Meet the Team


			Stephan
			Location: The Netherlands Brief Bio: A 26 year-old Communications student, Stephan loves publicity and design, particularly web design. When he’s not designing websites, he’s busy being a total geek for fantasy. In The Ranting Dragon, he has found a way to combine these passions and discover a new love for writing too. Most of all, though, Stephan is just a crazy Dutch guy who enjoys doing things that people don’t expect. He has a lot of bad habits, the least of which is going to bed at 5 AM night after night because he enjoys talking to his American fellow reviewers and editor fiancée Rebecca. What he finds important in a novel: A believable, well-conceived world and magic system, fleshed out characters who feel like individuals, an original premise. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Brent Weeks, Stephen Deas, Peter V. Brett and Robert Jordan. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic, Dark, Heroic, Science and Postmodern Fantasy, as well as some Steampunk every now and then.
			Stephan is the owner and a regular writer of The Ranting Dragon. Read his writings here.


			Ashik
			Location: Australia Brief Bio: Ashik is fond of fine coffee, tea and books. He is also amenable to bribes (See prior sentence for ideas). He spends his time coasting through life on his charm, intellect and appalling arrogance. What he finds important in a novel: Cleverness, an engaging story and unique worldbuilding. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Kevin Hearne, Lev Grossman, Brandon Sanderson, George R R Martin, Jim Butcher, Scott Lynch and Douglas Hulick. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: I find sub-genre a very annoying term, since they are often so hard to define and cross over liberally, but the authors above should aid you in deciding what sub-genres I enjoy.
			Though he retired from The Ranting Dragon to focus on life, you can still find Ashik’s writings here.


			Benni
			Location: California, USA Brief Bio: Benni was born in a theater playing Star Wars, and has loved science fiction and fantasy ever since. She did go through a non-fiction phase, but now that her 50-70-hour/week job keeps her plenty occupied with non-fiction, she escapes when she can into the world of fantasy. What she finds important in a novel: Though clinically cleared of ADHD, Benni requires constant engagement, whether through good pacing, character development, or world-building. And while she would like to believe that she has more discerning taste than a child, she considers herself otherwise a good measure of whether a book will hold a child’s attention and do well if the movie rights are sold. Favorite Fantasy Authors: George R.R. Martin, N.K. Jemisin Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: All of them, as well as literary fiction with speculative slants.
			Though Benni is very busy nowadays, she was one of our top writers. Read her articles here.


			Caitrin
			Location: Nevada, USA Brief Bio: Caitrin is a geek and proud of it. She is a huge fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly and the various Stargate incarnations. You can often find her leaving the library with at least 5 books. A big fan of fantasy and YA, she also enjoys science fiction, mystery/thriller and urban fantasy. She loves to play card games, board games, RPGs and MMORPGs. Her favorites include gin rummy, DragonAge: Origins, Fable, Monopoly and World of Warcraft among many others. Music is as essential as air, and, as with books, she likes a variety. She also proclaimed herself RD’s Guru of Everyt-OOH SHINY THING! What she finds important in a novel: Characters, Setting, Writing Style, Pacing, Background, Presentation, and Creativity. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Jacqueline Carey, J.K. Rowling, and Juliet Marillier. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Mythic, Paranormal, Sword & Sorcery, Heroic Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fantasy, and Young Adult.
			Caitrin is our most fickle reviewer. We still love her irregular reviews though, which are here.


			Caleigh
			Location: Avignon, France Brief Bio: Caleigh is a Canadian publishing enthusiast who was introduced to fantasy by Brian Jacques, Lloyd Alexander, David Eddings and Anne McCaffery (not age-appropriate!). Right now she teaches English to unruly French teens, but her next adventure is to return home and study for an MA in English literature at the University of Victoria. Caleigh also has a personal blog where she writes about the publishing industry, internship advice, and other stuff she thinks is cool. What she finds important in a novel: Complex worlds that challenge or illuminate real-world problems; plausible, imperfect characters; historical accuracy (to a degree…); a ripping good yarn! Favorite Fantasy Authors: Guy Gavriel Kay, Elizabeth Moon, Robin McKinley, Orson Scott Card, Naomi Novik, George R. R. Martin, Neil Gaiman Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: No preference, if it’s done well!
			Caleigh is a guest reviewer and occasional editor. Read all of Caleigh’s reviews here.


