Alexander Alten is a German-born author and entrepreneur best known for his gripping thrillers that explore themes of manipulation, political intrigue, and human consequences. His debut novel, Ignition (2024), takes readers into a complex world of biotechnology and hidden agendas where science, ethics, and power collide.
Alexander Alten was born and raised in Dresden during the divided Germany. His early life was shaped by the city's history and the peaceful resistance movement that led to reunification, in which he participated.
Reflecting on those days, Alten said: "Living in Dresden during those years taught me how fragile and precious freedom is. After reunification, he joined the German Air Force and served for twelve years, witnessing the start of the Afghan war and the Balkan conflict. Despite his military career, Alten continued to write poetry and songs, maintaining his passion for storytelling throughout his service.
After leaving the Air Force, Alten moved into the technology industry and co-founded Databloom AI, a company focused on federated learning and artificial intelligence. His move into technology took him to Palo Alto, California, and Austin, Texas, where he established himself in the startup ecosystem. He eventually returned to Europe and chose Malta as his home.
Alten's military and tech experience has shaped his writing. His stories explore power dynamics, technology, and human ambition.
In Ignition, Alten weaves a tale against cutting-edge scientific research and geopolitical machinations. The story follows Jade, a protagonist caught up in a high-stakes operation in the Gobi Desert, where a simple mission to retrieve data and a scientist spirals into chaos. Through Jade's journey, Alten explores the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal and the ethical dilemmas of pursuing progress.
Alten is currently working on his second novel, Catalyst, to be published in early 2025 as part of The Cascade Effect series. He lives in Malta with his wife and two daughters.
Photo credit: alexanderalten.com