# Karen Traviss

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Science fiction author

Karen Traviss Occupation Author Genre Science fiction

**Karen Traviss** is a [science fiction](/source/Science_fiction) author from [Wiltshire](/source/Wiltshire), England. She is the author of the *[Wess'Har](/source/Wess'Har)* series, and has written tie-in material based on *[Star Wars](/source/Star_Wars)*, *[Gears of War](/source/Gears_of_War)*, *[Halo](/source/Halo_(series))*, *[G.I. Joe](/source/G.I._Joe)* and the newest *Nomad* Series working with Nick Cole and Jason Anspach. Her work crosses various forms of media including novels, short stories, comics, and video games.

## Biography

Traviss is originally from the [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth) area. She worked as both a journalist and defence correspondent before turning her attention to writing fiction,[1] and has served in both the [Territorial Army](/source/Territorial_Army_(United_Kingdom)) and the [Royal Naval Auxiliary Service](/source/Royal_Naval_Auxiliary_Service). Traviss is a graduate of the [Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy workshop](/source/Clarion_Workshop).[2]

Her first published novel, *[City of Pearl](/source/City_of_Pearl)* (2004), centred on the clash of several distinct alien civilizations, several hundred years in the future. It was shortlisted for the [John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel](/source/John_W._Campbell_Memorial_Award_for_Best_Science_Fiction_Novel) and the [Philip K. Dick Award](/source/Philip_K._Dick_Award).[1] She has since written five sequels to *City of Pearl*: *[Crossing the Line](/source/Crossing_the_Line_(novel))* (2004), *[The World Before](/source/The_World_Before_(novel))* (2005), *[Matriarch](/source/Matriarch_(novel))* (2006), *[Ally](/source/Ally_(novel))* (2007), and *[Judge](/source/Judge_(novel))* (2008).

In 2014, Traviss published *Going Grey*, a [techno-thriller](/source/Techno-thriller) and the first novel in a series called *Ringer*.[3]

## Media tie-in works

### *Star Wars*

In addition to creating her own fictional settings, Traviss has written novels using existing [intellectual property](/source/Intellectual_property)—particularly in the *[Star Wars](/source/Star_Wars)* universe. Traviss wrote the [*Republic Commando* series](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando_(series)), beginning with *[Hard Contact](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Hard_Contact)* in 2004 and continuing with *[Triple Zero](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Triple_Zero)* (2006), *[True Colors](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_True_Colors)* (2007), and *[Order 66](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Order_66)* (2008). In 2009, a related novel featuring the same characters was released (*[Star Wars Imperial Commando: 501st](/source/Star_Wars_Imperial_Commando%3A_501st)*).[4]

In addition to the *Republic Commando* Series, Traviss was one of three authors retained by Lucasfilm and [Del Rey Books](/source/Del_Rey_Books) to pen a nine novel series called *[Legacy of the Force](/source/Legacy_of_the_Force)* (the other two authors were [Aaron Allston](/source/Aaron_Allston) and [Troy Denning](/source/Troy_Denning)). Her three contributions to the series are *[Legacy of the Force: Bloodlines](/source/Bloodlines_(Star_Wars_novel))* (2006), *[Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice](/source/Sacrifice_(Star_Wars_novel))* (2007) and *[Legacy of the Force: Revelation](/source/Revelation_(Star_Wars_novel))* (2008). Thematically, her work within the *Star Wars* universe has frequently centered on [Mandalorians](/source/Mandalorian) and their language, culture and history. In particular, her *Republic Commando* novels have explored themes of identity with regards to [clone troopers](/source/Clone_troopers), their Mandalorian heritage, and their interaction with [Jedi](/source/Jedi) leadership. Traviss has since parted from Del Rey due to creative differences.[5][6]

### *Gears of War*

In addition to *Star Wars* novels, Traviss also wrote a *[Gears of War](/source/Gears_of_War)* prequel novel, *[Gears of War: Aspho Fields](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Aspho_Fields)* which was released on 28 October 2008. She then went on to write the sequels *[Gears of War: Jacinto's Remnant](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Jacinto's_Remnant)*, released on 28 July 2009, *[Gears of War: Anvil Gate](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Anvil_Gate)*, released on 31 August 2010 and *[Gears of War: Coalition's End](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Coalition's_End)*, released on 2 August 2011, and *[Gears of War: The Slab](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_The_Slab)*, released in May 2012. She also served as the lead writer for *[Gears of War 3](/source/Gears_of_War_3)*.[7]

### *Halo*

She wrote, with [Eric Nylund](/source/Eric_Nylund) and [Tobias S. Buckell](/source/Tobias_S._Buckell) and other authors, the short story *Human Weakness* in *[Halo Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe](/source/Halo%3A_Evolutions)*, which was released in November 2009.

