About

Fantasy novelist exploring legacy, myth, and the weight of choice.

Welcome! I’m Ben Skene, a fantasy writer who came to storytelling through a love of myth, history, and the quiet choices that shape lives. My love for fantasy began in the libraries of my youth, shaped by authors like C.J. Cherryh, J.R.R. Tolkien, Gordon R. Dickson, and Terry Brooks. That early passion sparked a lifelong pursuit—crafting intricate worlds and epic narratives that challenge fate, free will, and the choices that define us.

My current project:

The Fractured Soul is the first book in my planned trilogy, The Sylfaen Chronicles. It’s a portal fantasy where Earth and the magical world of Sylfaen collide. Bastien, a historian from Dublin, is pulled into Sylfaen—only to discover a mysterious connection to a missing prince’s soul. As warring factions vie to control his fate, Bastien must unravel the truth of his identity: is he his own person, or merely an echo of someone else?

A bit about me:

My background bridges archaeology, Classical civilizations, and IT—so my storytelling is shaped by both ancient history and modern technology. I’ve worked archaeological digs in Italy, studied in Ireland, and spent years in technical support, security, and documentation.

Beyond writing, I’m an avid traveler, PC gamer, and lover of deep worldbuilding—whether in books, history, or games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. I live in sunny Arizona with my wife and two sons.

Five More Things About Me (That Don’t Fit in a Formal Bio)

  1. I started writing The Sylfaen Chronicles over fifteen years ago—but didn’t realize what the story was actually about until I rewrote it. Twice.

  2. I majored in Classics and archaeology but work in IT. I still find ways to sneak ancient structures and myth logic into my worldbuilding.

  3. I have aphantasia, which means I can’t visualize anything in my mind’s eye (yes, that includes the faces of my wife and boys).

  4. My favorite fantasy book is C.J. Cherryh’s The Dreaming Tree. If you’ve read it, we’ll probably get along.

  5. I make oatmeal the same way every morning. (There’s chia, flax, Greek yogurt, and enough pumpkin spice to be seasonally inappropriate.)

Let’s connect!

I’m seeking representation as I pursue traditional publication. If you’re an agent interested in immersive, character-driven fantasy—or a fellow reader who loves epic stories layered with myth and memory—I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here.

I look forward to sharing the magic of The Sylfaen Chronicles with you!