SCOTT ODEN was born in Indiana, but has spent most of his life shuffling between his home in rural North Alabama, a Hobbit hole in Middle-earth, and some sketchy tavern in the Hyborian Age. He is an avid reader of fantasy and ancient history, a collector of swords, and a player of tabletop role-playing games. His previous books include Men of Bronze, Memnon, and The Lion of Cairo. When not writing, he can be found walking his two dogs or doting over his lovely wife, Shannon
Praise for Twilight of the Gods: An action-packed and grim adventure, this novel further demonstrates Oden's able combination of historical narrative with dark fantasy. Highly recommended for all orc fans. --Booklist (starred review) Robust action sequences and detailed descriptions mark Oden's ambitious second Grimnir Viking adventure... Oden's impressive writing successfully evokes a grand but grim atmosphere as the well-developed heroes undertake a dangerous quest to find Sarklungr. Fans of fast-paced battles and indomitable warriors will relish the sweeping fight scenes, complete with berserkers, siege engines, and the growing threat of Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse. --Publishers Weekly Praise for A Gathering of Ravens: This fast-paced thrill ride might have been bleak or unsettling, but it's rendered so lovingly that it reveals new layers of familiar territory. The fresh viewpoint is steeped in an appreciation for the terrifying and powerful characters of high fantasy, and Oden does them justice. He provides a satisfying saga that's as complex as an old tree's roots, and a pleasure to read. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Oden mixes an exciting and vibrant narrative with a wealth of historical detail to bring Grimnir and his world to life, providing the reader with an immensely satisfying and rewarding experience. Fans of Oden's previous work, or of historical fantasy in general, will definitely want to give it a look, as will any fantasy or even general reader looking for an evocative and engaging read. --Booklist This novel creates a rich, grim fantasy world made from Norse, Anglo-Saxon and Celtic myth with strands of Tolkien.... Recommended for lovers of Tolkien, dark fantasy and northern mythology. --Historical Novel Society Norse and Celtic mythology are beautifully woven in this historical fantasy novel set in medieval Europe, where the battle between the Old and New religions are at its peak. With his masterful storytelling skills, Scott Oden spirits the reader across different legends and lore while introducing a diverse cast of characters, including Grimnir, our not-so-normal protagonist who is the last of his kind.... Overall, this is a really well-written novel with a fantastic plot, group of characters and a magical fantasy world. A Gathering of Ravens is a must-read for historical fantasy lovers! --The Nerd Daily Praise for Scott Oden's previous books: Oden's masterful story of bloody battles, political intrigues, betrayal and romance offers a gripping portrait of the collapse of an empire. --Publisher's Weekly (starred review) on Men of Bronze The mark of exceptional historical fiction is its creation of an alien world so convincing (and peopled by such fascinating characters) that the reader never wants to go back to the real world. Scott Oden delivers exactly that in The Lion of Cairo, a tale of Assad the assassin that reads like a cross between the Arabian Nights and a Hollywood blockbuster. Memnon and Men of Bronze put Mr. Oden squarely on the hist/fiction map. The Lion of Cairo assures his place in the very front rank. --Steven Pressfield, New York Times bestselling author of Gates of Fire Oden...brings the man and his times to life with a combination of vivid conjecture, deft plotting and graceful prose. --Publishers Weekly on Memnon