On 21 July 2010 Traviss announced on her blog that she had signed a multi-book deal to write novels set in the [Halo](/source/Halo_(series)) universe.[8] The first book is set after the events of *[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx](/source/Halo%3A_Ghosts_of_Onyx)*, and is a continuation of that story line. Explaining why she had agreed to write in the Halo universe, Traviss said that "Believe it or not, I really have found the backbone to turn down other series featuring heavily armoured, unfeasibly cannoned-up chaps struggling to find their place in an unfriendly world. I'm not a soft touch for any old bloke with a codpiece, people. But this is Halo. There's an awkward and upsetting moral dilemma at the heart of the story, and if there's something I can't resist more than money, it's exploring moral dilemmas. (With big weapons, naturally.) You haven't spotted it? Pay attention at the back, there. There is a story."[9]

Traviss has written comic books as well. She began with a stint on *[Gears of War](/source/Gears_of_War_(comics))* before moving on to *[Batman: Arkham Unhinged](/source/Batman%3A_Arkham_Unhinged)*.[10] In 2014 she began writing [G.I. Joe](/source/G.I._Joe_(IDW)) comics for [IDW Publishing](/source/IDW_Publishing).[11]

## Bibliography

### *The Wess'har Wars*

- *[City of Pearl](/source/City_of_Pearl)* (March 2004)

- *[Crossing the Line](/source/Crossing_the_Line_(novel))* (September 2004)

- *[The World Before](/source/The_World_Before_(novel))* (October 2005)

- *[Matriarch](/source/Matriarch_(novel))* (October 2006)

- *[Ally](/source/Ally_(novel))* (March 2007)

- *[Judge](/source/Judge_(novel))* (March 2008)

### *Star Wars* novels

- **Republic Commando** - *[Hard Contact](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Hard_Contact)* (November 2004) - *[Triple Zero](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Triple_Zero)* (February 2006) - *[True Colors](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_True_Colors)* (October 2007) - *[Order 66](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Order_66)* (September 2008) - *[501st](/source/Star_Wars_Imperial_Commando%3A_501st)*[12] (October 2009), first and last book of the Imperial Commando series

- **The Clone Wars** - *[The Clone Wars](/source/Star_Wars%3A_The_Clone_Wars_(novel))* (July 2008) (novelization of *[The Clone Wars](/source/Star_Wars%3A_The_Clone_Wars_(film))* film) - *No Prisoners*[13] (May 2009)

- **Legacy of the Force** - *[Bloodlines](/source/Bloodlines_(Star_Wars_novel))* (August 2006), Book 2 of [Legacy of the Force](/source/Legacy_of_the_Force) (follows *[Betrayal](/source/Betrayal_(Star_Wars_novel))*; followed by *[Tempest](/source/Tempest_(Denning_novel))*) - *[Sacrifice](/source/Sacrifice_(Star_Wars_novel))* (May 2007), Book 5 of Legacy of the Force (follows *[Exile](/source/Exile_(Star_Wars_novel))*; followed by *[Inferno](/source/Inferno_(Star_Wars_novel))*) - *[Revelation](/source/Revelation_(Star_Wars_novel))* (February 2008), Book 8 of Legacy of the Force (follows *[Fury](/source/Fury_(Star_Wars_novel))*; followed by *[Invincible](/source/Invincible_(Star_Wars_novel))*)

### *Gears of War* series

- *[Aspho Fields](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Aspho_Fields)* (October 2008)

- *[Jacinto's Remnant](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Jacinto's_Remnant)*

- *[Anvil Gate](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Anvil_Gate)*

