David Benioff is a New York native who grew up in the city. Spike Lee directed his first novel, The 25th Hour, which he adapted into a movie film. He is also the writer of the films Brothers and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, among many other screenplays. Best New American Voices and The Best Nonrequired American Reading both featured stories from his critically praised collection When the Nines Turn Over. City of Thieves is his most recent book. He is a co-creator and writer for HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, and he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and kid.