Daniel Kraus is an acclaimed American author, editor, and screenwriter recognized for his darkly imaginative storytelling and collaborations with some of the most notable names in contemporary fantasy and horror. Born in 1975, Kraus grew up in Iowa and developed an early fascination with cinema, monsters, and unsettling tales. This passion shaped his career as a storyteller who seamlessly blends horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes with deep emotional resonance.
Kraus made his literary debut with The Monster Variations (2009), which was named a Booklist Editors’ Choice. He continued to earn praise for works such as Rotters (2011), a haunting young adult novel about grave robbing that won the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production. His ability to mix macabre themes with empathy for outsiders became a hallmark of his writing, attracting a devoted readership.
One of his most significant collaborations was with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Together they co-authored Trollhunters (2015), which was adapted into the popular Netflix animated series, and later The Shape of Water (2018), a novelization that expanded on del Toro’s Academy Award–winning film. Kraus was also chosen to complete George A. Romero’s unfinished novel The Living Dead (2020), a monumental work that honored Romero’s legacy while showcasing Kraus’s skill in epic, character-driven horror.
In addition to novels, Kraus writes short fiction, comics, and essays, often exploring themes of death, transformation, and the search for belonging. His works have been recognized by the American Library Association and featured on numerous “best of” lists, cementing his status as a versatile and influential voice in speculative fiction.
Today, Daniel Kraus is celebrated for his ability to craft dark yet deeply human stories. Through his novels and collaborations, he continues to push the boundaries of horror and fantasy while offering profound reflections on humanity.