- *[Coalition's End](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_Coalition's_End)* (August 2011)

- *[The Slab](/source/Gears_of_War%3A_The_Slab)* (May 2012)

### *Halo* novels

- **Kilo-Five Trilogy** - *[Halo: Glasslands](/source/Halo%3A_Glasslands)*, a sequel to *[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx](/source/Halo%3A_Ghosts_of_Onyx)* (25 October 2011)[14] - *[Halo: The Thursday War](/source/Halo%3A_The_Thursday_War)* (2 October 2012) - *[Halo: Mortal Dictata](/source/Halo%3A_Mortal_Dictata)* (21 January 2014)

### *Ringer* series

- *Going Grey* (2014)

- *Black Run* (2017)

- *Here We Die* (2023)

### *Star Wars* short stories

- "Omega Squad: Targets", in *[Star Wars Insider](/source/Star_Wars_Insider) 81* (reprinted in *[Star Wars Republic Commando: Triple Zero](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_Triple_Zero)*)

- "In His Image", in *Vader: The Ultimate Guide* (reprinted in paperback edition of [Star Wars: Legacy of the Force - Betrayal](/source/Betrayal_(Star_Wars_novel)))

- "A Two-Edged Sword", sequel to *In His Image*, in *[Star Wars Insider](/source/Star_Wars_Insider) 85* (reprinted in paperback edition of [Star Wars: Legacy of the Force - Betrayal](/source/Betrayal_(Star_Wars_novel)))

- "Odds" in *[Star Wars Insider](/source/Star_Wars_Insider) 87* (reprinted in *[Star Wars Republic Commando: True Colors](/source/Star_Wars_Republic_Commando%3A_True_Colors)*)

- "[Boba Fett: A Practical Man](/source/A_Practical_Man)" e-novella (2006) (reprinted in paperback edition of *[Star Wars: Legacy of the Force - Sacrifice](/source/Sacrifice_(Star_Wars_novel))*)

### Other short stories

- "Strings", in *[Realms of Fantasy](/source/Realms_of_Fantasy)* July 2002

- "A Slice at a Time", in *[Asimov's Science Fiction](/source/Asimov's_Science_Fiction)* July 2002

- "Suitable for the Orient", in *Asimov's Science Fiction* February 2003

- "Return Stores", in *Realms of Fantasy* February 2003

- "The Man Who Did Nothing", in *Realms of Fantasy* June 2003

- "Does He Take Blood?", in *Realms of Fantasy* August 2003

- "Human Weakness", in *[Halo: Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe](/source/Halo%3A_Evolutions)* (Tor Books, November 2009)

### Comics

- *[Gears of War](/source/Gears_of_War_(comics))* #15-24 (February 2011 - June 2012)

- *[Batman: Arkham Unhinged](/source/Batman%3A_Arkham_Unhinged)* #44-58 (September 2012 - January 2013)

- [*G.I. Joe* (vol. 4) (IDW Publishing)](/source/G.I._Joe_(IDW_Publishing)) #1-8 (September 2014 - April 2015)

- [Sensation Comics](/source/Sensation_Comics) Featuring Wonder Woman (DC Comics) #14 (September 2015)

### Essays

- "I Gotta Get Me One of Those", in the essay anthology *Navigating the Golden Compass: Religion, Science & Daemonology in Philip Pullman's [His Dark Materials](/source/His_Dark_Materials)* (Smart Pop Series, [BenBella Books](/source/BenBella_Books), August 2005)

- "Driving GFFA 1: or How Star Wars Loosened My Corsets", in *Star Wars on Trial : Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time* (ed. [David Brin](/source/David_Brin), 2006).

