Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett (born June 22, 1984, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an acclaimed American author known for blending fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction with sharp world-building and philosophical depth. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Bennett began his literary career with a focus on dark, literary horror before becoming a standout voice in modern fantasy.

His debut, Mr. Shivers (2010), a haunting tale set in Dust Bowl–era America, won the Shirley Jackson Award and the Sydney J. Bounds Award for Best Newcomer. He followed with The Company Man (2011), a genre-blending noir that earned the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original.

Bennett’s breakout moment came with The Divine Cities trilogy—City of Stairs, City of Blades, and City of Miracles—which introduced readers to a richly imagined world where gods were real, then violently overthrown. These novels garnered widespread critical praise for their intricate politics, morally gray characters, and fresh approach to epic fantasy.

In 2018, he launched the Founders Trilogy, beginning with Foundryside, a fast-paced magical heist novel set in a world where reality is manipulated by a system of coded symbols called “scriving.” The sequels, Shorefall and Locklands, pushed the boundaries of magical technology, agency, and rebellion, earning the series a place among modern fantasy's most inventive works.

Known for his genre-bending storytelling, Bennett combines heart-pounding action with thoughtful exploration of belief systems, colonialism, and the ethics of power. His novels appeal to fans of both classic fantasy and contemporary speculative thrillers.

He lives in Austin, Texas, where he continues to write, often sharing his wit and publishing insights with readers and aspiring authors online.