Christopher Ruocchio is an award-winning American author who has made a significant impact in the realms of fantasy and space opera. Born and raised in North Carolina, Ruocchio’s journey from a staunch Roman Catholic upbringing to becoming a celebrated science fiction author is as compelling as the stories he weaves.
See all of Christopher Ruocchio books in order here>>
Educated in Catholic schools through high school, Ruocchio went on to graduate from North Carolina State University with a degree in English rhetoric. This foundation in language and storytelling would prove instrumental in his future career as an author.
Ruocchio burst onto the literary scene in 2018 with his debut novel, “Empire of Silence,” the first installment in his acclaimed Sun Eater series. This ambitious work introduced readers to Hadrian Marlowe, a complex protagonist whose story blends elements of epic fantasy with far-future science fiction. The novel’s success was quickly followed by subsequent books in the series, earning Ruocchio critical acclaim and a devoted readership.
His talent has not gone unnoticed in the literary world. The first two novels in the Sun Eater series have garnered prestigious recognition, with one winning the Manly Wade Wellman Award and another being nominated for the 2020 Dragon Award. In addition to his novels, Ruocchio has demonstrated his versatility by self-publishing a novella, “The Lesser Devil,” in 2020 and contributing Thor’s story to the landmark Avengers #750 comic.
Beyond his own writing, Ruocchio is deeply involved in the publishing industry. He serves as an assistant editor at Baen Books, a leading publisher of science fiction and fantasy. His editorial expertise has also led him to co-edit four anthologies, further cementing his role as a prominent figure in the speculative fiction community.
Ruocchio’s writing is characterized by its ambitious scope, intricate world-building, and deep exploration of complex characters. His work in the Sun Eater series, particularly “Empire of Silence,” showcases his ability to blend the grand scales of space opera with the personal journeys of his characters, creating narratives that are both epic in scope and intimately human.
Currently residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his family, Christopher Ruocchio continues to expand the boundaries of science fiction and fantasy. His unique background, combining Catholic education, classical rhetoric, and a passion for speculative fiction, informs his writing, producing stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
For fans of epic storytelling that spans the stars while delving into the depths of human nature, Christopher Ruocchio’s work offers a rich, immersive experience that continues to captivate readers around the world.
The Sun Eater Books In Order of Publication
| Empire of Silence | (2018) |
| Howling Dark | (2019) |
| The Lesser Devil | (2020) |
| Demon in White | (2020) |
| Tales of the Sun Eater, Volume 1 | (2021) |
| Kingdoms of Death | (2022) |
| Tales of the Sun Eater, Volume 2 | (2022) |
| Queen Amid Ashes | (2022) |
| Ashes of Man | (2022) |
| Tales of the Sun Eater, Vol. 3 | (2023) |
| The Dregs of Empire | (2023) |
| Disquiet Gods | (2024) |
Anthologies In Order of Publication
| Star Destroyers | (2018) |
| Space Pioneers | (2018) |
| The Year’s Best Military and Adventure SF, Volume 5 | (2019) |
| Overruled! | (2020) |
| Cosmic Corsairs | (2020) |
| Shapers of Worlds | (2020) |
| Sword & Planet | (2021) |
| Time Troopers | (2022) |
| No Game for Knights | (2022) |
| Worlds Long Lost | (2022) |