Sergei Lukyanenko

Sergei Vasilievich Lukyanenko (born 1968) is a prolific Russian science fiction and fantasy author. He is widely considered one of the most popular and commercially successful contemporary Russian authors of speculative fiction. Trained as a medical doctor, he began writing in the late 1980s, drawing heavily on Soviet-era science fiction traditions while incorporating modern themes and complex psychological depth.

Lukyanenko’s work, particularly The Night Watch series, is celebrated for its blend of high fantasy concepts with the gritty, recognizable reality of modern city life. He is known for his philosophical approach to genre fiction, often exploring deep questions about free will, power, morality, and identity. The international success of The Night Watch brought Russian fantasy to a global audience, establishing Lukyanenko as a major figure in global speculative fiction.