Alan C. Martin
Alan C. Martin is an English writer and author of books for young adults, ranging from mysteries and thrillers to comedies and science fiction. He is best known for the popular series, The Kingdom, which tells the story of an orphaned teenager named Zephyr Senga, who discovers she has supernatural powers. Martin’s other books, including The Metatransit Chronicles and The Enchanted Garden, have also been widely praised by readers and critics alike.
Born in London, England, in 1961, Martin grew up with three sisters. He attended the University of Reading, where he earned a B.A. in English and Drama. Martin followed his degree with a Masters in Creative Writing from Oxford University in 1986. After his studies, he went on to become a film critic for a national magazine. This experience inspired him to pursue his career as an author.
Martin began writing fiction in the early 1990s and soon moved into the YA (Young Adult) genre. His first published novel, The Kingdom, was released in 1995 and quickly won praise from readers and critics. The book follows the exploits of Zephyr Senga, an orphan who discovers she is descended from an ancient supernatural line of royalty. The novel spawned six more sequels, concluding in 2016 with the final book, The Queen’s Wrath.
Martin’s other works include the mystery-thriller The Metatransit Chronicles, which follows the adventures of a teenage hacker as he endeavors to uncover a government-wide cover up. Other novels, such as The Enchanted Garden, mix elements of fantasy and science fiction to tell an inspiring story about an unlikely group of kids who come together to save the world.
Martin has also written two children’s books, The Zoop and The Whoop, which both focus on the power of the imagination. He has also penned the graphic novel series, The YLEM. This series tells the story of a mysterious group of superheroes who are charged with saving the world from calamity.
In addition to his fiction, Martin has released three popular non-fiction books. His autobiography, The Ghost in the Machine, offers a candid look at his upbringing and his decision to pursue a writing career. He also wrote World War IV (Think Before We Act): Lessons From the Past, an essay-style book that details the consequences of the world’s military adventures. And most recently, he wrote The Necromancer of London: A Dangerous Parable of Privilege and Power, a sharp-witted satire that examines the corruption individuals have over society.
Martin has won several awards and accolades for his work, including being shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children’s Prize. He continues to actively write and teach writing classes. Alan C. Martin’s books are widely praised for their clever writing, strong characters, and whip-smart humor. These qualities make his books must-reads for anyone interested in fantastic escapist stories.
