About - The Phantom Pact Series

The Story

The Phantom Pact series is a thrilling science fantasy adventure that combines unconventional magic, action, and unforgettable characters. Set in a richly detailed world where the phantoms of the dead linger and their unfinished business threaten the machinations of the powerful, the series explores themes of duty, identity, and redemption.

What began as a quest to save their backwater world has escalated into a tale unfurling throughout the stars. Each new book peels back another layer of a problematic universe littered with corrupted natural laws and scorned gods whose sanity is on the verge of collapse.

The World

From crumbling ancient civilizations to massive starships that blot out the stars, the Phantom Pact series takes readers on a journey through a world steeped in secrets that a phantom is waiting to reveal.

The world of Phantom Pact imagines a universe where the dead never fully depart. In fact, many of them still have stories to tell. The veil of every phantom’s story must be pulled back in order to understand the motives of those left behind, and hopefully uncover the truth so that they may truly rest.

About the Author

Chad Queen is a science fiction fantasy author who spent nearly two decades building immersive worlds as a game developer before turning his attention to novels. His portfolio includes work on acclaimed titles like Tomb Raider, Marvel's Avengers, Dungeon Siege, Supreme Commander, and Age of Empires at studios including Crystal Dynamics and Gas Powered Games.

Queen's debut novel, Phantom Pact: The Bearer's Burden, draws on his gaming experience to create fiction with intense visceral energy—stories that grip readers the way the best games captivate players. By blending science fiction and fantasy in unconventional ways, he explores themes of duty, identity, and redemption across richly detailed worlds where ancient powers collide with modern ambitions.

A member of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and judge for the DICE Awards, Queen resides in Washington state with his wife and two children, whose curiosity and questions continually inspire new story possibilities.

Get in Touch

Critical Acclaim

★

2018 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

indieBRAG

◆

Top 10 Best Books of 2018

Hidden Gems Books

An entertaining adventure with complex characters and downright cool concepts for advanced technology and metaphysical abilities.

Kirkus Reviews kirkusreviews.com

...the narrative "encodes" different genres effortlessly, drawing on elements of traditional sci-fi, steampunk fantasy, westerns, and political dramas.

Kirkus Reviews

Each character is a delight to follow, motivated by distinct drives and desires.

Kirkus Reviews

...PHANTOM PACT is a funny, pleasant, and harrowing tale that is simultaneously both lyrical and entertaining.

Indie Reader

One part medieval fantasy, one part eccentric sci-fi dystopia, PHANTOM PACT is a plot-bending, inventive, and slightly quirky narrative, which flirts with conventional formulas only to abandon them later.

Indie Reader

A starkly graphic and engaging story that was hard to put down.

indieBRAG 2018 B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree

I felt really connected to this book. After each line I read, there was this added desire to read on. This book is definitely recommended for lovers of sci-fi.

Reader Review From Hidden Gems 'Best of 2018'

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books will be in the series?

The Phantom Pact series is planned as a trilogy, with the third and final book currently in development. Each book can be enjoyed on its own, but together they set the stage for future stories in the Phantom Pact universe.

Do I need to read the books in order?

Yes, for the best experience, I definitely recommend reading the books in order. While each book has its own complete arc, the overarching mystery and character development build throughout the series.

When will the next book be released?

Book Three is currently in progress! Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know about release dates and any exclusive content. And if there's anything you'd like to see, head over to the Contact page and hit me up!

Are there any companion materials or extras?

Yes! Visit the World page to explore the maps in greater detail.

About the Series