Dave Rudden
An Irish storyteller who conjures dark, witty fantasy worlds for young adults, from monstrous knights to time-traveling Doctors.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Irish writer·Birthday: February 13·Millennials
Biography
Dublin-based Dave Rudden emerged as a fresh and formidable voice in young adult fantasy with his debut series, Knights of the Borrowed Dark. His writing is characterized by a sharp wit, a gothic sensibility, and a deep understanding of the teenage psyche, blending Irish folklore with original, often terrifying mythologies. Rudden's passion for expansive storytelling led him naturally into the Whoniverse, where he has penned original Doctor Who novels and audio dramas, bringing his distinctive voice to one of science fiction's most beloved franchises. A charismatic presence at festivals and in schools, he champions the power of reading and writing with an infectious enthusiasm, arguing for fantasy not as escape, but as a vital tool for understanding our own world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dave was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dave Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dave's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Authored the bestselling Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy, published in over a dozen languages.
- Has written multiple original novels and audio dramas for the Doctor Who franchise.
- Won the 2017 Irish Book Award for Children's Book of the Year (Senior) for 'The Forever Court'.
Did You Know?
He worked as a teacher and a bookseller before becoming a full-time writer.
He is a self-described 'reformed goth'.
He has cited Diana Wynne Jones and Derek Landy as major influences on his work.
““Monsters are easy. It’s people that are hard.””
