Picture a British storyteller who swapped a life of coding for crafting fantastical worlds—meet John Beresford! A late-blooming author, Beresford spent decades dreaming up stories before bursting onto the science fiction and fantasy scene post-retirement. His vibrant tales, like the magical epic The Berikatanyan Chronicles, blend interstellar adventure with elemental magic, captivating readers with their bold imagination.
Now based in Cheshire, England, Beresford’s journey from biochemist to novelist is as inspiring as his genre-bending works. With a knack for weaving ecological themes and magical twists, he’s carved a unique niche in speculative fiction, proving it’s never too late to chase your creative dreams.
The Making of John Beresford
Born in Nottingham, England, John Beresford grew up with a love for storytelling that first sparked in childhood, when a gruesome tale left his classmates reeling. He studied biochemistry at Manchester University before diving into a 38-year career in computing, writing code and architectures by day while nurturing stories in his heart. It wasn’t until 2006, after a pivotal moment of self-reflection, that he decided to pursue writing full-time, publishing his first novel, War of Nutrition, six years later. His wife Nikki and their cat Hobo keep him grounded in Sandbach, where he plots his next adventures.
John Beresford’s Unforgettable Stories
Beresford’s bibliography is a delightful mix of science fiction, fantasy, poetry, and even music. His debut, War of Nutrition, is a gripping sci-fi thriller that explores the deadly consequences of genetically modified food gone wrong. Readers are drawn into a world where an industrialist’s dream to feed humanity spirals into an ecological nightmare, showcasing Beresford’s knack for timely, thought-provoking themes.
The heart of his work lies in The Berikatanyan Chronicles, a fantasy trilogy that imagines Earth’s first planetary colony discovering a magical, inhabited world. Starting with Gatekeeper, the series follows ex-convict Jann Argent as he navigates a planet of elemental magic and interstellar intrigue. The sequels, Elementals and Juggler, ramp up the stakes with primordial forces and cosmic battles, earning comparisons to fantasy icons like Thomas Covenant. Beresford’s vivid world-building and relatable characters make Berikatanya a standout, with its blend of sci-fi colonization and magical mayhem.
Beyond prose, Beresford’s creativity shines in two poetry collections and two albums as part of the duo Beresford & Wallace, blending suburban nostalgia with whimsical charm. His versatility keeps fans guessing what he’ll conjure next.
Why John Beresford Matters
John Beresford’s impact lies in his ability to inspire. As a latecomer to publishing, he shows that passion and persistence can launch a second act, resonating with aspiring writers of all ages. His stories, rich with ecological and ethical questions, invite readers to ponder humanity’s role in the cosmos. While not yet a household name, his growing fanbase cherishes his imaginative worlds, and his work in The Berikatanyan Chronicles has sparked discussions among speculative fiction enthusiasts for its fresh take on colonization and magic.
With a second Berikatanyan trilogy in progress, Beresford’s legacy is still unfolding, promising more tales to captivate and challenge readers. His genre-blending approach ensures he’s a voice to watch in modern sci-fi and fantasy.
- Born: Nottingham, England
- Key Works: War of Nutrition, The Berikatanyan Chronicles
- Other Talents: Poet and songwriter with albums Suburban Nostalgia and Weird and Wonderful
Ready to explore a world where magic meets the stars? Snag Gatekeeper and dive into John Beresford’s spellbinding universe today!