Wolfgang Hohlbein

Wolfgang Hohlbein, born in 1953, is a prolific German author specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He has achieved significant commercial success, with over 200 books published and more than 43 million copies sold, making him one of Germany's most successful fantasy writers. Hohlbein often collaborates with his wife, Heike Hohlbein, who is also a writer, and has co-authored over 30 of his books. The couple has six children, including their daughter Rebecca, who has also become an author. Hohlbein began writing in his youth to pass the time during his early jobs as an industrial clerk and night watchman. He transitioned to a full-time writing career in 1982. His breakthrough came with "Märchenmond" (Magic Moon), a fantasy novel co-written with his wife, which won a contest and became a bestseller, leading to sequels that form their most successful trilogy to date. He has also written extensively in the pulp fiction genre, including the series "Der Hexer" (The Warlock), and has penned tie-in novels for major franchises like Indiana Jones and Stargate. His works have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into various media, including radio plays, a theatre production, and film projects.

Wolfgang Hohlbein's writing career began in earnest after he and his wife, Heike, won a fantasy and science fiction writing contest in 1982 with their manuscript "Märchenmond." This novel, later published as "Magic Moon," became a major success and was followed by two sequels, forming a trilogy that remains their most significant achievement, selling over two million copies. Beyond this foundational work, Hohlbein has penned over 200 books across genres like fantasy, horror, and historical fiction. His collaboration with his wife, Heike, is a consistent feature of his career, with her credited as co-author on more than 30 books. He has also worked with other authors, including his daughter Rebecca. Early in his career, Hohlbein also contributed to pulp fiction magazines, often under pseudonyms like Robert Craven, particularly for the series "Der Hexer" (The Warlock), which drew inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. While initially focusing on magazine stories and pseudonyms, he later shifted towards standalone novels and extensive series, such as the "Enwor" saga and "Die Chronik der Unsterblichen" (Chronicles of the Immortals).

Hohlbein's literary output spans a wide range of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror, often incorporating elements that resonate with speculative fiction readers. His works have garnered international attention, with translations appearing in numerous European countries and beyond, including South Korea. While English translations were scarce for a long time, his "Märchenmond" trilogy was eventually published in English by Tokyopop. Beyond print, Hohlbein's stories have been adapted into other media. "Märchenmond" was transformed into a stage play, and his "Chronik der Unsterblichen" series inspired a theatre production that led to musical albums by the progressive metal band Vanden Plas. Several film adaptations have been proposed for his works, with a feature film based on "Hagen von Tronje" announced by Constantin Film and a film titled "The Magic Kids: Three Unlikely Heroes" released in 2020, based on his "Die Wolf-Gäng" book series. These adaptations highlight the narrative breadth and imaginative scope of his creations.