Robert Stanek is an author who brings his vast experiences into his storytelling. Known for his vivid narratives and imaginative worlds, Robert says he doesn’t usually base his stories on actual events. However, his autobiographical work “Air War” is an exception, reflecting on his experiences during the Persian Gulf War. Robert believes that "War tests a person, changes a person. Some rise to the occasion, others don’t. I chose to rise to the occasion, and being so close to death every day gave me a new perspective on life."
When asked if his characters are based on real people, Robert says, “I don’t usually base my fictional characters on a single person. Sometimes though, my fictional characters are amalgamations. Traits, personalities, viewpoints from many. Perhaps, the good I see in someone, the evil I see in another.”
Robert Stanek writes across genres, an approach that was once considered unconventional. He doesn’t like being locked into fantasy, mystery, children's, or YA categories. Instead, he writes what he feels, what he loves, and what he is passionate about in the moment.
‘The Pieces of the Puzzle’ was his first published mystery book. It’s a gripping thriller involving the National Security Agency and a meltdown in financial markets, echoing real-world events despite being written before the actual financial crises.
Robert's epic Ruin Mist series began with a dream. He dreamt of Adrina and her plight in the kingdoms, and the stories of Vilmos and Seth followed. These tales of three individuals from distant lands coming together to save their world form the core of Ruin Mist's appeal.
Ruin Mist Chronicles for adults includes "Keeper Martin’s Tale," "Kingdom Alliance," "Fields of Honor," and "Mark of the Dragon." For younger readers, there's the “The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches” series and the “In the Service of Dragons” series. The rich world of Ruin Mist continues with "Dragons of the Hundred Worlds," an origin story for its legendary heroes and villains, as well as "A Daughter of Kings," a graphic novel that expands the lore.
