Packer, Allan N.: - "Allan Packer writes epic fantasy. The Hope of Vitality is his sixth novel. Allan grew up surrounded by books and became an avid reader during his childhood. In his university years fantasy displaced science fiction as his favorite genre, thanks primarily to J. R. R. Tolkien. He later shared this love with his four children by reading The Lord of the Rings to them aloud - a three-month marathon he completed twice during their formative years. Born in Australia, Allan has lived and worked on three continents, and spent one quarter of his working years abroad. Having worked as an IT professional throughout his career, he was first published as a technical author. Today he lives with his wife in Adelaide, South Australia, near their children and a small but growing band of grandchildren. Allan is currently actively planning his second epic fantasy series."