📖 Overview
Robison Wells is an American novelist who writes primarily in the science fiction and young adult genres. He emerged from the LDS fiction market to gain broader recognition with his young adult novels published by HarperTeen.
Wells began his writing career with three books for the LDS market, including the romantic comedy "On Second Thought" and two political thrillers, "Wake Me When It's Over" and "The Counterfeit." His breakthrough came with the young adult novel "Variant," which marked his transition to mainstream publishing.
A graduate of the University of Utah with a degree in political science and an MBA from Brigham Young University, Wells developed his craft as part of a writing group that included his brother Dan Wells and acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson.
Wells resides in North Salt Lake, Utah, and draws inspiration from his time living in New Mexico, which serves as the setting for several of his novels. His work since 2010 has focused primarily on young adult science fiction following his multi-book deal with HarperTeen.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight Wells' tight pacing and ability to create suspense, particularly in "Variant" and "Feedback." Many note his skill at writing action sequences and building tension through mystery elements.
Likes:
- Plot twists that readers didn't see coming
- Fast-moving narratives that maintain momentum
- Realistic teenage dialogue and relationships
- Clean content suitable for younger YA readers
Dislikes:
- Some endings feel rushed or unresolved
- Character development takes a backseat to plot in later books
- World-building explanations sometimes feel incomplete
- LDS fiction works seen as having limited appeal outside that market
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: "Variant" 3.9/5 (15,000+ ratings)
"Feedback" 3.7/5 (6,000+ ratings)
"Blackout" 3.6/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon: Average 4.2/5 across titles
One frequent reader comment notes: "Wells knows how to hook you from page one and keep you guessing, even if the payoff isn't always satisfying."
📚 Books by Robison Wells
On Second Thought - A romantic comedy following a young man torn between two women in a Mormon dating scene.
Wake Me When It's Over - A political thriller about a conspiracy involving domestic terrorism and government corruption.
The Counterfeit - A thriller centered around a counterfeiting operation and its connection to international criminal organizations.
Variant - A science fiction story about a teenager at a mysterious boarding school where students are divided into competing factions and nothing is as it seems.
Feedback - A sequel to Variant that continues the story of Benson Fisher as he uncovers more dark secrets about Maxfield Academy.
Blackout - A young adult thriller about teenagers who develop dangerous powers and become targets of a government manhunt.
Dead Zone - A sequel to Blackout following survivors with superhuman abilities in a divided America.
Dark Energy - A standalone science fiction novel about teenagers at a facility where they're being tested for mysterious abilities.
Wake Me When It's Over - A political thriller about a conspiracy involving domestic terrorism and government corruption.
The Counterfeit - A thriller centered around a counterfeiting operation and its connection to international criminal organizations.
Variant - A science fiction story about a teenager at a mysterious boarding school where students are divided into competing factions and nothing is as it seems.
Feedback - A sequel to Variant that continues the story of Benson Fisher as he uncovers more dark secrets about Maxfield Academy.
Blackout - A young adult thriller about teenagers who develop dangerous powers and become targets of a government manhunt.
Dead Zone - A sequel to Blackout following survivors with superhuman abilities in a divided America.
Dark Energy - A standalone science fiction novel about teenagers at a facility where they're being tested for mysterious abilities.
👥 Similar authors
Dan Wells writes young adult science fiction thrillers with dark psychological elements and complex protagonists. His John Cleaver series follows a teenage sociopath who uses his disturbing tendencies to hunt supernatural killers.
James Dashner creates dystopian science fiction centered on teenagers facing life-threatening trials and conspiracies. His Maze Runner series features characters trapped in deadly experiments while uncovering the truth behind their imprisonment.
Ally Condie writes dystopian fiction focused on characters challenging oppressive systems and making difficult choices. Her Matched trilogy explores themes of controlled societies and personal freedom through the lens of forbidden relationships.
Scott Westerfeld produces science fiction that blends advanced technology with coming-of-age stories. His Uglies series examines body modification and social conformity in a future society where everyone undergoes mandatory plastic surgery.
Brandon Sanderson creates complex worlds with detailed magic systems and young protagonists discovering their abilities. His Reckoners series follows teenagers fighting against corrupted superhumans in a post-apocalyptic setting.
James Dashner creates dystopian science fiction centered on teenagers facing life-threatening trials and conspiracies. His Maze Runner series features characters trapped in deadly experiments while uncovering the truth behind their imprisonment.
Ally Condie writes dystopian fiction focused on characters challenging oppressive systems and making difficult choices. Her Matched trilogy explores themes of controlled societies and personal freedom through the lens of forbidden relationships.
Scott Westerfeld produces science fiction that blends advanced technology with coming-of-age stories. His Uglies series examines body modification and social conformity in a future society where everyone undergoes mandatory plastic surgery.
Brandon Sanderson creates complex worlds with detailed magic systems and young protagonists discovering their abilities. His Reckoners series follows teenagers fighting against corrupted superhumans in a post-apocalyptic setting.