Kevin Shannon was educated at St Edward's College, Liverpool. Enlisting in the Army straight from school. His varied Army career included service in an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, Intelligence and the infantry. After leaving the Army he studied for a degree in Liverpool and taught history for many years. His hobbies have included competitive pistol shooting, motorsport and piloting light aircraft and he has also been a long-time member of International Rescue Corps, retiring as their Assistant Operational Director in early 2016. Shannon is now a full-time writer and historian.