Hans Victor von Maltzahn was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in North York, Ontario, Canada. A graduate of York University, he also holds post-graduate diplomas from Herzing, Sheridan and Humber colleges. He began writing poetry and occasional short fiction in university. His novel,The Black Sun Ascendant: An Assassin’s Tale, is his first published work. He is currently writing a sequel to the Black Sun, part of a trilogy. Hans is semi-retired, writing in the winter months and working as a horticulturalist with Mississauga’s Civic Centre crew during the growing season.