Richard Nell is a contemporary Canadian fantasy author best known for his 'Ash and Sand' series, which began with the novel 'Kings of Paradise' published in 2017. His work typically features dark fantasy settings, complex characters, and intricate world-building. Nell's writing often delves into themes such as power, survival, and the nature of humanity, and his style has been noted for its depth, grittiness, and attention to detail. Prior to his success as an author, he pursued various careers, including in finance, before turning to writing. His rise to prominence in the fantasy literature community was propelled by the positive reception of his self-published debut and subsequent works.