			Dan
			Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Brief Bio: Dan is a History and Philosophy graduate from Laurentian University. When he’s not reading an excessive amount of fantasy and sci-fi novels, or putting way too much time into online gaming and forums, he runs a Wine Shop in the north end of Toronto Ontario. A lifelong fantasy reader, and gamer nerd, Dan’s life ambition is to become a librarian. What he finds important in a novel: Setting, Presentation, Background, Premise. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Guy Gavriel Kay, Terry Pratchett, Patrick Rothfuss, Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, Mercedes Lackey, Tanya Huff, Ed Greenwood. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Adventure, Dark fantasy.
			Dan is a regular guest reviewer. Read all of Dan’s reviews here.


			Garrett
			Location: Virginia, USA Brief Bio: As an avid musician, gamer, and reader, Garrett is an accompanist by night and an all-around nerd by day. And vice versa. Other hobbies include ultimate frisbee, RPGs (both on and off the table), and lurking various forums (just waiting for the right thread to pounce on). He is also a Disciple of the Snark, inserting the occasional witty comment into conversation. He has recently realized that his life really can be defined by Billy Joel’s music. What he finds important in a novel: Writing Style, Pacing, Premise, Creativity, Predictability. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Jim Butcher, R.A. Salvatore, Kevin Hearne, Kat Richardson, Tom Sniegoski. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery.
			Garrett is our superstar writer and editor. Read all Garrett’s articles and reviews here.


			Jake
			Location: Massachusetts, USA Brief Bio: Jake Hasson looks younger than he is and acts younger than he looks. An avid reader and aspiring author of science fiction and fantasy, he lives in Massachusetts with a poet and their combined flock of four imaginative kids, three wacky cats, and thousands of books. Despite any obstacles the universe hurls at him, he remains perpetually happy. He‘s easily befuddled when writing of himself in the third person, and is now gaping perplexedly at the screen (and drooling on the keyboard). What he finds important in a novel: Jake likes compelling characters, interesting new worlds, and compelling storytelling (that doesn’t sound cliché). He loves uniqueness and surprise. What’s most important to him is that the author had fun, put their heart and soul into a story, and created a novel that challenges his convictions and engages his emotions, while he ponders the possibilities. He wants to be whisked away into the unknown, but still be able to return for dinner. Favorite Fantasy Authors: George R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan, Douglas Adams, Brandon Sanderson, J.V. Jones, Peter F. Hamilton, Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. LeGuin, Alastair Reynolds, Terry Pratchett, and many, many more. He respects anyone who dares pour their souls into a story and then selflessly gifts it to the world. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: He thinks every story has a genre all its own, but, if forced to pick, he would chose the sub-genre of… awesomeness.
			Jake is a regular reviewer on our team. Read all Jake’s reviews here.


			James
			Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Brief Bio: James is 21 years old and has been described as many things in life – pop music lover, book nerd, movie geek, cookie nommer, bookshelf filler, tortured writer, tech dork, television watcher, webcomic addict, fierce supermodel, crazy cat lady, musical fanatic, a loyal Hufflepuff, GLEEk to the Nth degree, pizza eater, future librarian, a horrible procrastinator, Poké-freak, eyeglass wearer, a lover of the arts, and a zombie unicorn that sparkles in the night (well, actually that might’ve just been once). He prefers to describe himself as “a man of odd enthusiasms.” What he find important in a novel: Diverse, believable characters, an interesting and well thought out setting, sophisticated writing, a decent amount of suspense, a lot of foreshadowing, a great story and a bit of humor. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Sharon Shinn, J.K. Rowling, Mercedes Lackey, Jonathan Stroud, Robert Jordan, Ursula K. Le Guin Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic Fantasy, Urban fantasy, Superhero stories, Old-fashioned Sword and Sorcery, Heroic Fantasy, Adventure, and Young Adult (yes, it’s a genre).
			James is a former writer of The Ranting Dragon. You can still read his old articles here.


