Meet Brendan
Brendan Arnold is an award-winning queer author and 2025 Debut Author of the Year. A lifelong lover of fantasy, he longed for more representation in the genre and set out to write stories that champion queer characters and strong, powerful women. Based in Canberra, Australia, his debut novel won 2025 Young Adult Book of the Year and 2025 Cover of the Year.
Brendan writes rich fantasy filled with emotional stakes, heartfelt angst, and villains you love to hate. He aims to craft stories that are easy to read yet layered with themes that resonate with both adults and younger readers.
When he isn’t writing, you’ll find him sketching new covers and character art on his iPad, buried in a good book, or deep in a story-driven video game.
A note from Brendan
There’s truly so much to say, but let me start by saying thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping make my dreams come true. Because of you, I am now both a best-selling and award-winning author. I’m still bouncing around with joy.
When I launched Rise of the Phoenix back in May, I had no idea where this journey would take me. What I never expected was meeting so many amazing people like you along the way. Your messages, support and encouragement mean everything to me.
This story started as a wish I carried for years, and now it’s in the hands of readers all around the world. Knowing that it’s resonated with you, that you’ve connected with these characters and their journey fills me with so much joy and gratitude. My heart is full. My cup is overflowing. It’s all because of you.
Thank you for being here, for cheering me on and for believing in me and Rise of the Phoenix. This is only the beginning and I’m so excited to share what comes next with you.