### Features

- "Guide to the Grand Army of the Republic" in *[Star Wars Insider](/source/Star_Wars_Insider) 84* (with co-author [Ryan Kaufman](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ryan_Kaufman&action=edit&redlink=1))

- "The Mandalorians: People and Culture" in *[Star Wars Insider](/source/Star_Wars_Insider) 86*

- "Sprinting the Marathon" in *[Emerald City](/source/Emerald_City_(magazine))*. Traviss explains why she writes spin-off fiction[15]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Horizons_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Horizons_1-1) Cheryl Morgan (27 March 2006). ["Interview: Karen Traviss"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141023171821/http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060327/traviss-int-a.shtml). Strange Horizons. Archived from [the original](http://www.strangehorizons.com/2006/20060327/traviss-int-a.shtml) on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [The Clarion Foundation - Alumni List](http://www.theclarionfoundation.org/alumlist.htm)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Traviss, Karen (2014-06-13). *Going Grey*. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4997-1304-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4997-1304-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Karen Traviss"](http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/ea.cgi?8713). Internet Science Fiction Database. Retrieved 18 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Traviss, Karen. ["Why have you stopped writing Star Wars?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140826122310/http://www.karentraviss.com/page10/files/Why_have_you_stopped_writing_St.html). *karentraviss.com*. Karen Traviss. Archived from [the original](http://www.karentraviss.com/page10/files/Why_have_you_stopped_writing_St.html) on 2014-08-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Traviss, Karen. ["Is it true you hate Jedi?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131217191742/http://www.karentraviss.com/page10/files/Is_it_true_you_hate_Jedi_.html). *karentraviss.com*. Karen Traviss. Archived from [the original](http://www.karentraviss.com/page10/files/Is_it_true_you_hate_Jedi_.html) on 2013-12-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["'Gears Of War 3′ Writer Is Noted 'Star Wars' Author Karen Traviss"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100418204925/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/04/13/gears-of-war-3-writer-is-noted-star-wars-author-karen-traviss). MTV Multiplayer. 2010-04-13. Archived from [the original](http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/04/13/gears-of-war-3-writer-is-noted-star-wars-author-karen-traviss/) on 2010-04-18. Retrieved 2010-05-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Karen Traviss, New York Times best-selling author: Master Chief insists"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100723074012/http://karentraviss.typepad.com/blog/2010/07/master-chief-insists.html). Archived from [the original](http://karentraviss.typepad.com/blog/2010/07/master-chief-insists.html) on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2010-08-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Old Typepad blog entries"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131208064723/http://www.karentraviss.com/page20/page29/). Archived from [the original](http://www.karentraviss.com/page20/page29/) on 2013-12-08. Retrieved 2013-12-03.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Joey Esposito (25 September 2014). ["Batman: Arkham Unginged gets a new writer"](http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/09/25/batman-arkham-unhinged-gets-a-new-writer?abthid=50616c93771e71744200001b). IGN. Retrieved 18 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Karl Keily (5 September 2014). ["Novelist Karen Traviss Flips the Script in IDW's "G.I. Joe" #1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140906180407/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55306). Comic Book Resources. Archived from [the original](http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55306) on September 6, 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [Interview with Karen Traviss on Randomhouse.com](http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/starwars/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780345508980&view=qa)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Starwars"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090207023025/http://karentraviss.com/html/starwars.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.karentraviss.com/html/starwars.htm) on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-01-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Karen Traviss to pen next Halo novel"](http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=11720). Gaming Target.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Emerald City: Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Reviews - #127"](http://www.emcit.com/emcit127.php?a=2).

- *See also* John Hickman. "Implacable Justice: Arguing Politics and Theories of Law via the Encounter with Powerful Alien Species." *Extrapolation*. (September 2007) 48(2): 302-313. *Available at* [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb1421/is_2_48/ai_n29374468/](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb1421/is_2_48/ai_n29374468/)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*].

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.karentraviss.com)

- [Karen Traviss' blog on Starwars.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20070608183539/http://blogs.starwars.com/karentraviss)

- [SF Encyclopedia entry](http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/traviss_karen)

- [*Omega Squad: Targets* fan made audio drama](https://web.archive.org/web/20070428145618/http://www.creativeaudioscape.com/), produced & directed by Dany Pépin.

- [New Gears 2 info from Comic-Con- The Truth cont.](https://web.archive.org/web/20080806035317/http://www.gearheadsofwar.com/story/2008/7/27/142823/944)

- [Karen Traviss](https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/ea.cgi?Karen_Traviss) at the [Internet Speculative Fiction Database](/source/Internet_Speculative_Fiction_Database)

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National United States France BnF data Czech Republic Korea Poland People DDB Other IdRef Open Library Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Karen Traviss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Traviss) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Traviss?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.