsive disorder, drawn from King’s own experiences. Its companion, Sara and the Search for Normal (2020), continues this focus on mental health, earning starred reviews and awards like the Violet Downey Book Award.
King’s collaboration with Kobe Bryant on the Wizenard series, starting with Training Camp (2019), brought sports and fantasy together, debuting at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. His middle-grade novel, The Incredible Space Raiders from Space! (2015), showcases his playful side, following kids on a cosmic adventure. King’s style—action-packed yet emotionally grounded—makes his stories accessible and impactful, often weaving in sports, humor, and neurodiversity.
With over a dozen novels, King balances genres effortlessly, drawing from his love of A Tale of Two Cities and his own struggles with anxiety. His ability to craft relatable characters and gripping plots has made him a favorite among young readers and critics alike.
Why Wesley King Matters
Wesley King’s impact goes beyond entertainment. His honest portrayal of mental health issues, particularly in OCDaniel, has opened conversations for young readers, showing that it’s okay to struggle and seek help. By blending sci-fi and fantasy with real-world themes, he creates stories that empower teens to embrace their uniqueness. His work with Kobe Bryant brought diverse voices to the bestseller lists, inspiring young athletes and dreamers. King’s awards, including the Edgar and Silver Birch, highlight his literary prowess, while his global translations and film options signal a lasting legacy.
- Born: 1987, Ajax, Ontario, Canada
- Key Works: The Vindico, OCDaniel, Wizenard series
- Awards: Edgar Award, Silver Birch Award, Violet Downey Book Award
- Fun Fact: King is an avid athlete, playing soccer, hockey, and football.
Snag OCDaniel or The Vindico and dive into Wesley King’s thrilling, heartfelt world of sci-fi and fantasy!