Packer, Allan N.: - "Allan Packer writes epic fantasy. The novels of The Stone Cycle were his first published fiction.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 grandchildren.Allan is currently working on the next installment in his series The Ruptured Kingdom."