Raj Whitehall/The General

S.M. Stirling (born January 30, 1953) is an American speculative fiction author. He is known for his series "The Change," set in an alternate history where geriatric nanites run amok, causing great societal upheaval. Stirling's other notable works include the "Emberverse" series, set in a future where the world has been plunged into a new Dark Ages. Stirling has won the Prometheus Award three times for his works "Dies the Fire" (1999), "The Protector's War" (2006), and "The Sunrise Lands" (2015). His books have been praised for their well-developed characters, meticulous worldbuilding, and exploration of complex themes. Stirling's work often centers around the clash between traditional values and the forces of progress and societal upheaval, examining the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.