Picture a storyteller who swapped dental tools and coding keyboards for the pen of a sci-fi maestro—meet John Turiano! This American author, a retired dental technologist and software developer, discovered his true calling in crafting thrilling time-travel tales that weave science fiction with historical intrigue. His journey from tech professional to published novelist proves it’s never too late to chase a passion, inviting readers into worlds where time bends and history unravels.
Turiano’s debut trilogy, Project Eight Ball, has captivated sci-fi fans with its fast-paced plots and thought-provoking themes. Let’s dive into the life of this late-blooming author whose stories explore the complexities of human nature across centuries.
The Making of John Turiano
Born and raised in the United States, John Turiano spent decades in technical fields, first as a dental technologist and later as a software developer. These careers honed his precision and problem-solving skills, traits that later infused his writing with meticulous detail and logical complexity. After retiring, Turiano turned to storytelling, driven by a lifelong love for science fiction and history. His transition from tech to literature showcases a bold leap, proving that creativity knows no age limit.
Living in western New York with his wife, Sue, Turiano draws inspiration from his adventurous spirit. His travels—hiking Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Rain Forest, exploring Alaska’s Denali National Park, and delving into Mexico’s Tulum ruins—spark the vivid settings and historical depth in his novels.
John Turiano’s Unforgettable Stories
Turiano’s flagship work is the Project Eight Ball trilogy, a time-travel saga blending science fiction with historical intrigue. The series kicks off with Flash Back (2020), where protagonist Sam Reilly, a security systems engineer, stumbles into a secret time-travel project. Readers praise its fast-paced action, well-researched historical elements, and nods to the multiverse and grandfather paradox, though some note a slight mid-book lag before a thrilling finale.
The sequel, Extreme Peril, dives into 1940s Germany, tackling themes of fascism, pandemics, and secret societies. It follows Special Agent Frank Marino as he uncovers connections between a lethal virus and time-travel experiments. The trilogy concludes with Past Paradox, a standalone novel set in the New Mexico desert, where wormholes, missing children, and mysterious creatures create a mind-bending finale. Turiano’s style is descriptive yet accessible, with vivid imagery that transports readers across eras, from wartime Chicago to ancient ruins.
Beyond the trilogy, Turiano authored a camping guide, reflecting his love for the outdoors. He’s also teased a forthcoming psychological thriller, signaling his versatility and ambition to explore new genres. His stories resonate with fans of Blake Crouch, combining intricate plots with emotional depth and a knack for making the impossible feel plausible.
Why John Turiano Matters
John Turiano’s impact lies in his ability to inspire. As a retiree who reinvented himself as a novelist, he embodies the power of pursuing dreams at any stage of life. His trilogy appeals to sci-fi enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering fresh takes on time-travel tropes while grappling with timely issues like pandemics and societal division. Though not yet a household name, Turiano’s growing fanbase on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon shows his potential to leave a lasting mark.
His work also bridges generations, encouraging readers to reflect on history’s lessons while imagining future possibilities. By blending rigorous research with imaginative storytelling, Turiano invites us to question time’s boundaries and our place within it.
- Key Works: Flash Back, Extreme Peril, Past Paradox, camping guide
- Hobbies: Camping, hiking, biking
- Location: Western New York
Ready to leap through time? Snag Flash Back and dive into John Turiano’s thrilling sci-fi universe!