Zack Riley

Zack Riley is an Australian author specialising in science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian literature. Born and raised in Australia, his adventurous upbringing-filled with camping trips to the Victorian high country with his father, a love for video games, and the ever-present V8 supercars on TV-has significantly influenced his writing.

Before pursuing his literary career, Zack dedicated 18 years to the Royal Australian Navy, serving both full-time and as a reservist. His military service took him across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, several Pacific island nations, and numerous Australian ports. In 2010 and 2011, he was deployed to the Middle East, providing direct support for the Afghanistan campaign. Upon returning, he served with the Border Force on active duties. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Australia Day Medallion in 2016. He concluded his full-time service a few years later to focus on his family and personal life.

Zack's military experiences instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism, duty, discipline, and unyielding resolve-qualities that permeate his narratives. A devoted father of three, he cherishes the joys and challenges of parenthood. Navigating life with an autistic child has presented unique challenges, enriching his storytelling with themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

He hosts a dynamic Sydney-based writing group, providing a supportive environment where aspiring writers share ideas and critique each other's work. Away from writing, Zack's passion for cars, particularly Holden and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), reigns supreme. He owns a varied collection of vehicles and often spends time tinkering and fine-tuning-sometimes fixing-his cars, a hobby that offers a welcome respite from adult responsibilities.

Embodying a spirit of creativity, curiosity, and camaraderie, Zack is often described as a jack of all trades and a master of none. Through his diverse pursuits, he aims to leave a unique mark on the literary landscape, captivating readers with his boundless imagination and unwavering passion. Overcoming challenges such as dyslexia, he takes pride in his accomplishments, proving wrong those who doubted his abilities during his school years.