Thomas Kent West is an American author who creates stories filled with intricate magic, imperfect heroes, and richly imagined worlds. His experience as a biology teacher and wilderness guide in Grand Teton National Park inspired him to write a book set in a fantastical place but based on real-world botany. That novel became City of Iron and Ivy, which received the Book Pipeline Grand Prize in Science Fiction and Fantasy. You can read more of his work, receive bonus scenes and short stories, and sign up for his newsletter at thomaskentwest.com.