Joseph Henry Delaney was born on July 25, 1945, in Preston, Lancashire, England. He was educated at Lancaster University, studying English, History, and Sociology. At St. Martin's College he studied to become a teacher. He earned a degree at Open University to become a computer programmer. He wrote science fiction and fantasy books. His first book, Mercer's Whore, was written under the penname of J. K. Haderack. He began to write full-time after his second book was published. Under his real name, he wrote The Wardstone Chronicles, which is called The Last Apprentice series in the United States. In 2015 he made The New York Times High Profile Title's List with The Seventh Son. His other series included The Starblade Chronicles, Arena 13, and Aberrations. Joseph Delaney died on August 7, 2022 at age 77.
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