Benjamin T. Blackwell: A Brief History

My name is Ben Blackwell. I'm 34 years old and I'm from a small town in the heart of Kentucky. Growing up, I always loved sci-fi and fantasy. It all started with The Boy Who Lived and quickly developed into so much more. I've read books by some of the greatest (in my opinion) authors to ever put pen to paper. Authors like Christopher Paolini, Jim Butcher, Anne McCaffrey, Charles Soule, Drew Karpyshyn, J.R.R. Tolkein, George R.R. Martin, C.S. Lewis, and of course, J.K. Rowling have told stories with captivating worlds, outstanding characters, and stories that are told through generations.

My debut novel, The Crystal Raven, draws inspiration from every one of those authors and I hope that I can do them justice and continue the traditions they started and tell a story that captivates the next generation. Kaelan Varros may not ever be a household name like Eragon Bromsson, Eddard Stark, or Harry Potter, but my genuine hope is that when you read Kaelan's story in the Crystal Raven, you are taken away from this crazy, messed up world that we live in, and just for a little while, you can go to a place that magic exists, fantastic beasts run wild, and be immersed in a story that captures your imagination.

-Ben