Stephen Reeder Donaldson is an American fantasy, science fiction, and mystery novelist. He is most famous for The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, a ten-novel fantasy series that established his reputation in the genre. Donaldson's work is characterized by psychological complexity, conceptual abstractness, and moral bleakness, combined with an arcane vocabulary. His writing has attracted critical praise for its imagination, vivid characterizations, and fast pace. Donaldson earned his bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster and a master's degree from Kent State University. He currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.