About Chris Bradford

Award Winning Author

The Story So Far…

As an author, Chris Bradford employs a technique he terms ‘method-writing’.

For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in iaido (samurai swordmanship), karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu. Previously he has trained in judo, muay thai and kickboxing.

For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard. During his training, he acquired skills in unarmed combat, defensive driving, tactical firearms, threat assessments, surveillance, and even anti-ambush exercises.

And for the Soul trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.

Before becoming a full-time author, he was a professional musician (who once performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II), a songwriter and music teacher. He has written five non-fiction books on music, including the critically acclaimed Heart & Soul (Sanctuary, 2005).

His multi-million selling books are published in 22 languages and have garnered more than 34 children’s book award nominations, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, Hampshire Book Award 2014, the Brilliant Book Award 2014 and the Quick Reads 2017.

Chris’s life goal is #GettingKidsReading.

Author Favourites

The Way of the Dragon

This third Samurai book has my blood, sweat and tears in. For me the story contains the most epic battle scenes and the greatest emotional moments.

The Soul Hunters

My first female-led series, this is also my most ambitious project ever. A time-jumping, mind-binding, plot-twisting concept that’s like Terminator-in-reverse!

Gamer

This first book in the Virtual Kombat series predicted Covid, lockdown and Fortnite. A huge hit with gaming fans, I love its intense pace, sci-fi edge and accessible format.

Highlights

♦ Chris has sold in excess of 3 million copies

♦ Bodyguard: Ransom is a UK Top Ten bestseller

♦ Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood

Published Books

Avid Readers

Book Awards

Languages

Book Awards Include:

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“I write the type of books I’d want to read – books filled with relentless action, believable characters and a plot that twists and turn through the pages!”

– Chris Bradford

chrisbradfordauthor

#GettingKidsReading

Sunday signing ✍️ with the help of my cat 🐈

What a cool thank you gift from Ms Scanlon at Barn

What wonderful emotional writing and what a fabulo

Handwritten notes of appreciation like this after

Thank you to everyone who came to my BODYGUARD eve

Celebrating my arrival in Munich for my 3rd German

And the cupboard is bare 😬 Completely SOLD OUT

Glorious evening run in Marlow after a fabulous au

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Meet Chris

Author Visit

The Author Event That Gets Kids Reading!

Samurai sword displays, ninja skills, bodyguard training, all-kicking all-punching book readings! Chris’ dynamic live events are guaranteed to enthuse even the most reluctant pupil to read!

‘One of the most unparalleled book events of the year!’
John Lloyd, Events Manager, Waterstone’s

More Info

Virtual Visit

A Virtual Author Visit Like No Other!

Are you ready for the next generation of author visits? Videos, quizzes, challenges, readings, sword displays… and of course virtually meeting me!