			Janea
			Location: Michigan, USA Brief Bio: Janea is an avid fantasy reader who after college inexplicably found herself working in a library. She was the only one surprised by this strange turn of events. When not surrounded by books, she enjoys working on her own fantastical fiction (thereby restoring order to her universe by having a book nearby), as well as making music (clarinet, vocals, renaissance recorder), cooking, and honing various skills made obsolete by the industrial revolution. What she find important in a novel: Relatable and multi-dimensional characters, internally consistent and well executed world building, and a clear writing style. Favorite Fantasy Authors: While she hates picking favorites (There are so many! How to choose just a few?), authors who’s work she consistently enjoys are (in no particular order) Jim Butcher, Sherwood Smith, Cherie Priest, Kristen Britain, Sarah Monette, Brent Weeks, Mercedes Lackey, Sharon Shinn, and many many more. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: As you can see from the above list, Janea likes epic fantasy, urban fantasy, steampunk, and just about anything else out there. Really, why chose a few when you can choose them all?
			Janea is a regular reviewer. You can read all of her reviews here.


			Julia
			Location: Somewhere in Northern Ontario Brief Bio: Julia grew up reading anything and everything she could get her hands on, eventually stumbling upon The Wheel of Time, thus solidifying her fate as a life-long fantasy nerd. Recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Julia enjoys long winded discussions about the state of the world and feminist politics. Her favourite things (in no particular order) are cats, ABBA, wine and laughing so hard her insides hurt. If Julia could have any career in the world, she would be an astronaut. However, since she has terrible eyesight and little motivation to become physically fit, she is setting her sights on an entry level position pretty much anywhere. In her spare time (when she’s not reading or working on RD stuff), Julia watches terrible TV shows, goes hiking, sits on couches in trendy coffee shops and listens to music much too loudly. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Scott Lynch Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: High/epic fantasy, adventure What she finds important in a novel: Creative and thoughtful worldbuilding; intricate plots and political intrigue; strong, believable female characters; and a little bit of humour.
			While Julia is most famous for her editing, she occasionally reviews. Read her reviews here.


			Marnie
			Location: Neverland Brief Bio: Marnie is quite a silly person, with a head full of dreams and impossible imaginings. She has an almost unhealthy love for her hair and spends far too much time brushing it and even talking to it on occasion. Marnie spends most of her time braving the treacherous passages of Barnes and Noble, cursing those who can’t seem to put books back on the shelves and mocking the fools who try to use a Borders gift card to pay for their purchases. If she ever obtains the gift of flight, she plans to take off immediately for the second star to the right and straight on ’til morning. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, William Goldman, Scott Lynch, John Connolly, Frank Beddor, J.K. Rowling, and Cassandra Clare ( Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Marnie don’t believe in labels, sucka! In all seriousness, though, Marnie is simply not all that picky and will read just about any fantasy book as long as it comes with a good (and reliable) recommendation. What Marnie finds important in a novel: Well-developed characters and an intriguing, unpredictable plot are all Marnie -really- needs, though a little bit of humor is always nice, too.
			Marnie is an occasional reviewer and editor. Read Marnie’s reviews here.


