Joel Shepherd is an Australian SF&Fantasy author. He currently has seven published novels, including the Trial of Blood and Steel Quartet, and the Cassandra Kresnov Trilogy, the second series of which will be released later in 2013 with Pyr SF, commencing with 23 Years on Fire. Best known for strong female characters, gripping action scenes and political depth, Joel is currently acquiring a PhD in International Relations, and is completing a year of living in India.