Peter Brett developed an interest in fantasy from his early years, and also enjoys comics and role playing. He studied English Literature and Art History at the University at Buffalo, graduating in 1995. Subsequently he spent more than ten years working in the pharmaceutical publication field, before becoming a full time novelist. He had, however, been writing fantasy stories across much of his life and The Painted Man was his fourth novel. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and daughter.

Brett wrote his 2008 novel The Painted Man (also known by the variant title The Warded Man) and much of his second novel on his HP Ipaq 6515 while on the New York subway.

The first novel in the Demon Series introduces a world formerly the home of an advanced human civilization, now reduced to a 'dark age' by the attacks of demons, known as 'corelings'. The corelings are powerful beings, with magical abilities and differing elemental natures, and each night emerge from the planet's core to feed on humans. The story is told from the perspective of three main characters, Arlen, Leesha and Rojer, showing their passage from childhood to maturity and the beginning of their individual quests to bring an end to the terror that has befallen humankind. Each character possess differing talents, which develop across the tale, and will become key in the ongoing struggle. It has been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, French, Spanish and Japanese.

The Desert Spear is book two of the Demon Series. The Deliverer has returned, but who is he? Arlen Bales, formerly of the small hamlet of Tibbet's Brook, learnt harsh lessons about life as he grew up in a world where hungry demons stalk the night and humanity is trapped by its own fear. He chose a different path; chose to fight inherited apathy and the corelings, and eventually he became the Painted Man, a reluctant saviour. But the figure emerging from the desert, calling himself the Deliverer, is not Arlen. He is a friend and betrayer, and though he carries the spear from the Deliverer's tomb, he also heads a vast army intent on a holy war against the demon plague and anyone else who stands in his way.

Brett's novelettes include the 2010 book The Great Bazaar and Other Stories, and the upcoming 2011 book Brayan’s Gold.