I'm Ken Altabef.
As a child, I was hopelessly traumatized when I witnessed a man actually walking on the surface of the Moon. I've been writing fantasy and science fiction ever since.
A member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, my short fiction has appeared numerous times in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Recent stories have been published in Interzone, Daily Science Fiction, Abyss & Apex, Intergalactic Medicine Show and others. I am the author of ten fantasy novels.
On this site you can read some of my short stories, view a bibliography and preview upcoming works.
Thanks for visiting!
THE CALLING AUDIOBOOK
Now available on Audible and iTunes
CLICK any book to learn more
"A deftly crafted fantasy by a master of the genre, "Lady Changeling" showcases Altabef's genuine flair for originality and mature storytelling."
-- Midwest Book Review.
AVAILABLE NOW ON KINDLE!
"Lady Changeling by Kenneth Altabef is something quite different, a bit of a mixture of genres – historical romance, horror, science fiction and fantasy – all drawn together in an epic tale that will have you on the edge of your seat. The story is action packed with a lot of drama and plenty of twists that keep you guessing and keep you reading. The characters are an interesting mix, each developed with compelling subplots that all lead to an ending that will surprise you. This is gripping stuff, a historical tale told in a modern voice that is, as the author says, really only suitable for a more mature audience."
--Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite
THE CHANGELINGS SERIES
Ken Altabef can be contacted at KenAltabef@gmail.com
New for 2023!
How do you fight monsters that aren't monsters?
With magic that isn't magic.
In CHRYSALIS, the island kingdom of Angkara has been overrun by mysterious beings whose mere presence causes paralyzing terror. Defeated and desperate, the ninety-five year old witch-queen conceives an heir to pass on her dark magic. Now, ten-year-old Astra must learn of her legacy and embrace the power only she can summon to fight the ‘ogres’. Simple, right?
Well, not really…
As it turns out the ‘ogres’ are not ogres but alien scientists and her magical power is somewhat less than magical. Nothing is as it seems in this novel of many twists and turns. A diverse array of main characters includes ten-year-old Astra, her troglodyte protector, the ghost of the ninety-five year old witch who gave birth to her, and a beleaguered alien scientist struggling with an existential dilemma.
CHRYSALIS straddles both fantasy and science fiction, blending the tropes of both genres in new and unexpected ways.
Short Story Collection
Available Now! The ALAANA'S WAY Series
"Top Pick! 5 Stars (out of five): Freaking amazing. The whole thing reads likes the perfect Historical Urban Fantasy."
-- Underground Book Review
"Lady Changeling is a solid, enjoyable book that kept my interest. While not giving the rest of the book away I can say it involves pirates, a mad alchemist, and a mystery plot worthy of Agatha Christie. It’s extremely well done."
-- Abyss & Apex Magazine
AUTHOR KEN ALTABEF
Young Adult Fantasy