R.J. Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning author, best known for his work in the fantasy fiction genre.
Barker's debut trilogy, The Wounded Kingdom, includes the books Age of Assassins, Blood of Assassins, and King of Assassins. This series was nominated for several awards, including the David Gemmel Award, the Kitschie Golden Tentacle, The Compton Crook, and the BFS Best Debut and Best Novel awards. The Fantasy Hive called it 'thoroughly entertaining and constantly impressive,' and the BFS declared it 'one of the best fantasy series you will ever read.' Additionally, Kings of the Wyld author Nicholas Eames described Barker as 'a singular sensational new voice in epic fantasy.'
In addition to The Wounded Kingdom trilogy, Barker is also known for his Tide Child Trilogy, which includes The Bone Ships, Call of the Bone Ships, and The Bone Ship's Wake. This series has been praised for its unique and memorable world, which is both harsh and brutal, and full of powerful female characters. Adrian Tchaikovsky described it as 'one of the most interesting and original fantasy worlds I’ve seen in years,' and Robin Hobb called it 'brilliant.' The Tide Child Trilogy has received rave reviews in Starburst, SFX, and a starred review in Booklist, which described it as 'a unique and memorable world – harsh and brutal and full of fully realized, powerful female characters.'
Barker currently resides in Leeds with his wife, son, and a collection of questionable taxidermy, odd art, scary music, and more books than they have room for. Growing up, he was an avid reader and has always been 'that one with the book in his pocket.' After trying his hand at music and realizing he was 'a rubbish musician,' Barker returned to his first love, fiction. His website, rjbarker.co.uk, and Twitter account, @dedbutdrmng, provide more information about his work and upcoming projects.