Eric Nylund has a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and a Master's degree in chemical physics. His novels include virtual reality thrillers A Signal Shattered and Signal To Noise; contemporary fantasy novels Pawn's Dream and Dry Water (nominated for the 1997 World Fantasy Award); and the science fantasy novel A Game of Universe, as well as Halo: The Fall of Reach and Halo: First Strike. He lives near Seattle on a rain-drenched mountain with his wife, Syne Mitchell.