Meet the author behind the magic
Discover the extraordinary path that shaped Rob Ray into a Dark Urban Fantasy writer. From high-flying stunts to hidden deals, his story is as captivating as his books.
From falls to fantasy: A writer's unique journey
For years, I made my living falling off buildings. I was a stunt performer, jumping out of moving cars, taking high falls, and choreographing fights that looked like they could kill you. I was also a founding member of Renzhe Parkour, one of the first professional parkour teams in the United States. Forty-plus years of martial arts training had taught me how to read a room, read an opponent, and read the exact moment when physics was about to win. I loved every second of it.
The turning point: When physics won
Then, in 2008, physics won. One bad landing. One split-second miscalculation. The crack I heard in my own back was louder than the crowd. Doctors told me the stunt career was over. I went from flying through the air to sitting behind a desk in leadership roles, and eventually the insurance industry. On paper, it looked like a step down. In reality, it was the beginning of everything that matters to me as a writer. Because here’s what nobody tells you about those worlds: they’re full of hidden deals.
Why dark urban fantasy?
What drew me to Dark Urban Fantasy? It's the perfect blend of escapism rooted in reality. It's a place where you can hide from the troubles of the day, yet find echoes of truth in the shadows. This genre allows me to explore the hidden deals and untold stories that lurk beneath the surface of our everyday lives, much like the hidden intricacies I encountered in my past careers.
More than just an author
Beyond the pages of my books, I'm a lifelong martial artist, a former stunt performer, and a co-founder of Renzhe Parkour. I'm also a father of two, chasing my dreams so they don't become regrets. I believe in pushing boundaries, whether physical or narrative, and bringing those unique experiences into every story I write.