Terence Dean Brooks is an American writer of fantasy fiction, best known for his epic fantasy novels. Born on January 8, 1944, Brooks has become one of the most prolific authors in his genre, boasting 23 New York Times bestsellers and over 25 million copies of his books in print, marking him as one of the most successful living fantasy writers.

Brooks was born in Sterling, Illinois, a rural Midwest town where he spent much of his early life. He attended Hamilton College earning a B.A. in English Literature, and later received a J.D. from Washington and Lee University. Before committing to writing full-time, Brooks practiced law.

He has also written two movie novelizations and is known for his strong narrative skill that has captivated readers globally. In 2025, he announced a semi-retirement from writing. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington.

His works are in the process of being adapted for film by Universal Studios and Warner Bros, including projects on his books from the Magic Kingdom and Shannara series.