Rick Yancey, born in Miami, Florida, is a celebrated American author known for his gripping works in suspense, fantasy, and science fiction, primarily targeting a young adult audience. With a rich background that spans from engaging with the Internal Revenue Service to pursuing a full-time writing career, Yancey's literary journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

His dedication to storytelling is evident in his fifteen novels and a memoir, which have been translated into over thirty languages, garnering numerous accolades globally. Among his notable works, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp was celebrated as a "Best Book of the Year" by Publishers Weekly and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Additionally, The Monstrumologist earned him a Michael L. Printz Honor, and its sequel, The Curse of the Wendigo, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His recent sci-fi trilogy, initiated by The 5th Wave, achieved worldwide recognition and is set to be adapted into a major motion picture.

Beyond his achievements, Yancey's personal story, from his childhood in central Florida to his varied educational pursuits, underscores a relentless pursuit of his passion for writing. Despite the expectations to follow in his father's footsteps, Yancey carved his own path, transitioning from law school to teaching and eventually embracing writing as his true calling. His journey from drafting screenplays to becoming a full-time novelist illustrates a life dedicated to storytelling, driven by an unyielding imagination and a profound love for literature.