Today's Read Contributor The science fiction world has gained an exciting new voice in Daniel Goy, whose debut novel Time Travel 101: Intro to Eternity was released earlier this month to growing acclaim. For many readers, the book has already become a standout in this year’s speculative fiction landscape, praised not just for its inventive premise but for the heart and vulnerability it brings to a genre often dominated by sprawling worlds and futuristic technologies.
Goy’s story follows Jack Phoenix, a university student whose brilliance and grief collide when he constructs a time machine in hopes of preventing his parents’ deaths. Under the mentorship of the enigmatic Dr. Li, Jack’s journey soon expands beyond his personal quest, pulling him into a battle against a menacing figure from Li’s past who seeks to weaponize the time machine for control over reality itself. Jack’s attempt to rewrite his own loss places him in a perilous position, pursued across eras by mechanical armies, zombies under mind control, and even authorities convinced of his wrongdoing. The high-octane adventure, packed with chase sequences and intricate temporal puzzles, is laced with humor, vulnerability, and emotional resonance—qualities that early reviewers say set it apart from more conventional time-travel tales.
Read Also: https://todaysread.com/exploring-the-complexity-of-time-in-eternity-road-by-jack-mcdevitt/
In a recent author spotlight, Goy opened up about the deeply personal foundation of his debut. He explained that themes of neurodivergence and grief were not just narrative tools but reflections of his own lived experience. Through Jack’s character, Goy sought to capture what it feels like to live with a brain that processes the world differently and to channel the weight of loss into a story that imagines new ways to navigate pain. By infusing speculative science with raw humanity, he crafted a book that resonates as much emotionally as it does intellectually. Humor, he said, became a balancing element—allowing the story to remain light on its feet even while grappling with profound subjects.
The young author’s journey to publication is itself a testament to creativity shaped by varied disciplines. Raised in the English countryside, Goy grew up making home movies, a passion that eventually evolved into a love of storytelling. His academic background is equally diverse: he studied biology and spent time as a science teacher before pursuing medical training at St Bart’s in London. Alongside these scientific pursuits, he also immersed himself in film and drama, disciplines that clearly influence the cinematic pacing and dialogue-driven style of his writing. The combination of scientific rigor and artistic expression is evident in his debut, which blends speculative plausibility with theatrical tension.
For Goy, writing has long been a dream, and with this debut, he now feels able to embrace the identity of an author fully. He acknowledges the challenges of self-doubt, noting that he often compares his drafts to an unattainable ideal. To push through these moments, he returns to the work of admired writers, reminding himself that imperfections are part of the process and that even the most celebrated authors faced similar struggles. He also employs a unique writing rhythm: drafting outside, often under a tree, accompanied by music and a can of Red Bull. He sets himself daily word count goals and allows flexibility when needed, jumping ahead in the manuscript if he feels stuck, before circling back to fill in gaps. This method, he explains, helps maintain both flow and excitement.
Among his inspirations, Goy cites Stephen King, particularly the novel 11.22.63, which combines the mechanics of time travel with a poignant emotional core. Like King, Goy aspires to craft stories where speculative ideas remain grounded in the struggles, triumphs, and flaws of their characters. Readers have responded positively to this approach, noting that while Time Travel 101 is packed with genre staples—paradoxes, alternate timelines, technological intrigue—it never loses sight of its characters’ humanity.
With one novel now on shelves, Goy shows no sign of slowing down. He has already completed the first draft of Time Travel 102 and is preparing to begin Time Travel 103. This planned trilogy promises to expand on the universe he has created, delving deeper into questions about fate, free will, and the consequences of meddling with time. The continuity of these projects underscores his commitment not only to storytelling but also to building a sustained relationship with readers who have connected with his vision.
The release of Time Travel 101: Intro to Eternity also comes at a time when science fiction is increasingly embracing diverse voices and perspectives. Readers and critics alike have noted that the inclusion of neurodivergent themes adds an important dimension to a genre that has historically leaned toward external spectacle. By weaving personal experiences into a narrative of invention and adventure, Goy contributes to a growing movement of speculative fiction writers who prioritize inclusivity, emotional depth, and representation alongside the traditional thrills of the genre.
For fans of science fiction, Goy’s arrival represents more than just another debut—it signals the emergence of a writer who understands the power of storytelling to entertain while also healing and connecting. As his protagonist Jack Phoenix learns to navigate loss and responsibility against the backdrop of time itself, so too does Goy chart a path that blends intellect with emotion, proving that the most compelling science fiction often begins with the most personal truths.
With his first novel out in the world and sequels already underway, Daniel Goy has firmly established himself as a voice to watch in contemporary speculative fiction. His journey is only beginning, but if Time Travel 101 is any indication, his readers are in for an unforgettable ride through the corridors of time, guided by an author unafraid to mix humor with heartbreak and science with soul.