			Marty
			Location: Somewhere between the Capital Region and New York City Brief Bio: Marty is a 20 year old English Major and Theatre Minor, and while he still possesses his youthful idealism, hopes to become a writer/actor/improv comedian when he grows up. When that will happen, no one truly knows. Since a young age, he has never been without a book close by, and most likely never will be; this is most likely his parents’ fault. Marty hopes to one day write something memorable. Hopefully, this will occur more than once, fingers crossed. Thank you for coming and enjoy the site! What he finds important in a novel: Marty enjoys a novel that doesn’t take its reader by the hand, but throws them headlong into the story, filled with an engaging plot, a creative world, beautiful prose, and inventive magic. But none of it means anything if we aren’t invested in the characters, ya dig? Favorite Fantasy Authors: Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Sam Sykes, Joe Abercrombie, N.K. Jemisin, Joe Hill, Scott Lynch and George R.R. Martin
			Marty is one of our regular reviewers. You can read all of Marty’s reviews here.


			Michael
			Location: Sydney, Australia Brief Bio: Michael is a lifelong Fantasy reader and a History teacher by profession. Given his love of Ancient and Medieval times, he has toyed with the idea of writing historical Fantasy in those settings. Michael will always be thankful to his 6th grade teacher who suggested he read The Hobbit. He is not sure whether or not to thank the high school friend who introduced him to The Wheel of Time. What he finds important in a novel: Michael loves writers who avoid patronising the reader and telling them all about their invented world but show their characters and setting through intense action and crackling dialogue. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic fantasy seems to be my staple, but my tastes are evolving into Urban and Sword and Sorcery. Favorite Fantasy Authors: George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, Kate Elliott, Daniel Abraham, Peter V. Brett and Robert Jordan.
			Michael isn’t just a great reviewer, he also writes other cool stuff. Read it all here.


			Michelle
			Location: Melbourne, Australia Brief Bio: Michelle is an Australian university student, bookseller, voracious reader and fantasy geek. Although her major is in Behavioural Ecology she has a passion for literature of all kinds. When she isn’t reading or stalking wildlife she can be found lurking among the shelves at her workplace, telling bad jokes, unintentionally traumatising delivery men, small children and the elderly or drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee with various enablers. Some (aka. Stephan) speculate that Michelle never sleeps and possesses slight, and mostly useless magic powers that allow her to guess almost anything correctly. These rumors are yet to be scientifically confirmed. She also keeps a personal blog of book reviews (various genres), and other assorted ramblings (some of which are actually coherent). Favorite Fantasy Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, Sara Douglass, Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin and many more! What she finds important in a novel: Michelle values originality, sophisticated prose, complex world building, an engaging and well executed plot, and developed multi-dimensional characters. She also appreciates a writer who can surprise or thrill her and the odd humorous moment will not go amiss either. Flat, personality-challenged female characters are a sure way to put her off a book, as is an author who condescends to their readers. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Epic, Dark, Literary, Alternative History, Steampunk. Almost anything if it’s well written!
			Michelle is our all-round superstar writer. Read all of her reviews, lists and interviews here.


			Rebecca
			Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Brief Bio: Rebecca, a 25-year-old from Arizona, is a born bibliophile and wordsmith. She began “reading” books out loud at 1 ½ years old, and was really reading and writing by the age of 3. By age 12, she knew she wanted to be an author. Since high school, she has been the go-to girl for all her friends’ essay editing needs. When Rebecca isn’t busy at work or editing articles for RD, she enjoys Skyping with Stephan, planning for their wedding, and reading fantasy and occasionally science fiction. She also sometimes plays video games. She currently works providing relay calls for deaf and hard of hearing people. What she finds important in a novel: Rebecca isn’t usually a picky reader. She’ll lose interest in a book if too many factors are weak, but as long as the overall product is strong, individual factors don’t matter as much. Favorite Fantasy Authors: Rebecca’s ultimate favorite author is Brandon Sanderson. She also quite likes Timothy Zahn, Jane Lindskold, Tamora Pierce, Sharon Shinn, and Shanna Swendson. Favorite Fantasy Sub-Genres: Rebecca enjoys many sub-genres, including epic or high fantasy, low fantasy, magic realism, mythic, sword and sorcery, heroic fantasy, adventure, science fantasy, and young adult.
			Rebecca is our most fervent editor. She also writes now and then. Read those writings here.