Max Gladstone

Max Gladstone, born in 1984, is an American author recognized for his contributions to fantasy literature. He is widely known for his debut novel, *Three Parts Dead*, which initiated *The Craft Sequence*, a series exploring complex magical systems and their societal impact. Gladstone also created the urban fantasy serial *Bookburners* and co-authored the award-winning novella *This Is How You Lose the Time War* with Amal El-Mohtar.

His academic background includes a degree in Chinese from Yale University, and he has practical experience working in China as a teacher and translator. This international experience may inform the diverse settings and cultural nuances present in his work. Gladstone's writing has garnered critical attention, leading to award nominations such as the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. He has also contributed to other notable projects, including tie-in novels for Pathfinder and a role in George R. R. Martin's *Wild Cards* series.

Max Gladstone's literary career prominently features *The Craft Sequence*, a series of novels that delve into the intricacies of magic and its integration into society. The sequence began with *Three Parts Dead* in 2012, followed by subsequent installments like *Two Serpents Rise*, *Full Fathom Five*, *Last First Snow*, and *Four Roads Cross*. Later, *The Ruin of Angels* continued the narrative. The series explores a world where magic is a structured, almost legalistic force, often involving arcane bureaucracies and the consequences of its disruption. The interactive fiction titles *Choice of the Deathless* and *Deathless: The City's Thirst* are also set within this universe, offering readers a more immersive experience with its magical constructs.

Beyond his novel series, Max Gladstone has been a significant figure in serial fiction platforms. He created *Bookburners*, an urban fantasy serial published by Serial Box, which he also contributed to writing. This project, co-written with a team of authors, explores a clandestine organization dedicated to combating magical threats. Gladstone also co-created and co-wrote *The Witch Who Came in from the Cold*, a supernatural spy thriller set during the Cold War, also released through Serial Box. His collaborative spirit extends to other ventures, including his work on George R. R. Martin's *Wild Cards* anthology series and co-authoring the highly acclaimed novella *This Is How You Lose the Time War*, which received multiple prestigious awards.